Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298575 Inspection date 14 July 2005 Inspector Janice Rizvi

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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 four years and twenty two months. The whole of the ground floor, upstairs bedroom and bathroom areas of the property are used for childminding. 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 one child under five years during the day. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through well planned daily routines. Younger children are supported to learn the skills of hand washing, with independence encouraged using appropriate resources such as a 'step up' to the wash hand basin and washing hands after outdoor and sand play. Children benefit from a healthy, clean environment; there are facilities for rest if desired, with effective procedures in place to record information of individual children's physical needs for rest and play. These are incorporated into the daily routine and discussed with parents. The childminder has a good understanding of medication and accident recording, which promotes children's welfare. Records are well maintained. Parents complete their instructions and consent for medication and sign the accident book, clear emergency procedures and consents are in place. There is a valid first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements to protect children from infectious diseases are discussed with parents prior to admission. Children enjoy a choice of regular drinks and snacks. Care is taken in the preparation and storage of food to prevent cross contamination. Meals are planned with children's dietary requirements taken into account with full dietary needs and allergies recorded on the child's individual record. Each day there are outings and activities to facilitate children's physical growth and bodily awareness, such as outdoor play with sand, bikes and ball pool. Children also experience different activities and environment through regular attendance at the local Sure Start 'Jumping Beans' group, with the childminder giving her full support and attendance.

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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 welcoming, secure and friendly environment. The space is used creatively to give children free access to a variety of play opportunities, such as full use of the ground floor and rear garden. The emergency escape plan is clearly documented and health and safety policies are available for each parent. High priority is given to the condition and safety of equipment. Risk assessment is ongoing both inside and out. Thought is given to the positioning and condition of larger outdoor equipment, for example a large climbing frame has recently been washed down to remove bird droppings, sand play is kept covered and locked when not in use, with innovations to household furniture such as safety guards for table corners. All fire safety equipment is readily available and in place, the premises are kept secure, with external doors locked. These positive steps and precautions ensure a

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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 safer environment for children. Children use a sufficient range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate resources. These are well organised to encourage independent access. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys and equipment to make sure they are safe and appropriate for age and stage of development. Children are taken on frequent outings on foot in the locality. Good procedures are in place to supervise and make children aware of road safety. Parents are consulted and prior written consent obtained. The children are well protected. Children’s records are maintained and parents are made aware of the childminder’s

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibility in regards to child protection within the written policy statement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children are confident in their relationships with the childminder. New children settle well into the routine and play happily together enjoying a variety of activities such as sound activity toys, dolls, construction, sand play, bikes, ball pool and domestic play. Their favourite activity is sand play this is well resourced with a variety of tools, children are able to use their imagination and use the sand in a variety of play situations uninterrupted for a good period of time. Children are encouraged to be creative through planned activities including songs, rhymes, puzzles, gluing and play dough. Toys and equipment are easily accessed by children; they are of good quality and suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are interested and engaged in both free-play and set activities. Children make good use of a well planned outdoor play area. Equipment is varied to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

provide children with challenge and develop a balanced range of physical and imaginative activities, such as tunnels, swings, ball pool, wheel toys and sand. Children develop their play and learning because the childminder has a good understanding of child development. However her knowledge of Birth to three matters is limited. Emphasis is given to taking the children on frequent outings to educational toddler groups in the local vicinity; this gives children plenty of opportunity to relate to other children and adults in both a social and learning environment. Information is freely exchanged with parents on their child’s progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected as individuals and are treated with equal concern. All their individual needs are taken into account and met. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues; children have equal access to toys and equipment

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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 with a range of resources to reflect diversity, culture and disability. This facilitates children's ability to develop their awareness and value differences. Younger children benefit from the positive partnership with parents, they settle well into their new environment. The children are given individual attention and thoroughly enjoy good interaction with the childminder. Children behave well and benefit from clear boundaries and expectations set by the childminder. They learn to play and work with others, share popular equipment and take turn in games. Children's self-esteem is developed by praise, simple rewards with encouragement from the childminder for their achievements and increasing responsibility. Partnership with parents is well fostered and children's records are detailed which

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Helping children make a positive contribution

enables the childminder to provide appropriate care and support to meet the children's needs. The childminder recognises the need to work in partnership with parents. She keeps the parents well informed about their child's care and development through regular verbal feedback and daily discussions to ensure that all children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. All records are in place and policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Good use is made of the space and resources so that children are well cared for and supported during their day. Suitable arrangements are in place within the home and while on outings to protect children from persons who are not vetted. Information is shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This benefits the children in the continuity of their care. Overall, the provision meets all the needs 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

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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under 3, for example through the use of the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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