Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY239074 Unique Reference Number 14 December 2006 Inspection date Ann Winifred Harrison 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 2002. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 13 years in Pelsall. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 three children under five years and one child over eight years on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to collect children.

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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 learn the importance of appropriate personal hygiene through daily routines. They know that germs may make them poorly as the childminder gives them good explanations of why they need to wash their hands before eating food, after going to the toilet and after touching the hamster. Effective hygiene routines ensure children's health is not at risk. For example, the childminder ensures all areas are clean and she provides children with individual towels and anti-bacterial soap. Children also have their own cups to prevent cross-contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet because the childminder works with the parents, to ensure their food is nutritious. They are offered drinks throughout the day and a good selection of healthy snacks which include fresh fruit and yoghurt. Children are learning about healthy living as they discuss healthy foods when doing a topic on 'Healthy eating.' The childminder ensures that any special dietary needs are met. Children are beginning to develop their self-help and social skills as they are encouraged to eat at the table during meal times. They are encouraged to make their own sandwiches which promotes their independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to a safe outdoor area where they enjoy playing on bikes, cars and a trampoline. Trips to the local parks where they use climbing equipment, also help children to make good progress with their large physical skills. Children's physical development is also promoted indoors through dancing to music and singing action rhymes

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and secure environment and are closely supervised at all times. The childminder ensures that toys and equipment are clean and suitable for their purpose. They are all checked regularly and any broken ones are discarded. The toys are stored in low level cupboards and labelled boxes which makes them easily accessible to the children. Effective organisation of resources enable children to move around freely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. The childminder uses safety equipment, such as socket covers and safety gates to ensure children are not exposed to hazard or injury. She is constantly reviewing her practice to ensure children are kept safe and has attended a health and safety conference to update her knowledge. Children learn about safety issues such as crossing the road with the crossing warden and staying safe when on outings. They know they must hold hands and stay close to the childminder. They are regularly transported by car and the childminder uses appropriate car seats to ensure children's safety. Good security measures are in place and children are aware of emergency evacuation of the building through discussion and regular practises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has procedures in place to ensure that children are protected and well-cared for. She holds a current first aid certificate which ensures that any injuries to children are managed appropriately. She has an understanding of child protection procedures, such as signs

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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 and symptoms of abuse and appropriate responses, which help to keep children safe. However, she is not fully aware of the procedure to follow in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against herself. This means children are not fully protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage happily in meaningful play. They are using resources and equipment that are stimulating and fun to maintain their interest. They enjoy selecting activities, such as role play equipment, drawing and playing with cars. The childminder constantly talks to the children during activities to promote their understanding. She provides a good range and balance of activities for children of all ages, to enhance children's learning and development. She plans all activities in advance around themes and topics such as the seasons and Christmas. Children regularly enjoy baking sessions and decorating their own biscuits. They discover the natural world as they visit the park and play in the garden, they collect leaves and enjoy making a collage during a topic on Autumn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very settled at the childminder's house and with her family. They eagerly communicate to make their needs known and show pleasure and pride in their achievements. Their work is displayed and valued. Children play happily together making cups of tea in the home corner and completing puzzles with the childminder. Their routines are well established and are discussed with parents. They are able to develop their imagination and independence by selecting their own activities and initiating their own play. For example, playing shops and doctors and nurses. Children's mathematical skills are developed as the childminder uses everyday activities to help them count, such as counting their grapes into a dish and using number puzzles. They are beginning to recognise letters as the childminder displays the alphabet around the room and points out letters to them. The childminder is beginning to use 'Birth to three

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

matters' framework to provide activities for babies and young children. However, she is not yet using it to plan for individual children's next steps in learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a positive warm relationship with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and well-being. They are well supported by the childminder who is skilled at listening and talking to them. Children enjoy listening to stories and singing songs and rhymes which helps to develop their communication skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminders home. They are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with parents. The childminder is aware of their likes, dislikes and any special needs. Children benefit from the effective working relationship the childminder has established with their parents. Verbal information about their welfare, activities and behaviour is exchanged on a daily basis. Parents also receive regular newsletters and questionnaires for them to give their views on the childminder's practice. However, the complaints procedure has not been updated

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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 in line with the addendum to the National Standards and this means parents are not fully informed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well together and are learning to show respect for others in the setting. Their behaviour is good in response to clear boundaries set by the childminder. Good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder helps build children's self-esteem and confidence and promotes good behaviour. She uses a sticker chart to further promote their good behaviour and children are able to choose a special treat when they have obtained a certain number of stickers. Children are involved in making choices about their play and choosing resources. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and children learn about the wider world through regular outings and discussions about other cultures. They celebrate festivals such as Diwali and they play with resources that reflect diversity, this promotes their awareness of people's differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder is not currently caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities there are good arrangements in place to ensure they are fully supported and included in all activities to enhance their development and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment. Activities and resources are arranged at appropriate heights and levels to enable children to initiate their own play. The childminder organises her time sufficiently well to be able to give children individual attention. There are suitable arrangements to protect children from persons who are not vetted. Children are settled and confident to approach the childminder for support and attention.

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Organisation

A good range of policies and procedures are maintained and shared with parents, they are kept well-informed about their child's routines and activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Most documentation contributing to the children's well-being, health, safety and care are in place and are regularly reviewed. For example, accident and medication consent procedures. Individual records are completed for each child and written agreements are in place with each parent. The registration certificate is fully displayed.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a childminder who attends training courses to update her knowledge and skills. For example, since the last inspection the childminder has attended courses on; child protection, equal opportunities and health and safety. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to; request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and to provide a range of resources to promote positive images of gender, ethnicity, culture and disability.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To address these issues the childminder has obtained written permission from each parent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This ensures children are safeguarded in the event

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of an emergency. The childminder has increased her resources that reflect positive images and include items such as; book, dolls and small world figures. This helps to increase children's awareness of diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint to report. This concern related to National Standard 1- Suitable Person, National Standard 6, Safety and National standard 12 Working in Partnership with Parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The complainant raised a concern regarding the supervision of children by a minor. In order to investigate the concerns, a Childcare Inspector visited the setting unannounced. During the visit, the Inspector interviewed the childminder. As a result of the enquiries made and the evidence gathered, Ofsted issued a compliance notice and an action was set for the Registered Person to address within a set timescale in relation to the safety of children within the setting and on outings to protect children's safety and well-being. A monitoring visit was undertaken by a Childcare Inspector which showed that the childminder is now fully compliant with the National Standards and Ofsted is taking no further action and Ofsted can confirm the Registered Person remains qualified for registration.

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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): • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures regarding allegations made whilst in the care of the childminder • develop further the use of ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to plan for children's next steps in learning • update and implement complaints procedure in line with Addendum to National Standards (October 2005).

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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 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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