Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298013 Inspection date 04 July 2005 Inspector Jasvinder Kaur

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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 three and five years. The whole ground floor and first floor bathroom of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group regularly.

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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 The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children stay healthy because the childminder takes positive steps to promote good hygiene through well organised activities and healthy lifestyle. They are protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illness. The childminder holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. She is aware of the necessity of keeping a record of accidents and medication administered to children. However, she has not requested written parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. Children are developing an awareness of healthy eating through arranged activities. They grow fruit and vegetables in the garden, and visit the local supermarkets. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which cater for their individual needs. They enjoy sociable meal times in a relaxed atmosphere. Their

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Helping children to be healthy

dietary requirements are discussed with parents, and their wishes are respected. Children develop their physical skills through a wide range of outdoor play activities in the garden. They enjoy walking to the local park, shops and library. This ensures they understand the benefit of exercise and keep physically fit. There are suitable arrangements for rest and sleep according to children’s individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a suitable physical environment. They have adequate space in the house and easy access to the well organised resources, which create a welcoming atmosphere. There is a wide range of toys and equipment for children which promote their development in all areas of learning. Children are encouraged to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and outdoors. It is ensured that they are supervised at all times. They develop good awareness of safety measures through emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis. However, the fire blanket is not readily accessible, and the gas fire, garden shed and electric socket are not inaccessible to children. The children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a good understanding of her child protection responsibilities. She has attended the relevant training and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

necessary. However, she has a limited knowledge of keeping a record of existing injuries.

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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 make good progress through well planned activities and play opportunities. They are involved in a wide range of first hand learning experiences including cooking, gardening, and visiting local shops and the library. They enjoy indoor and outdoor activities to develop their language, mathematical thinking, imagination and social relationships. The children are confident in the setting and have a good relationship with the childminder. They interact with her continually and develop their communication skills, for instance while playing with toy animals, they make the sounds of the animals and they say where they live. They are becoming independent and confident, as the childminder responds to their particular interests including playing tennis, gluing, sticking, cooking and reading.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a sense of belonging. They learn social skills and enjoy being with and talking to adults and other children. They develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world through appropriate activities and resources such as books, educational computer games, toys and dressing up. They are involved in decision making when selecting activities and snacks. The children benefit from the childminder’s positive relationship with parents which mean that children’s needs are met. The children are happy, well mannered and confident, because the childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour. They are encouraged to share with and respect others through her positive role model and example. Children behave well, take turns and respond positively to the childminder’s routines and boundaries. This helps them develop a positive attitude and show concern for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management is discussed with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised. She regularly attends short courses to update her knowledge of childcare issues. She offers a welcoming environment where children feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. She has suitable arrangements to protect children and has undertaken relevant vetting procedures. Most of the childminder’s documents are all clear, well maintained and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. The exception is that she keeps no record of exiting injuries or parental consent for emergency treatment or advice. They are readily available for inspection and shared with parents. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the childminder's qualifications and training, and

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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 information about the service provided. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who attend.

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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): • improve safety including the garden shed, electric socket, fire blanket and gas fire • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, and ensure existing injuries are recorded and shared with parents.

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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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