Childminder in Wolverhampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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252013 Unique Reference Number 03 August 2006 Inspection date Olwen Pulker 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 good. 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 2001. She lives with her partner and their two children aged seven and nine in a suburb of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. A nearby play park is used for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five. Three of these attend part-time. The childminder walks to the local school and nursery to take and collect children. She attends local carer/toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder a member of the National Childminding Association and part of Wolverhampton Childminders Network.

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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. Children are cared for in a warm, comfortable home where they are protected from infection through the implementation of effective hygiene procedures, as a result babies are able to crawl and explore the clean environment safely. Older children learn about the importance of personal hygiene as they routinely use wipes to clean their hands wash their hands after toileting but they are not consistently reminded to wash their hands before mealtimes. Consequently their health is not always fully protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder advises and liaises with parents about meals and snacks provided in order to ensure that children are well nourished. Children are encouraged to try a variety of fresh food and most enjoy carrot sticks, banana and grapes at snack-time. Good awareness of likes and dislikes and any special dietary requirements helps children eat well and in line with parental wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to develop a healthy lifestyle as they are offered regular opportunities to walk to and from the local school and nursery. They also walk to the local shops and the various facilities they attend daily as the childminder does not have use of the family car. Children visit the local play park regularly where they enjoy a range of physical activities such as using the large equipment for climbing, sliding and swinging. These opportunities are effective in helping children develop body control and physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play, eat and sleep comfortably in an appropriately organised and welcoming environment. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. A selection of well-maintained resources is made available daily; several play options are placed on the lounge floor so that the youngest children are able to access them safely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is appropriately promoted through the childminder's ability to implement necessary precautions both inside and outside the home. Most risks have been identified and minimised to allow children the freedom to move around the ground floor rooms safely. Timely reminders about behaviour and the use of resources help to avoid accidents and older children are careful to keep the safety gate closed to prevent younger ones gaining access to the stairs and kitchen. There is a well-planned emergency evacuation procedure in place and children have opportunities to practise this so that they develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well protected through the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues and her commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the children in her care. She has copies of relevant literature with the procedures to follow if she has concerns 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 good. Children have access to a suitable variety of toys, activities and equipment to help promote their learning. Older children enjoy role play and creative activities in a separate room where their actions do not impinge on the safety and enjoyment of younger children. The childminder interacts positively with the children in their daily routines and play giving consistent support; she aids early speech development through constant dialogue with the children and they begin to recognise different colours as they play. Older children learn to be gentle and interact appropriately with babies under sensitive instructions from the childminder. Babies learn to communicate and benefit greatly from close physical contact with the childminder and respond excitedly to her warm, friendly tone. Children are developing independence and self-esteem by selecting their activities and taking responsibility for tidying away toys. They have ample

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities to extend their social skills as they visit several carer/toddler and childminding groups during the week where they meet and play with other children and enjoy a wide range of play activities. The childminder is beginning to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to record children's development but needs to further develop its use to monitor their progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's self-esteem is supported well through the use of positive praise and encouragement of independence and choice. They know the simple rules of the setting and these are consistently reinforced where appropriate by the childminder. Children enjoy an environment which supports respect for others, kindness and sharing and this helps to ensure that they are confident and contented in the childminder's care. Behaviour management techniques are age-appropriate and are used in a way that children can understand.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides some resources and activities which help children develop an understanding of diversity and the world around them. Trips to the local library help to ensure that children have access to a wide range of books which help to support this and also ensures that they have a choice of books which interest them. Daily walks and bus rides into town introduce children to their local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good, with a strong emphasis on support and consistency. Children with special needs are supported well as the childminder works closely with parents, recording and sharing information necessary to promote their health and safety. Procedures are effective in ensuring that children are cared for in line with parents' wishes and in a calm and consistent manner. Diaries and verbal feedback ensure that parents know what their children have been doing whilst in the childminder's care and are aware of any issues.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Paperwork is stored in good order and maintained in line with requirements. Some detailed policies and procedures are in place, which outline clearly the care provided for the children

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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 and how the childminder ensures that children are safe whilst in her care. Parents have good access to these so that they know about the care provided for their children.

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Organisation

The childminding space is effectively organised so that children have the use of rooms, which are child-orientated, comfortable and homely. Children's individual needs are taken into consideration by the childminder as she plans the daily routines. They have good access to quieter activities, free play activities and outdoor play.

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Organisation

The childminder shows a continued commitment to accessing training materials so as to be effective in ensuring that she keeps up-to-date with current childcare issues and good practice guidelines. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the recording of accidents and to maintain a written record of medication given to children. Accident records now contain the required information. The childminder has not been requested by parents to administer any medication but is fully aware of the details to record should this become necessary. This improves children's health care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also requested to provide opportunities for children to play outside. Although the garden remains unsuitable as a play area, children have frequent visits to the local play park where they use the range of equipment effectively to help promote their physical development.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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 good. 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): • encourage children to learn about health and hygiene through the daily routine with particular reference to washing their hands before eating

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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 • improve outcomes for children under three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework particularly with regard to monitoring their progress.

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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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