Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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257232 Unique Reference Number 23 October 2006 Inspection date Kathryn Mary Harding 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 1999. She lives with her partner in a small village in North Shropshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an 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 five children under five years, and two children over five years. The childminder can take and collect children from local schools. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two dogs, a cat, goats, ducks, horses and a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities.

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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 well as the childminder has good procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection, such as ensuring children wash their hands particularly after feeding the goats and use separate flannels. A sickness policy is available so parents are aware of how best to promote children's good health and prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. There are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, slides, a see-saw and cars. They take part in a wide range of activities, such as craft activities and play dough to help develop their fine control skills. Regular walks to pick fruit improve children's physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of food nutrition. Children are encouraged to learn about living healthily as they get plenty of fresh air and experiment with different healthy foods. The children grow a wide range of different vegetables such as, beetroot, beans and leeks and the childminder uses these when making snacks and meals. A weekly menu is available so parents are aware of what their child is eating. They are offered regular drinks of water or fruit juice so that they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment which is warm, homely and welcoming. The displaying of children's pictures and art work makes the rooms more welcoming. In order to help keep children safe the childminder visually checks the rooms prior to the children arriving. Safety precautions such as stair gates and socket covers are in place. However there is some low glass that is accessible to children. Consequently children's safety could be compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards and are regularly checked. The toys are stored in the play room, conservatory and garden room, so children can help themselves, so encouraging their independence. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises toys with smaller pieces to make sure they are safe and appropriate for the child's age and stage of development. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as they talk about road safety, feeding the animals correctly and practise fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and has attended a workshop on child protection matters. She has a leaflet and guidance book available regarding what to do if there is a child protection concern, so children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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. Children’s individual needs are well catered for as the childminder treats the children as individuals, gives them choices about what they would like to play with and encourages them to experiment and try different craft activities. The childminder supports the children well as she sits on the floor with them as they try to complete a puzzle and as they play with the play dough. She challenges them to find the piece that will fit into the tractor puzzle. The children are happy, confident and very settled and show care and concern for others as children give others toys to play with and make room on the chair for them to sit on. Children have good opportunities to socialise with others as they attend various toddler groups throughout the week. The children are encouraged to tidy up and put the puzzles away before having a snack.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources are stored in containers and are easily accessible for the children. They choose and make decisions about their play, encouraging them to be independent learners. The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework and adapts activities to promote younger children’s learning, such as when looking at shapes and sizes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's awareness of others is extended as the childminder has a suitable range of activities and resources to positively reflect diversity. She shows how she responds extremely well to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. She cares for children with disabilities and learning difficulties, attends specific training to ensure needs can be met consistently and sensitively and treats all children with respect and dignity. Specific detailed care plans are in place in order to effectively care for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour, as the childminder has clear strategies in place to deal with unwanted behaviour. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased as they are given explanations why the behaviour is not acceptable and are asked not to climb into the baby chair as they are too big. They are encouraged to use good manners and are given clear and consistent boundaries so promoting consideration for each other. Lots of praise and encouragement is used with the children so promoting their self-esteem and self-confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s specific needs are met because the childminder works closely with parents. The childminder has a welcome letter for prospective parents and writes in a journal, so parents know what their child has been playing with, where they have been, when they have slept and what they have eaten. This ensures consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates a high regard for children's well-being and offers them a good level of support. Her good practices are underpinned by a comprehensive range of policies and procedures, which are shared with parents to ensure they understand how the service operates.

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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 She shows commitment towards her personal development and improves her child care knowledge by attending relevant courses such as special needs and behaviour management. Her knowledge is used well to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences. The children are at home in the well organised child friendly environment and are confident to initiate their own play and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder makes good use of time and has effective organisational skills which she uses to promote best care for children of all ages. The certificate of registration is displayed so parents are aware of the conditions of registration. Confidentiality is maintained as all paperwork is stored securely.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain parental consent for outings and specific activities. The childminder has obtained written parental consent, so helping to promote children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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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 all low glass is made safe.

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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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