Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY297348 Inspection date 08 August 2005 Inspector Julie Mary Preston

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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 and works with an assistant. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and seven. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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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 member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where the procedures implemented by the childminder help children learn the importance of staying healthy. Children develop a clear understanding about hygiene as the childminder encourages children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before having their snack. Through discussion they know that this removes germs. The childminder fully understands the procedures for dealing with sickness, existing injuries, accidents and administration of medication. Children understand the benefits of a healthy diet through discussion with the childminder. Children are given regular access to drinks and are comfortable to request drinks and snacks as they require them throughout the day. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual dietary needs. If parents provide children's dietary requirements they are appropriately stored and

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Helping children to be healthy

served to children. This ensures individual dietary needs are met. The childminder is aware of good hygiene practice with regards to food preparation and storage and implements this within her practice. Children enjoy a range of stimulating activities that contribute to their good health. Regular outdoor activities help children develop physical skills and gain control of their bodies. For example, visits to the local park, regular walks and use of the rear garden. Children are given opportunities to rest or sleep in line with parental wishes and individual children's sleep patterns.

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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 safe and secure environment where the childminder is diligent in ensuring possible risks are identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder develops children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe and maintain safety both inside and outside the home. For example through discussion about road safety. The home is well maintained and offers a welcoming environment for children to play comfortably with the toys and equipment available. The stimulating child friendly environment allows children to independently select activities from the wide range of good quality toys, which are suitable for the age range of children attending. Toys are organised in storage boxes and on shelves at child height to allow easy access. The childminder has most required safety procedures in place to ensure children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example by adopting appropriate

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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 procedures for outings. However, she does not currently practise emergency fire evacuation procedures with children. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures, ensuring children are protected from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, very settled and show enjoyment of their time in the childminder's care. They are confident and make themselves at home. The children interact well with the childminder and with each other showing a clear bond and understanding. This leads to positive relationships and a sense of belonging. Children gain confidence to express their needs and wants with the childminder. The childminder takes time to listen and make conversation with each child, expanding on children's individual interests through discussion and questioning. This develops children's understanding. Children experience a wide range of age appropriate activities that promote development, encourage confidence, develop independence and promote self-esteem, such as independently selecting activities and resources. All children spend their time purposefully. Many of the activities are child led with the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ably supporting and extending children's learning. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child that attends and their individual capabilities. This enables her to adapt and extend activities to ensure each child gains the most out of each activity they participate in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of equal opportunities and special needs issues. All children are treated as individuals and their needs met. Resources and activities provide positive images and develop children's understanding of themselves and the wider world. For example, books, cooking activities, trips and activities relating to specific festivals. This helps children's awareness of the wider world and helps them develop positive attitudes and increases awareness of diversity and understanding of others. Children are very well behaved and show care and concern for each other as they play alongside each other, showing a clear understanding of their boundaries. Children take turns and exhibit care and concern for each other. The childminder applies a consistent approach to manage a wide range of children's behaviour. Positive use of praise and lots of encouragement helps to build children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

self-esteem. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do. They have opportunities to rest and to be active within the daily routine. The childminder promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them in most aspects of care. Discussions are held with parents and children at the initial visits with ongoing discussions and observations on a daily basis

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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 to ensure individual children's needs are identified and met. The childminder ensures parents are aware of her procedures and how children will be cared for by verbally sharing her policies and procedures and by holding daily discussions with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets all relevant training requirements and holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder is keen to attend further training, she intends to attend training on the Birth to three matters framework. The childminder assistant has relevant experience, however does not have the relevant clearances to enable her to be left in sole charge of children attending. The children feel comfortable and at ease within the childminder's home. A well organised environment is provided both inside and outside the home that enables children to be confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Detailed written and verbal policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. These are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities and well-being. This contributes to continuity in the children's care in most

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Organisation

areas. However, information relating to behaviour management is not always shared with parents to develop an understanding of tactics used and to promote consistency of approach. All required documentation is in place that is accurately completed and maintained. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection.

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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 • undertake and record regular emergency evacuation drills • ensure Criminal Records Bureau clearances are sought for childminder assistant • ensure behaviour management tactics are discussed and shared with parents to ensure consistency of approach.

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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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