Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

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224375 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Mason Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and two children in Stoke-on-Trent within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a dog, cats and fish as pets. There is an aviary in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for no more than five children at any one time. She currently cares for nine children, all on a part-time basis.

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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 childminder has effective arrangements for sick children that helps ensure the best interests of all children are met if they are unwell. However, the procedures for recording medicines administered to children compromises their health as parents do not sign to acknowledge the times that medicines have been given. All necessary information regarding accidents is recorded and the childminder has written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children are protected effectively from the risks of cross infection. For example, nappy changing procedures are good and outdoor shoes are not worn in the lounge. Children are learning about the importance of good hygiene through consistent routines such as washing their hands before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is promoted appropriately. Children's dietary needs are mostly met by parents and carers as they provide main meals, such as lunch, for their children. The childminder is happy to provide meals if requested to do so and demonstrates a good awareness of the need to provide meals which promote healthy eating. Snacks are provided by the childminder. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices about what they eat and fresh fruit and vegetables are provided. Drinks are kept readily available. Children are encouraged to recognise when they are thirsty and are developing independence in helping themselves from the jug of diluted fruit squash. Younger children are offered their drinks regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Satisfactory arrangements are in place to promote active physical play to help children make progress in their physical development. Children spend a lot of time outdoors during the warmer weather. Outdoor play is not encouraged so much during the winter months although children are taken on walks in the local environment and also have occasional trips to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Space is organised well to allow for a variety of play experiences. Older children are able to play upstairs, for example to work on the computer, allowing younger children space to play in the lounge. Toys and equipment are stored to enable children to have free access, thereby promoting self-confidence and independence in selecting, carrying out activities and returning them to their storage area. Toys for younger babies are stored appropriately and brought out when babies are present. Toys are clean, safe and suitable for their purpose.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective procedures for home safety ensure that children are able to play safely both indoors and outside. For example, electrical sockets are covered and door locks are in place on kitchen cupboards to prevent children from accessing hazardous materials. Emergency evacuation procedures have been identified and are practised regularly. They are robust to ensure that children are kept safe if there was a need to evacuate the premises in an emergency.

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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 There are good procedures in place for the arrival and departure of children to ensure that they are not able to leave with anyone not nominated by parents and carers. The premises are kept secure and external doors are kept locked to prevent access by unauthorised persons and to prevent children from leaving unsupervised. Children are further protected because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is confident to report concerns and is able to put necessary procedures into practice to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a varied day that offers them a range of play and routine experiences. They have opportunities to meet with other children through regular outings to the local toddler group. Through this social skills are developing and children learn to build relationships with others. The childminder offers a variety of play experiences that enables children to take part in activities such as music, quiet times and free-choice activities from the wide range of toys available. Children enjoy lots of outings into the local community and other places of interest. Visits include trips to the Wildlife Trust where children are able to take part in activities such as hut building and path making.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and responds to their individual needs. For example, she recognises that some children are tired after being at school and respects their wishes to be quiet and watch television or read a book. Other children are more active and they are able to choose to work on the computer or play games. Outings take place regularly during the school holidays and include visits to the local museum and reservoir.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended 'Birth to three matters' training to help her promote good developmental outcomes for children under the age of three years. She spends her time working directly with younger children and takes an interest in what they say and do. She helps develop their communication skills and vocabulary through chatting to them and helping them to name items in picture books. The childminder responds positively to babies' babbles and gestures. Children enjoy their time with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Toys and resources to promote positive images of culture, disability and gender are limited although younger children are learning about the world around them and the diversity of it through activities that are carried out at the toddler groups that they attend. The childminder helps children to develop respectful attitudes to others through treating each child equally and encouraging positive discussion where children are helped to understand that everyone is an individual. There are currently no children on roll who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, the childminder has appropriate arrangements in place to meet their needs and ensure that they are included in all aspects of the setting. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with autism and development delays.

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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 childminder manages children's behaviour well. Consistent boundaries help children to learn right from wrong and develop a sense of belonging through developing confidence in knowing what they can and cannot do. Good manners are encouraged and children use 'please' and 'thank you' spontaneously to the childminder and each other. The childminder is careful to acknowledge and praise good behaviour and in this way children's self-esteem is encouraged. Strategies to manage unwanted behaviour are appropriate to the age and level of understanding of the children cared for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents and carers are friendly and trusting. Written policies and procedures are shared with them to help them make informed choices about their children's care. However, the childminder does not have written agreements with parents and carers in order that the expectations of both parties and the business arrangements can be agreed and recorded. Parents and carers are encouraged to share what they know about their child and this helps the childminder to be able to meet individual needs and routines, such as feeding and sleeping routines of babies. The childminder shares information daily with parents and carers to keep them informed about the provision and their children's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced to enable her to childmind and is enthusiastic about further developing her childcare skills and knowledge. She has a current first aid certificate that includes first aid for babies and young children and has also recently attended 'Birth to three matters' training to help her develop the care she offers to children under the age of three years. The registration certificate is displayed during operational hours. Most necessary documentation relating to the care of children is in place and records are stored securely to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

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Organisation

There are satisfactory arrangements in place to protect children from persons who have not been vetted. Attendance registers are accurately maintained. Space is used well and the childminder offers environments in which children can be active as well as providing quiet areas for rest and sleep. Children have sufficient adult support to help them be settled and confident. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to improve her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and to ensure the security of the premises.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result the childminder attended child protection training and she now has a sound understanding of her roles and responsibilities to safeguard the welfare of children. She has obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and this helps to maintain the good health of children. Finally, the childminder has improved her security arrangements. External doors are kept locked to prevent unauthorised access and to prevent children from leaving the premises unsupervised.

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Improvements 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • ensure that parents and carers sign the medication record • improve the resources to promote positive images of culture, gender and disability • establish written agreements with parents which sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: 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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