Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296549 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Janet Ashcroft

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 15 years and 18 years, in a residential area in Kingsbury, Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children and is currently minding 4 children; these are aged 6 months, 17 months, 5 years and 6 years old. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and

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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 attends local children's groups. She operates a collection and delivery service to local schools and nurseries.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene through positive reinforcement and good example. The provision of attractive, individual personal care equipment encourages the children's self-help skills with regard to personal hygiene routines; their understanding is supported by clear and age appropriate explanations. Children enjoy a nutritious diet, with fruit and vegetables offered on a daily basis. They are actively learning about healthy foods through discussion and involvement in a range of stimulating activities. A number of strategies are effectively employed by the childminder to encourage the children to try a variety of foods, especially vegetables. Children's independence is fostered as they freely access drinks. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities, which contributes to their good health. Daily outdoor play, including trips and visits to local parks and groups, is a

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Helping children to be healthy

feature of the setting and allows children the opportunity to develop and practise 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 move safely and independently around the setting, which is clean and well maintained. The childminder has a high level of awareness of all risks to children's safety and has taken extensive precautions to keep the physical environment safe and secure. Children are actively learning to keep themselves safe through participation in safety routines such as fire evacuations and road crossing drills. Children enjoy free access to an extensive range of safe toys and equipment, which are rigorously cleaned and maintained by the childminder. Children are encouraged to help maintain their environment with the childminder giving support and offering age appropriate explanations. Children benefit from opportunities to explore other environments, for example, the local park, and the childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place. Their protection from abuse and neglect is promoted through the childminder's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

detailed knowledge of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 are involved in a broad range of challenging activities and experiences, which is helping them to make progress in all areas of development. They are given frequent opportunities to explore and investigate and are learning to make choices as they access toys and equipment freely and independently. Children benefit from regular learning and play opportunities outside the home, which further develop their social skills. Their language development is promoted throughout the day as they are given frequent opportunities to discuss, negotiate and respond to questions asked of them by the childminder. Their confidence in their language skills is enhanced by the childminder's positive response to their comments. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and sharing of good practice

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

through the NCMA and local childminding group, although her knowledge of Birth to Three Matters is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children freely access a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and to increase their understanding of others. They benefit from being cared for as individuals with their particular needs considered and accommodated. Children's sense of security is fostered through a strong partnership with parents, which promotes continuity of care and regular sharing of information. Children show care and concern for others and play together harmoniously. They have a warm relationship with the childminder who has encouraged them to become involved in creating goals and boundaries for the setting. Their self-esteem is promoted as they are praised frequently for effort and achievement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to confidently explore and investigate as a result of the creative use made of the available space. Their sense of security is fostered through effective adult support and a familiar daily routine. The environment is well organised, with cheerful décor and child centred posters creating a warm welcome for all children. Their self-esteem is promoted by attractive displays of their creative work and by the use of named equipment, for example, coat pegs, which also foster a sense of belonging. The children's welfare and care is effectively promoted through the well organised policies and procedures, these are confidentially maintained and meet all relevant standards.

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

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of Birth to Three Matters.

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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

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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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