Childminder in Wolverhampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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403402 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2006 Inspection date Margaret Webster 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged thirteen and 9 years in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton. The hall, playroom, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children under five part time, and 1 child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family have two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is in the process of becoming a member of an approved childminding network.

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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. Individual towels are in place for the children, this helps to prevent the spread of germs. The children are encouraged to wash their hands after playing outside, before eating and after visiting the toilet. The exclusion of sick children protects the health of the children in her care, limiting the spread of contagious illnesses. Children, who receive medication, do so according to the parent's instructions ensuring their child receives appropriate care. In the event of a emergency, parental consent allowing her to seek emergency medical treatment ensures children receive professional care when required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical exercise within the garden and local parks, allowing them to play ball and use more adventurous apparatus. These activities encourage their physical development,

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Helping children to be healthy

co-ordination skills and promote their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks such as fruit, which they are able to choose from the selection available. The childminder has the facility to keep records of children's allergies to ensure they receive foods that are suitable for their individual dietary needs. She works with the parents who provide most of the food for the children to ensure that the children receive enough food to enable them to grow and be healthy.

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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 clean and well maintained home. Displays of the children's work in the playroom promote a child-friendly environment. Children enjoy access to a range of toys and equipment that are in good condition and checked for safety. Resources are well organised to ensure safety, all small items are out of reach of the younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good safety measures within the home identify hazards and steps have been taken to reduce any risks. For example, the appropriate use of safety gates to prevent the younger children in her care from accessing the stairs and the kitchen unsupervised. The childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure that is made known to the parents and the older children. She has all her fire safety equipment in place. For example smoke detectors and a fire blanket. This ensures that the children are safe and contributes to their well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminders knowledge of child protection issues promotes the children's welfare. She is able to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect. She is able to take appropriate action to protect a child from harm.

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities, which are age appropriate. The childminder has a good understanding of the children in her care, providing activities according to their particular likes and dislikes and allowing the freedom of choice. Their development is supported as the childminder has a good knowledge of child development. Activities provided introduce the children to a wide range of educational activities. Younger children enjoy the freedom to choose from toys stored within the playroom in low-level storage boxes and shelves. The children enjoy trips to the local library and the park. The younger children enjoy visits to local toddler groups giving them opportunities to play with their peer group and to develop their social skills. The childminder has attended the 'Birth to three matters' framework training and she is in the process of introducing development profiles for the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Language development is ensured as the childminder talks and sings nursery rhymes to the young children. They respond and smile as the childminder communicates and extends their learning opportunities. The children enjoy painting, crayoning and messy play as they learn about textures and being creative. Art work and photographs are displayed on the playroom walls making it an colourful and inviting environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All the children have equal access to toys and resources. There is a very good selection of resources and activities reflecting images of culture, race, and disabilities. This enables the children to learn about the wider world in which they live. Children learn about the local community as they visit the library, park and other attractions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Currently there no children attending the setting who have learning difficulties and disabilities. The childminder has 11 years experience of working in this field and she would welcome all children to her provision. She would work with the parents and other professionals to meet the needs of each individual child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about positive behaviour, as the childminder provides them with simple rules and boundaries for acceptable behaviour. Explanation as to why certain behaviour is unacceptable is offered to older children and the younger children are distracted from the situation. All the children are praised for the good behaviour and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive working partnership with the parents. Parents views about the children's needs and interest are sought before care commences, ensuring continuity of care. Discussions take place between the parents and the childminder at the end of the day ensuring that children develop a sense of belonging and well-being.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space and resources are successfully arranged to allow children to use most of the ground floor areas and resources independently. There is a large playroom where all the toys and equipment are stored and easily accessible.

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Organisation

All the required documentation is completed accurately and stored appropriately to preserve confidentiality. The register of attendance is up to date and the times of arrival and departure are recorded. The childminder has a information folder available for the parents containing all the relevant information about her child care service. She is a qualified Nursery Nurse and has 20 years experience of working with children. This experience and qualification ensure the children are cared for in a stimulating and caring environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep a signed record of all accidents and obtain written consent from the parents to take the children on outings. She has introduced a record of all accidents and this was complete, up to date and signed by the parents. She has also obtained written consent from the parents to take the children on outings. The introduction of both documents keeps the parents informed and contributes to the children's safety and well-being

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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.

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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):

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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 • continue to enhance the already good practice of care for the under three's by following the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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