Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231953 Unique Reference Number 17 October 2006 Inspection date Kim Sharratt 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?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 4 and 6 years, in a house in Tividale, near Dudley, West Midlands. The whole ground floor of the 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 two children on a part time basis, one under five and one over, before and after school. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and nursery.

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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 satisfactory. Children's health is suitably promoted as they are cared for in a clean and welcoming home environment. They are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children's individual health needs are satisfactorily supported and all procedures are in place, for example, if a child is unwell parental consent is in place to allow the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. There are procedures in place for recording medication and accidents, information is shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children engage in a good range of activities to promote their physical development. They walk to and from school, visit local parks where they can try out varied equipment for example, climbing frames, slide and swings. They regularly use the garden and enjoy using equipment such as skipping ropes, playing with balls, riding bikes and cars. This contributes to their health and physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met and the childminder makes sure children have regular drinks. Currently children's meals are provided by parents. Children's dietary needs are discussed with the parents and information relating to any special dietary requirements a child may have is recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a family-orientated environment where they feel at home and secure. Children use developmentally appropriate toys and resources safely as the childminder ensures that toys meet the required safety standard and meet age recommendations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from being cared for in a secure and safe environment. The childminder supervises the children well, she assesses potential risks and ensures appropriate safety measures are in place. Safety gates are used effectively to prevent children from gaining access to the kitchen and stairs. Children are kept safe on outings because they are supervised well by the childminder. They are developing an awareness of safety because the childminder talks to them about safety and emergency evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a copy of the local child protection procedures and some knowledge and understanding of how to implement the procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder’s home and have developed a caring relationship with her. Children develop their play and learning because the childminder has a very good understanding of child development. She provides them with a suitable range of activities and experiences both inside and outside of the home. Children take part in a varied

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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 range of outings, these include visits to local parks and activity centres where they mix with other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy an excellent variety of activities which contribute to their creativity and imagination, they are able to paint, be creative and act our roles in the playhouse. The childminder introduces colour, number and shape names into everyday conversations with the children. This helps children acquire new knowledge and skills. Children enjoy playing in the garden and are able to access a suitable range of outdoor equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's interaction with the children is good, she listens to what they are saying and shows interest in what they are doing. This helps children to develop confidence, extend their language skills and make positive relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern because the childminder has a sound understanding of equality practice. They are gaining a sense of self worth and confidence by participating in activities and experiences at a level that they are comfortable with and by making small choices and decisions for themselves. Children are developing an understanding of differences between themselves and others, which is supported by the range of activities and experiences that the childminder provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand what is expected of them because of clear consistent boundaries and expectations, which supports their understanding of the need for good behaviour. They are sensitive towards the feelings of others, understand the impact that their behaviour can have on people's feelings and know that they need to apologise to each other. The childminder has realistic expectations and these are continually reinforced through daily routines and practices, such as caring for each other and tidying away toys after use. As a result children behave well and are developing positive relationships where they play together, learn to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual requirements are met because the childminder and parents have clear expectations with regard to the care of the children and activities provided. Written agreements with parents are comprehensive, clear and detailed and regular daily discussions take place with parents to exchange information, and highlight the child's progress. However parents do not receive up to date information regarding concerns or complaints about any aspect of the service, as the childminder does not have a format available to log complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care where they initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children’s needs are supported appropriately, this is because space and resources are organised well and this enables children develop their independence. They settle easily into this relaxed family atmosphere and benefit from established daily routines which

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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 have a regard for their individual needs. Children have access to a secure and well maintained outdoor area.

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Organisation

Children's health, safety, enjoyment and care is generally promoted through satisfactory record keeping and good partnership with parents. Parents are aware of the childminders record keeping procedures and documentation is stored securely and confidentially. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The issue raised has received good attention with the childminder now providing some toys and books which reflect positive images of disability. The children have equal access to these resources. She also makes good use of the local toy library service to access a range of resources with particular emphasis on positive images.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet 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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken

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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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