Childminder in Sandwell

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY316453 Inspection date 17 July 2006 Inspector Saida Cummings

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005 and occasionally works with an assistant. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a terraced house, situated in Smethwick, West Midlands. Local amenities and bus routes are within walking distance. The main areas used for childminding are situated on the ground floor, with bathroom facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. Children are also taken on local visits and outings, including regular attendances at the local play and stay group. The family has no pets.

p.2

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 The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She has experience of supporting children who have English as an additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She holds a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in childcare level 2, and is currently working towards level 3. Children are walked to and from local pre-schools and schools.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are starting to develop an awareness of healthy lifestyles as they participate in regular outdoor play which enables them to run, jump, slide and develop their physical skills. Regular visits and outings are also incorporated into the planned activities which give children the experience of going on local walks, such as visiting various parks. Children also have opportunities to take part in regular indoor physical activities and use the large play areas to extend on their play and develop their skills, such as hopping, skipping, dancing and balancing. Young children’s needs are met as the childminder knows the children well and is aware of their individual health needs. For example they are given their own comfort items to help them settle before taking a nap. Babies have opportunities for creative physical experiences and development, such as bouncing, rolling and crawling.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to clean, well-maintained areas. Their health is promoted well as the childminder encourages them to begin to take responsibility of meeting their own health needs, and to develop their independence and self-care skills. For example they are encouraged to tidy away their toys and play equipment before lunch, and to carry out some tasks for themselves, such as putting on and taking off their own shoes. They are developing an understanding of good personal hygiene, which includes regular hand washing, especially after outdoor play, toileting and before meals. Older children are able to independently visit the toilet with the childminder over-seeing them, gently reminding them to wash their hands. The risk of infection is reduced as the childminder follows the local health authority guidelines, and ensures all parents and carers are made aware that children are not cared for if they have an infectious illness. There are appropriate procedures in place for dealing

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

with any accidents. However, the system for keeping appropriate records of any administered medication needs developing to ensure children’s health and well-being is not compromised. Children enjoy well organised mealtimes, which are also used as social times, with all the children sitting to eat together. They learn about healthy eating during snack and mealtimes when discussions are held about the types of food they eat, what makes them grow and what keeps them healthy. Children enjoy nutritious and healthy meals, which are discussed and planned with the parents and carers to ensure all their individual dietary needs and preferences are met. The childminder provides all the food which is freshly cooked on a daily basis. Children’s independence is fostered as they are encouraged to feed themselves. The childminder provides

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 age-appropriate eating utensils and ensures the food is prepared to the appropriate texture depending on the individual child’s ability.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are constantly supervised and taught safety as part of their everyday activities. This includes road safety when out walking, to use the stairs safely and to sit properly on chairs when indoors. The areas used by children are made safe by ensuring age-appropriate safety items are in place, such as use of safety gates, electrical socket covers, and use of child locks in low-level kitchen cupboards. Children also learn how to keep themselves safe through some of the play activities, such as when using the puppets of ‘people that help us’ during imaginary play, they discuss how the lollypop man at school helps them to cross the road. Their awareness is then extended to further discussions about road safety and how they use ‘zebra crossings’ safely, and they understand that they wait for the ‘green man’ to show before they cross the road. They take part in regular emergency evacuation

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

practises to ensure they are fully aware of the procedures. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and family-friendly environment. They have access to safe and secure indoor and outdoor areas. They are able to self-select from a wide variety of safe play equipment and resources, which are stored within the play areas at floor level. All indoor and outdoor play equipment is sturdy and clean. The childminder includes cleaning and checking play equipment and toys as part of her daily routines, which includes sterilising toys and materials used by the younger children. Children are kept safe from harm as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has completed child protection training and is aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines, and the procedures to follow if there are any concerns.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children independently choose from a wide variety of interesting toys and materials, which they are able to easily access. They have access to a broad range of activities which are adapted depending on their ages and stages of development. They are able to select play activities easily and are encouraged to make choices throughout the day. Children’s activities are well planned with different types of play timetabled into each session. The childminder provides an interesting and stimulating balance of activities, allowing for more active play and relaxing sessions. She takes time to find out what interests each child, and builds on this information to plan and provide a variety of activities and opportunities to ensure their preferences are met. Children are happy and settled within the environment. They are very comfortable with the childminder and have built a trusting relationship. Their interest and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 involvement is encouraged by the consistent and positive adult interaction. The childminder constantly talks and plays with each individual child and encourages interaction between all ages. Children are encouraged to take part in all the activities to ensure they have the opportunity to experience all the different types of play offered. They are interested and involved in the wide range of various activities available. Younger children’s needs are met as the childminder adapts the activities accordingly to ensure they are challenging and meet individual children’s abilities. Children’s learning is promoted through everyday activities, such as recognising colours when crayoning, and counting play objects when tidying away. Their language development is encouraged through various activities, including reading

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stories, discussions, questioning, nursery rhymes, and making different sounds. For example children of different ages enjoy discussing the different pictures when using the puzzles, and the younger children imitate some of the sounds the transport items make, such as the train and car. Children are allowed time to explore ideas and use their imagination. For example they enjoy using the hand puppets to hold discussions with each other and to imitate different voices.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are all treated equally and have equal access to resources and activities. The childminder encourages children to make use of all the play equipment and activities available. Children are valued and respected, and the childminder is committed to ensuring all children feel secure and are included. The childminder knows the children well and ensures they are provided with equality of opportunity. They are given lots of individual attention and thoroughly enjoy good interaction with the childminder, which enables their individual needs to be met. Children have access to a wide range of resources and activities to promote their awareness of diversity. The childminder understands special needs and demonstrates an awareness of being able to meet the needs for any children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Children are given time, resources and assistance to ensure their individual specific needs are met as required, such as taking part in

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

fun games to develop the speech and language for children who have English as an additional language. Children respond well to the childminder’s approach to behaviour management. She creates an environment that encourages children to behave well. Children’s positive behaviour is encouraged and praised, and they are taught to be polite and to give consideration to each other. They are encouraged to share and take turns, such as when using the hand puppets they take turns to try each different character. Children’s individual needs are met as the childminder initially holds full discussions with the parents and carers and ensures she is able to meet all requirements as outlined. They are settled in on a gradual basis which is fully planned with the parents and carers to ensure enough time is allowed. This varies depending on the individual child’s needs and how quickly they settle into their new environment.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents and carers are kept well informed of their children’s activities, any issues and

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the domestic routines. The childminder also regularly seeks parents’ views where time is made for the children’s care arrangements to be reviewed to ensure parents and carers are happy with the service provided.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy good interaction with the childminder as she organises her time during sessions to be able to adapt to their particular needs and routines. Their care and play needs are met by the childminder’s effective organisation of the childminding sessions, and her commitment to ensure she keeps herself updated with current childminding issues by attending regular training events and courses. Children benefit from the childminder’s development as any new procedures or good practice is implemented into the care provided. Children have opportunities to regularly attend the local ‘play and stay’ group, which enables them to meet and interact with different children of their own age group and to take part in large group activities. They also enjoy regular visits to the local toy lending library, where they are able to select different play items to use during childminding sessions. The childminder has developed relevant information which

p.6

Organisation

she shares with parents and carers to ensure they are made fully aware of all the childminding arrangements. Children are cared for in friendly and homely surroundings, and the childminder plans the childminding sessions to meet their individual needs and preferences. They are comfortable in the well resourced and organised environment which is made accessible and welcoming to them. They are able to access all the areas designated for childminding, and use the front lounge for quiet activities and the kitchen for eating and messy play activities. Children are being extended and challenged in a safe and stimulating environment that develops their emotional, intellectual, physical and social skills. There are opportunities for children to be valued, cuddled, comforted and their individual needs and personalities are recognised and provided for. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since the 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.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

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

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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

p.7

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): • develop the system for keeping appropriate records of any administered medication.

p.7

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: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.7

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

p.7