Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY261100 Unique Reference Number 05 December 2006 Inspection date Shirley Amanda Wilkes 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Jane Fear has been a childminder since 2003. She lives with her husband and their two children aged six years and six months in a house in Burntwood. Local shops and parks are within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently four children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual dietary needs are met effectively, these are discussed in detail with parents, and specific dietary needs are recorded. Children enjoy sociable meal times and are beginning

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Helping children to be healthy

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 understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and children are provided with a variety of meals and snacks which contribute to their good health. Children are provided with sugar-free drinks, water and milk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm clean home. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals which means they are learning the importance of good hygiene procedures to promote good health. Children are well protected from illness and cross infection by the good procedures the childminder has in place, for example, the use of gloves for nappy changes. The policy for sick children that the childminder has in place ensures that the best interests of all children are met if they are unwell. There are good procedures in place for the recording of accidents and medication administered which ensures the children's well-being. However, the childminder's first aid certificate has expired.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are developing well. They enjoy playing in the garden as part of their daily routine. They are able to access a variety of outdoor play equipment. Visits to the local park enable the children to take part in more vigorous physical play. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. This contributes to their good health and physical well-being.

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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 warm clean home where they are able to freely and independently move around. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder is aware of all hazards indoors and outdoors, and puts effective measures in place, such as the use of a fire guard, stair gate and socket covers The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, fire drills are practised with the children on a regular basis. There are good procedures in place for the safe arrival and collection of children, main doors are kept secure and security arrangements are in place if persons other than the parent are to collect the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's independence is encouraged as they are able to self-select from a good range of toys which are clean, safe and easily accessible to the children. The childminder varies the toys that are available, on a daily basis, to ensure children have variety. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and their welfare promoted effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to be followed if she has any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and well-settled in the childminder's home. They are able to initiate their own activities, inside and outside of the home, that promote all areas of their development. Children benefit from being able to self-select from the good wide range of age-appropriate toys and resources, promoting their confidence and independence.

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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 The childminder is able to give children appropriate support. Babies and young children are actively listened to and the childminder gives them good one to one attention, for example, lots of cuddles and constant interaction and chatting. The childminder takes advantage of everyday actions to engage babies, for example, drawing their attention to the moving shadows on the lounge wall made by a tree outdoors. The childminder plans activities for the children, for example, art and craft including model making.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well. The childminder takes time to find out about specific needs through the use of contracts and the recording of individual daily routines. Children's self-esteem is well promoted. They behave well and play together, learning to share and take turns and to show care for others. This is due to the childminder using praise and encouragement throughout their daily routine to encourage positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals they are able to make decisions and initiate their own play which enhances their time spent with the childminder. Although there are currently no children attending with special educational needs or disabilities, the childminder is able to put suitable arrangements in place to ensure that they can be supported appropriately within the setting. Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is increased by them being able to access a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. The children and the childminder play together using, for example, books and small world figures that show positive images of race, gender and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to meet the individual needs of all children. Parents are made welcome in the setting. Parents are provided with detailed information on policies and procedures. The childminder speaks to parents daily about the children's progress, development and activities. This ensures parents are involved and contributes to the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All policies and procedures are in place. The register is completed daily and accurately maintained. All documentation is in place and shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Children’s records and parental contracts are stored confidentially. However, the childminder has not maintained a current first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Children feel at home are happy and confident in the childminder's care where they initiate and extend their own play and learning, they feel at ease within the well-organised environment. The effective organisation of space and time ensures children’s play opportunities are maximised and their individual needs are consistently met. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of procedures regarding notifiable diseases and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder is now aware of notifiable diseases and the procedures to follow and has written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This ensures children's well-being in an emergency situation. The childminder was also asked to devise child protection procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made whilst the child is in the care of the provider. These procedures are now in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure a first aid course is completed which includes first aid for infants and young children

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The quality and standards of the care

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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