Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY319114 Unique Reference Number 02 November 2006 Inspection date Jayne Lesley Taylor 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 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged six and two, in Smethwick. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding five children for a variety of sessions. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and /or disabilities.

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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 are cared for in a homely environment where they are beginning to understand how to keep themselves healthy. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as part of their daily routine, they walk to and from school and play in the local park and woods where they are able to use a range of equipment and play games. These opportunities enhance children's overall physical development. Children's individual needs are responded to because the children are able to rest and relax as they wish throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating through the range of foods that the childminder makes available to them. Their individual dietary needs are met because the childminder responds to parents requests for their children to eat specific foods that meet their lifestyle requirements. Children are hydrated because they have regular access to drinks during the times that they attend. They enjoy a social experience by all sitting together at meal times and talking about their day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in an environment that is that is safe and secure. They are able to play safely in rooms that are organised to meet their needs. Equipment is stored so that children can access it easily and safely, promoting children's independence in a stimulating environment. Children are kept safe when using equipment and resources because the childminder ensures that everything available to them is appropriate for its use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is maintained because the childminder ensures that they are under her direct supervision at all times. Their understanding of how to keep themselves safe is supported by the childminder's practice and her approach to minimising any potential risks or hazards. Children know about the importance of safety in their daily routine and how to keep themselves safe through discussion and explanation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures and of her role and responsibility regarding protecting children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and enjoy themselves with the childminder, who ensures that they are well occupied throughout the time that they attend. They receive a high level of support and guidance from the childminder which helps to build trusting relationships. A very good range of toys and equipment means that the children have a challenging and varied range of play experiences.

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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 Children benefit from a flexible routine which allows the children to make decisions about what they would like to do, this helps to develop their confidence and sustains their interest. They play well together and help each other, for example by winding up a musical player and giving it to a younger child. Children are beginning to share and take turns which helps them to build good relationships and supports their social skills and interaction.

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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.

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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, however there is not currently a written agreement for the childminder to take children swimming. The childminder ensures that she shares information with parents daily and regularly updates herself of any changes regarding their or their children's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children needs are met through the childminder's overall organisation. They take part in a range of activities and experiences that fulfil their individual needs throughout the times that they attend. Children are able to use the space freely and safely and are able to play, rest or relax as they wish. Children benefit from a consistent level of support and guidance from the childminder which helps them to feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Children's health, safety and well-being is maintained because of the range of supporting documentation that is in place to support their needs. All documentation is stored confidentially and reviewed regularly. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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 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 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): • obtain a written agreement from parents regarding activities provided, specifically related to children going swimming

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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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