Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298036 Inspection date 25 August 2005 Inspector Mary Anne Henderson

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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 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?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives in North Shropshire with her husband and two school aged children. All areas of the house is made available for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed outdoor play area for the children. The family has no pets. The childminder walks to take and collect children from school. She takes children on local outings, shopping and to parks. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years old and is currently caring for four children under six years

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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 old on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a range of activities which contribute to their health and well being. They are taken on walks to help them develop their bodies, for example, they walk to the local park for fresh air and enjoy using the swings and slide.. The children are beginning to have an understanding of simple hygiene practices as they wash their hands after playing outdoors and before they eat. Children are beginning to have an understanding of a healthy diet. They are provided with drinking water throughout the day and food which is nutritious and meets their dietary needs, for example, they have ham or chicken sandwiches for lunch and Spaghetti Bolognese for tea. The childminder talks to the children about the benefits of a healthy diet during meal times. There is no written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice to ensure children's safety at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children undertake a range of activities in the secure indoor and outdoor areas under close supervision of the childminder. They independently select from a range of toys and equipment that are checked for hazards by the childminder on a regular basis. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently in the indoor areas. There are strategies in place to ensure all indoor areas are safe before they arrive, however, the hazard in the garden had not been identified and made safe to protect children at all times. Children's welfare is partly safeguarded because the childminder has the required procedures in place, for example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and she has some understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder does not have sufficient knowledge of how to make a referral using the Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well soon after arriving and make themselves at home. Children show

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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 skills in independence as they choose from a range of toys, activities and equipment suitable to their ages and stages of development., for example, they build with construction sets, read books and older children are able to use the play station. There is no framework in place, for example Birth to three matters, to promote children's development in their earliest years. The children spend their time in purposeful activities throughout the day. They enjoy a range of accessible creative activities for example exploring the paints, drawing, dough and glue and stick. Children have a good sense of self-esteem and independence as they make their own choices about what they want to do and receive support from the childminder. Children are happy playing games with the childminder who interacts positively with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them and encourages them to develop a range of skills such as turn-taking, construction play, crafts and reading books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children of all ages enjoy access to a range of activities and resources and none-stereotype play is encouraged by the childminder. However, children do not have access to a range of resources to promote an understanding of the wider world including positive images of culture, religion and people with disabilities. The children learn about their local community as they visit local places of interest such as the shops and visiting with friends. Children's individual needs are valued, respected and well met as they play and involve themselves in an organised environment. Children's feelings of belonging is fostered as their work is valued and displayed. Children's behaviour is promoted by the childminder who uses sound behaviour management strategies. For example, she uses praise and reward systems such as stickers. The children are also encouraged to take turns with the toys and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs regarding eating and sleeping routines are met through positive relationships and daily verbal or written exchange of information with parents. The parents of very young children are provided with a daily diary which is used to inform parents about their child's development and routine. Children's individual sleep and eating routines are met through positive relationships and ongoing verbal exchange of information between the childminder and the parents.

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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 Children are settled and at ease with the childminder. They are confident and able to initiate their own play and learning as they make choices and receive support. The childminding space is used effectively to ensure children's free access to the resources. Areas are comfortable and homely and the children are made to feel welcome within the environment. Adult to child ratios are satisfactory and the childminder plans the children's daily routines well, ensuring their individual needs are acknowledged and met. Paperwork is stored in good order and maintained in line with requirements. Records are shared with the parents which contributes well to children's health, safety and welfare. Overall the needs of all of the children who attend are met.

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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): • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • minimise identified hazards in the outdoor play area • access information regarding child protection in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures • promote children's development through their earliest years by using a framework such as the Birth to three matters

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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 • extend the range of resources provided to positiveley reflect diversity.

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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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