Tolladay Fiona

Inspection report for early years provision

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255109 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2006 Inspection date Jasvinder Kaur 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 12 years in Wednesbury, West Midlands. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and one child over five on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. The family has two fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Childminder is a member of the local childminding group.

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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 good. The children stay healthy because the childminder takes positive steps to promote good hygiene through well organised activities and a healthy lifestyle. Children are encouraged to wash their hands at frequent intervals during the day. They understand when they need to wash their hands and say, ‘We need to wash our hands before we eat’. They are protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illnesses. Accident and medication records are maintained and shared with parents who countersign all entries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which cater for individual needs. A selection of sugar free drinks and fresh drinking water is always available. The children enjoy a relaxed and social atmosphere at mealtimes. The childminder is well aware of children's dietary requirements and preferences through consultation with parents. She has attended food hygiene training to ensure that food and drinks are properly prepared and stored.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities on a regular basis. They develop their physical skills as they play in the garden. They enjoy walking to the school, playing at the local facilities and visiting local farms and zoo. This ensures that all children get fresh air and keep physically fit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children feel secure and safe as the childminder provides a safe environment. The childminder carries out safety checks around the areas which minimise the risks to children. They are encouraged to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. Safety issues are highlighted in house rules. The good organisation of toys and equipment enables children to move around safely in the house and garden. It is ensured that they are supervised at all times. They develop a good awareness of safety measures through emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a welcoming environment as the room is decorated with a good range of positive visual aids. Space is used appropriately and creatively in the house and in the garden. Children have easy access to a wide range of toys and equipment which enables them to develop their learning skills. The resources are well organised to provide free choice to encourage children's independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are well protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She has attended the relevant training and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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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. The children show interest and happily take part in a wide range of good quality activities and play opportunities. They are confident in the setting and positively interact with the childminder and her family members. This creates a family orientated environment and helps them to feel at home. The childminder responds well to their individual needs. They make good progress through a variety of learning experiences which develop their learning skills. They read and sing nursery rhymes such as ‘Twinkle-twinkle’ and ‘Row, row, row the boat’. They extend their vocabulary by sharing their ideas and experiences while playing with peers and adults. Children develop their social skills, as they attend carers and toddler groups and meet other children at childminders’ network meetings. The childminder also arranges annual trip to Disneyland, accompanied by the children’s parents and the other childminders in her network.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their self-esteem by trying new activities and facing challenges in a safe environment. For example they are encouraged to sow tomato seeds and observe how the plants grow. The childminder has acquired a butterfly garden, so that the children can see the different stages of development from caterpillar to butterfly. Children are involved in cooking and make different types of cakes. They use a variety of toys and equipment to develop their intellectual skills. They develop their imagination through role play in looking after a doll. They have access to a wide range of art and craft materials and enjoy painting, drawing and making cards etc. This means children make good progress in most areas of learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are happy and well behaved. The childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour which takes into account children’s level of understanding and maturity. They are encouraged to share with and respect others through her positive role model and example. Behaviour management is discussed with parents through verbal communication and well documented policies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have a sense of belonging. They learn social skills and enjoy being with other children. They develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world through appropriate activities and resources such as books, toys and dressing up clothes. They are involved in decision making when selecting activities and drinks. The childminder discusses children’s individual needs with parents which enables her to provide suitable care. The children benefit from the childminder’s positive and professional relationship with parents which mean that children’s needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at ease in an organised and safe environment. They benefit from welcoming premises where they feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. The childminder regularly attends courses to update her knowledge of childcare issues. She holds

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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 a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. She has suitable arrangements to protect children and has undertaken relevant vetting procedures. This ensures that children receive appropriate care.

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Organisation

Most of the childminder’s documents are maintained and stored appropriately. However, the attendance record is not accurate, and her practice of recording accidents does not maintain confidentiality. This means the welfare of children is not fully promoted. Documents are readily available for inspection and shared with parents to keep them informed of their child’s care and routines. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the childminder's qualifications, policies and information about the service provided.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to devise a system for recording risk assessments.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has now done so satisfactorily to ensure children’s safety. This means children’s needs are met regarding these issues.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • ensure that confidentiality is maintained when recording accidents to children, and children's attendance hours are recorded accurately

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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 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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