Childminder in Walsall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318201 Inspection date 19 July 2006 Inspector Karen Cooper

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and nine years. They live in Sutton Coldfield. The ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The location is convenient for schools, pre-schools and shops. The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm and clean home, where they are helped to understand that washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating helps to keep them healthy. The children are well cared for in the event of illness. A written sick policy is shared and agreed with parents. Through discussion the childminder clearly demonstrates her understanding of medication and accident procedures. Although, written consent to seek emergency treatment is not obtained for all children. Children are provided with regular drinks and benefit from nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to them and which meet their dietary needs. Meal arrangements are shared and agreed with parents to ensure their wishes are adhered to. Children use a range of outdoor toys on a regular basis to help them develop their physical skills, for example, wheeled toys, bats, balls and skipping ropes. These help

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Helping children to be healthy

children develop the confidence to enjoy moving with control, using their bodies in various ways.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming home where space is organised to allow them to move around independently. There is a suitable range of furniture and equipment, which ensures children are able to play, eat and rest comfortably. Children can access toys and resources independently. Equipment is kept clean and is regularly checked for safety. Children are cared for in a home where their needs are given priority. The childminder has assessed potential risks to children and put procedures in place to minimise these at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including, stair gates, fireguard and socket covers. There are clear procedures to ensure children are collected only by authorised people. For example, passwords are used when necessary for extra protection. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in place and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. However, the children are not aware of where to go to stay safe as they do not practise emergency evacuation procedures. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's appropriate knowledge of her role and responsibility to protect children in her care, although her practice is not supported because she does not have a copy of the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a calm environment where children are happy and settled. This enables them to make progress in their personal, social and emotional development. Warm caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. Children have access to a variety of play and learning opportunities which help them make progress in their development. The environment is child orientated and the children are able to make decisions about their play as they choose from the various well-placed toys and activities. The children enjoy looking at books and playing with construction bricks. Children are helped to develop self-esteem and confidence with the use of praise and the childminder acknowledges good behaviour, which she ensures is highlighted during daily discussions with parents. The childminder takes into account parents' wishes and as a result, children are content and receive care consistent with home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and have equal access to a range of resources and activities that help them to appreciate the wider world. Daily routines are discussed and agreed with parents, for example sleeping and eating arrangements. This ensures the needs of the children are being met. The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with special needs, although she demonstrates a positive attitude and as a result parents can expect any requests for care to be carefully considered and support sought if necessary. The children respond positively to the childminder who ensures that behaviour is managed with the use of explanation and distraction. The childminder ensures the children are not bored or frustrated, but are busy and contented. She is calm, polite and a good role model for children. Praise is freely given to children ensuring that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they develop confidence and self-esteem. Parents' wishes are respected and the childminder talks to them on a daily basis to ensure children benefit from a two way sharing of information. Relationships between the childminder and parents are honest, open and friendly. Several have provided references stating how pleased they are with the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at ease and settled in the childminder's care. They receive consistency of care as a result of the childminder's effective partnership with their parents. Resources and space are adequately organised and monitored to enable children to play and rest in a safe and suitable environment. The childminder regularly exchanges information with parents to ensure that they are provided with a clear

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 guidance as to the service and care that they and their children can expect. Documentation is regularly reviewed and children's records are clear, easily accessible and stored securely. However, children's safety and well-being is potentially compromised because their attendance is not accurately recorded. Parents share and contribute to records about their children and complete a detailed information form noting any particular needs. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency treatment • obtain information to develop knowledge of local child protection procedures and develop fire safety precautions within the home, for example, by ensuring that children fully understand and practise the emergency escape plan • improve documentation to ensure that the children's attendance is recorded accurately.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website:

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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