Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298861 Inspection date 23 May 2005 Inspector Rebecca Hadley

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder had been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 5 and 2 years. They live in a house on the outskirts of Kidderminster. The whole of the ground floor with the exception of the lounge is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets.

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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 The childminder attends care and toddler groups on a regular basis and is a member of Wyre Forest Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of outdoor activities including daily walks, visits to Tumble Tots and the use of equipment such as swings, bikes, climbing frames and a trampoline all of which contributes to their health and helps them to develop control of their bodies. They are beginning to develop an understanding of the need for personal hygiene through regular hand washing and younger children are learning not to share cups. Children benefit from regular nutritious drinks and snacks which includes a variety of fruit and healthy home cooked meals. Information is regularly shared and discussed with parents to ensure that each child's individual dietary needs and personal preferences are respected. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment. They are well cared for if they have an accident or become ill, although signed parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is not in place. There are effective

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Helping children to be healthy

procedures in place to protect the children from illness and infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a safe environment where all risks have been identified and minimised. Their awareness of safety issues is developed through every day activities within the home and during outings. They are aware of the need for simple rules to keep them safe such as not running too far ahead when walking to school and using the slide correctly. There is a very good range of equipment in place which children are able to use safely due to the childminders vigilance and the procedures she has implemented to regularly check toys and equipment. All fire equipment is in place and regularly checked. Detailed evacuation procedures which clearly show different emergency exits are displayed for both children and parents to see although they have not been practised with the children. The premises are secure and there are effective procedures in place for the safe arrival and collection of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted and safeguarded due to the childminders very good knowledge and understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and her awareness of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 are happy, confident and interact positively both with the childminder and their peers. They are encouraged to learn through daily experiences and the childminder stimulates their interest and learning by asking simple questions to help them think and by offering constant praise and encouragement. They are developing independence by choosing activities they wish to participate in and the childminder takes time to find out each child's interests by talking to parents and through discussion with the children. Children benefit from a range of age appropriate, interesting and stimulating activities to help them learn which includes regular trips to the forest, and crafts. The childminders sound knowledge of children's development and Birth to Three Matters ensures that children's individual needs and routines are well met and their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoyment and learning is fostered and encouraged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Regular discussions with parents ensure that their individual needs are recognised and met appropriately. Children understand the need to share toys, enjoy playing together and offer each other help and support. They are developing an awareness of different cultures through regular discussions with the childminder, although, their access to resources which portray positive images of diversity is limited. Children are beginning to understand the need for simple rules such as sharing toys and respond positively to the childminders methods of behaviour management. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents wishes and information is shared with parents on a regular basis. All relevant information such as daily routines, qualifications and policies relating to the childminding practice are available for parents to see in a portfolio.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All documentation which contributes to the children's health, safety and welfare is in place and regularly reviewed although the register does not state the child's full name. Additional information relating to the setting such as policies and daily routines is also available. Documentation is safely stored whilst still being accessible in an emergency. Information is regularly shared with parents to ensure continuity in the children's care and there are effective procedures in place for maintaining confidentiality. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 • ensure that the daily attendance register contains children's surnames.

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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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