Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY297296 Inspection date 29 April 2005 Inspector Dianne Andrews

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and two school-age children in a semi-detached property in the town of Oswestry, North Shropshire. Children have use of the conservatory, kitchen, lounge for sleeping and the upstairs bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is

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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 currently minding two children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's good health is promoted through appropriate daily routines, such as hand washing and the use of individual flannels. Nappy changing procedures are effective, although the damaged changing mat must be replaced to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Children enjoy an active lifestyle, especially during outdoor play, which is regularly encouraged by the childminder. Children's dietary needs and preferences are considered as the childminder provides a range of suitably prepared food. Appropriate completion of accident and medication records contribute to the maintenance of children's good health. However consent to allow the childminder to act in a child's emergency has not been sought from parents and information, to enable the childminder to meet an child's individual health needs, has not been recorded by parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-considered environment, where risks are identified and most are minimised. This means that they are able to move around comfortably and freely. The removal of identified hazards relating to the outdoor environment and an obstructed fire exit will enhance children's safety in these areas. A selection of age-appropriate, good quality and well maintained toys are made available, this encourages children to make independent and suitable choices of activities. The childminder is aware of her role in protecting children, which helps to safeguard their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a suitable range of activities, which help to promote children's development. She is considering further training, such as on the Birth to Three Matters framework, to develop her knowledge and practice in this area. Children enjoy, and are well supported in, their activities, for instance as they sing and dance to music and create pictures to take home to share with their parents. Children's self-esteem is developed well through the caring and attentive attitude of the childminder. Children's development and information regarding their care is

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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 shared with parents regularly through the use of home-link diaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder shows a suitable understanding of her role in promoting equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The children's experience of diversity could be better promoted, through access to an improved range of resources. Children's welfare and development is supported through the childminder's knowledge of appropriate behaviour management strategies, which take account of children's age and stage of development. Children's good manners are encouraged and ground rules are set, for example about climbing on the furniture and eating at the table. Children's well being and progress is fostered as the childminder continues to build on the relationships with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has considered appropriate practices to ensure that children are protected in the event that other adults visit the property. She has organised the space and resources to allow children to play and learn while they are in her care. Documentation is appropriately stored and available to ensure the efficient management of the care service and therefore promote children's welfare. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 satisfactory. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 nappy change facilities promote children's good health • ensure that records regarding children's health needs are accurate and enable you to meet their individual needs and to act in a medical emergency • ensure that identified hazards, regarding safe egress from the property and those within the outdoor environment, are made safe.

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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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