Childminder in Dudley

Inspection report for early years provision

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255671 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2006 Inspection date Jennifer Turner 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 has been registered since 1988. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 10 and 8 years and an adult daughter. They live in a house in the Withymoor village area of Dudley, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor and two first floor bedrooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight and is currently caring for five children under eight years. She walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. She is qualified to NVQ level 3 in childcare and education.

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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. Children's health is promoted because the childminder is well informed about their individual health care matters and all the necessary written consents are in place to support this. The childminder has attended first aid and food hygiene training to ensure she is aware of the correct procedures to follow to promote children's health and prevent the spread of infection. In addition, she has received training to enable her to administer an epipen injection to children if needed. The first aid kit is well stocked and easily accessible in an emergency and an additional first aid kit is also carried in the vehicle used for transporting children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning to understand simple good health and hygiene practices through clear instructions to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet and children are encouraged to be independent when using the toilet. In order to minimise the risk of cross-infections children have their own flannels and they are encouraged to brush their teeth after meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder requests written information from parents on their dietary needs and any allergies. Children's meals are supplied by the childminder who ensures it is well balanced and nutritious according to their parents' instructions. Meals times are a social occasion with children sitting down to eat together at the table. They have free access to drinks in their individual beakers to ensure they are not thirsty. The childminder provides healthy snack, for example, pieces of fruit are offered to the children every morning and cucumbers which is now one of their favourite salads. Children are learning to understand the importance of having a healthy diet through discussion and activities about eating fruit and vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a good range of physical activities which contribute to a healthy lifestyle, for example, children enjoy regular trips to local park and walks along the canal to feed the ducks. They also play in the garden, where they enjoy activities such as ride on toys, water play and ball games. They have opportunities to develop their fine motor skills through threading cotton reels, using crayons to draw or write. Children are encouraged to rest and sleep according to their individual needs and they enjoy their dance and movement sessions organised each morning.

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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 very safe and secure environment where they can move about freely and independently. Children are kept safe from hazards in the home as the childminder has put in place measures and the necessary equipment to protect children from dangers and keep the home secure. For example, smoke detectors are fitted in all rooms and she recently requested a visit from the fire department to advise her about fire safety. Children know what to do if there is a fire on the premises because they practise the emergency escape procedures, however some of the information related to this lack sufficient details. She has a fire blanket in place

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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 and all hazardous substances are stored in cupboards out of the reach of minded children and the front door is kept secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions about road safety and by gentle reminders from the childminder not to stroke dogs or talk to strangers when out. The childminder has sound procedures in place when taking the children on outings, because she always takes children's emergency contact details, has a mobile phone and a first aid kit with her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an extensive range of toys and equipment which meet safety standards. All equipment is cleaned and checked regularly and replaced as necessary. The childminder monitors and supervises children's play to ensure they are safe and that toys are used appropriately. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has undertaken child protection training and has the relevant procedures and contact details to ensure she is aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the welcoming and child-friendly environment. They enjoy spending time together and have secure and trusting relationships with the childminder and her family. All children have access to a stimulating range of toys and resources suitable to their stage of development. Toys and resources are rotated to take account of individual children's interests and they can choose from the further range of toys stored in the office.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder actively engages the children in the activities provided and demonstrates a good awareness of how to encourage their participation and development by using effective communication and praise. For example, young children enjoy playful interactions in which they and the childminder match the correct coloured duck to a colour card, or construct the model train. This is supporting their language development and encouraging them to become confident communicators.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is familiar with 'Birth to three matters' and incorporates many aspects of the framework in her good practice. Younger children have many opportunities to develop their social skills through attendance at local toddler groups. Regular use is made of local amenities, for example, walks to the park and shops, along with visits to the library, which provide children with good opportunities to learn about their community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children develop an excellent sense of belonging to the setting and the childminder ensures that all children are included and valued at all times. Consequently they develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very independent and make choices and decisions with confidence. For example, accessing toys independently from shelving in the play room and being able to access books

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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 in the quiet area under the stairs. Children have opportunities to become aware of the wider world through celebrating festivals such as the Diwali and Hanukkah. In addition, they have access to resources such as books, puzzles and play figures that promote a positive view of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very positive approach to caring for children with special needs and develops a very effective partnership with parents and other professionals to ensure children's specific needs are met. Children learn about responsible behaviour through praise and encouragement and the childminder's use of clear and consistent boundaries of expected behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships developed with their parents and carers. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed. She has a folder which she shares with parents that contains policies and details her experience, qualifications and the childcare provision. Parents have provided excellent letters and testimonials in which they praise the warm welcoming atmosphere and the excellent care given by the childminder. Information is exchanged verbally on a daily basis to ensure children's changing needs are meet and to provide consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home to provide a stimulating and child-friendly environment in which children take part in a wide range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Children are happy and enjoy their time at the setting.

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Organisation

Their well-being is promoted by the well organised records and policies which are shared with parents to provide continuity of care. The childminder ensures that the required documentation and parental consents are in place to ensure children are looked after according to their parents wishes. The childminder follows effective procedures to promote children's good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

The childminder's commitment to ongoing training has a positive impact on her childminding service. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made positive improvements to her provision since the previous inspection. She was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children in her care and what she should do if an allegation was made against her or a member of her household. She has a clear understanding of her responsibility to protect children in her care and knows how to recognise the possible signs of abuse. She is aware of the procedures to she follow if an allegation was made and she has the relevant documentation to support this. She has increased the range of resources reflecting positive images of diversity which now ensures children have a wider understanding of the world around them. She has devised a new form for recording incidents which now ensures confidentiality is maintained.

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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

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): • ensure record of fire drills contain sufficient details to show how it works in practice

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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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