Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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209545 Unique Reference Number 16 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 1994. She lives with her partner and four children aged two, four, ten and 13 in Brewood, Staffordshire. All areas of the childminder's house are used for childminding except for the main bedroom. 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding two 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 runs the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog, guinea pig and two cats.

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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 enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self-confidence in their physical skills as they use a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and equipment. They enjoy playing in the garden and at their local park, and walking to their local facilities and school on daily basis. They regularly walk by the canal with the childminder’s dog. There are suitable arrangements for rest and sleep according to children's individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well organised activities and routines. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They are generally protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illnesses. However, the practice of nappy changing is not sufficiently hygienic. 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 which cater for their individual needs. Younger children are regularly offered drinks to ensure none remain thirsty. A selection of fresh fruits and drinks is readily accessible for all children at all times. They enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes. The childminder is well aware of children's dietary requirements and preferences through consultation with parents.

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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 welcoming and safe environment. Space is used appropriately and creatively both 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

Children are encouraged to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. Safety issues are highlighted in the house rules and children are warned about any hazards while they are eating, such as pips in fruit. The childminder carries out safety checks around the area which minimise the risks to children. 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. However, drains in the back garden are not made safe or inaccessible to children. This compromises children’s safety. Children 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

The children are well protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of their 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 language, mathematical thinking, imagination and social skills. For example they read a story with the help of the childminder, count the number of mice in the picture and write it down. They are confident and happily engage adults in conversation talking about their family and personal experiences on holiday.

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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. They are encouraged to think and answer questions. For example they think and say what type of animal has a trunk. They use a variety of resources to develop their skills. They use computers and learn how things work as they find words and numbers on the monitor. This helps children to make good progress in most areas of learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a sense of belonging. They appeared to be settled as the childminder is well aware of their needs. The babies are provided with set routines of rest, play and feeding times which helps them to feel secure. All children learn social skills and enjoy being with adults and peers. They develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world through appropriate resources that promote equality of opportunity. They make candles, draw pictures of lanterns and have henna patterns painted on their hands while celebrating Diwali. The childminder discusses children’s individual needs with parents which enables her to provide suitable care. Children are involved in decision making when selecting play and taking part in household activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are happy and confident as the childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour which takes into account children’s levels 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. 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 good. 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 a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. She has suitable arrangements to protect

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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 children and has undertaken relevant vetting procedures. This ensures that children receive appropriate care.

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Organisation

All of the childminder’s documents are maintained and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. 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

Since the previous inspection, some improvements have been made to promote children’s welfare. The childminder now keeps written records of all accidents, which are shared with and counter signed by parents. She obtains written permission from parents before administering medicines to children. She shares complaint procedures with parents through well documented policies. She helps children to develop their awareness of safety measures by practising fire drills on regular basis. 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 children are protected from cross contamination by developing nappy changing procedures which are in line with current guidelines • ensure drains in the garden are made safe or inaccessible to children

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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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