Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY330374 Inspection date 17 August 2006 Inspector Jacqueline Mason

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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Stoke-on-Trent. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding along with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed outdoor play area available. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently cares for five children on a full-time and part-time basis. The family has a dog as a pet.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good procedures are in place to promote children's awareness of health issues and encourage them to have regard for personal hygiene. Established hygiene routines and clear explanations increase children's understanding of the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health. For example children are reminded to wash their hands after toileting. Effective procedures for sick children help ensure that the best interests of all children are met if they are unwell. Children are protected well from the risks of cross-infection, for example, children with sickness bugs are not accepted into the setting. Accident and medication records are maintained and all necessary information is recorded. Parents and carers sign to acknowledge each entry. Healthy eating is promoted effectively. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and offers a varied and balanced diet that encourages children to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

make healthy choices about what they eat. Drinks are readily available to encourage children to recognise when they are thirsty and develop independence in helping themselves. Younger children are reminded to drink. Physical skills are promoted well. The childminder ensures that energetic physical play is encouraged and children have plentiful opportunities to play outdoors through outings to the local park and fields. The childminder also encourages physical activities indoors and children enjoy dancing and other games. They are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. She has a reasonable awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Although she is not sure of the procedures that she would follow if she had a concern the childminder is aware that her first responsibility is towards the child to ensure that his or her welfare is safeguarded. The childminder is confident to report concerns to ensure that the best interests of children are maintained. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment. Effective procedures for home safety ensure that children can play safely both indoors and outside. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to limit hazards, for example a fire guard protects children from the gas fire and electrical sockets are covered. Security is good to prevent children from leaving the premises unsupervised. External doors are kept locked. Children are further protected because the childminder has

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

good procedures for their arrival and departure. Effective fire safety procedures ensure that children can be quickly and safely evacuated from the premises in an emergency. Children are familiar with the evacuation plan and it is practised regularly to help children to learn how to keep themselves safe.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. 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 outings to the local park and through this children's social skills are developed. A consistent routine is followed that helps children to be settled, secure and confident. Toys are stored well to enable children to develop confidence and independence as they are able to select, carry out activities and return toys and books to their storage area independently. Children benefit from a good range of age-appropriate toys and equipment that promote all areas of development. Toys are suitable for the age range of the children attending. The childminder provides adult led activities and all children are encouraged to take part although outcomes for children under three years of age could be further improved by implementing the 'Birth to three matters' framework. The

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder has very good relationships with the children and is interested in what they say and do. She is involved in the children's play and encourages them to play imaginatively, such as with the role play café. She looks at books with the children and encourages them in conversation. Younger children are encouraged to repeat unfamiliar words to help develop their vocabulary and communication skills.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder does not have a thorough knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and therefore children are not learning sufficiently about the world around them and the diversity of it. Discriminatory comments are challenged to help children develop positive attitudes to others. The childminder does know the children in her care well. She finds out about individual needs through discussion with parents and carers and follows younger children's routines for sleeping and eating to ensure continuity of care. Partnerships with parents and carers are friendly and trusting and the childminder works to establish good relationships with them. A complaints procedure is not in place. The childminder shares information daily with parents and carers about the provision and their children's day. Parents and carers are encouraged to share what they know about their child to help the childminder meet

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

individual needs. The childminder does not currently care for any children with special needs but has satisfactory arrangements in place to enable her to do so. The childminder manages children's behaviour well. Children are helped to understand right from wrong and feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. Behaviour boundaries are consistent. Children are learning to play harmoniously together and are encouraged to share and take turns with popular resources such as 'small world' cars. Strategies to manage unwanted behaviour are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children cared for. The childminder promotes self-esteem through valuing and praising good behaviour. Verbal praise, treats and small gifts are all used to encourage and reward good behaviour.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced to enable her to offer an appropriate level of care to children. She offers children sufficient adult support to help them be settled and confident. Children enjoy her company and show good interest in activities when she joins in with their play. Space is organised well to offer children a variety of play experiences and provide environments where they can play freely and be active as well as providing quiet areas for rest and sleep. Arrangements to protect children from persons who have not been vetted are good. Overall the provision meets of the range of children for whom it provides. Most necessary documentation is in place. Information relating to children is stored securely to ensure that confidentiality is maintained although general documentation, such as correspondence from Ofsted and Early Years, is disorganised. A daily

p.5

Organisation

register is completed and kept up to date to ensure that children's attendance is accurately recorded.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues • develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues • put in place a complaints procedure.

p.5

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.6

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.6