Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

201011 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2007 Inspection date Dianne Lynn Sadler Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1990. She lives with her husband and two teenage sons in the market town of Atherstone near Tamworth. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children aged between two and eleven years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local childminding group.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for extremely well in a clean, welcoming environment, where they learn the importance of simple good health and hygiene practices through daily routines. For example, they wash their hands before mealtimes and after toileting. The risk of cross infection is further reduced as nappy changing takes place using the children's own individual changing mats. Children's health is effectively promoted because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines and procedures. For instance, she has completed appropriate first aid training and records the administration of medication well, which is shared and signed by parents. However she does not have permission for seeking emergency medical treatment and advice, which compromises children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished. The childminder offers a good range of healthy, nutritious foods, which children enjoy. Children are able to ask for a drink throughout the day, provided in their own individual beakers. Children enjoy a hot meal each day prepared by the childminder. She ensures meals are healthy by using a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder has a good awareness of special dietary requirements, including likes, dislikes and allergies, which ensures children's individual dietary needs are met very well according to the wishes of parents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a balanced range of physical activities indoors and outdoors and are learning about leading a healthy lifestyle. They are encouraged to walk to and from school and are regularly taken on outings in the local community. For instance, they benefit from walking to the park, where they feed the ducks and play on the swings and roundabouts and regularly attend 'Tumble Tots'. Children also enjoy music and movement sessions, which develops control of their bodies. For instance, they practice line-dancing to music indoors and older children teach younger children gymnastics in the garden. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Younger children enjoy quiet time after lunch and can rest on the settee in the lounge. Older children can sit in the lounge and quietly complete their homework together or play on the computer.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment. They benefit from having access to a family room and dining area for their main play and use the large lounge for quiet activities. They can move around freely and independently which helps them to settle and feel confident. 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. The childminder follows very good procedures to keep children safe. For example, children are very well supervised and are learning to keep themselves safe. They discuss and practise good road safety and the local fire officer has visited and practised the emergency evacuation plan with them.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 provided with a wide range of good quality furniture and play equipment suitable to meet their different needs. Children are able to self-select from a good range of toys and resources that are stored in boxes and kept in various cupboards, effectively developing their independence. The childminder varies the toys that are available, on a daily basis, to ensure children have variety and use toys that are appropriate to their age.

p.3

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 her role in child protection. She has a very good understanding of child protection issues and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle and play well because the childminder is able to give them appropriate support and shares her time well between them. Children are developing positive relationships with both each other and with adults. This is further promoted by socialising with other children at the local childminding group. They are beginning to understand their own needs and respect the needs of others. Children are developing confidence and independence because the childminder allows them to initiate their own play and select play resources for themselves. Children are making good progress because the childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop and uses guidance such as 'Birth to three matters' effectively.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They are well motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. Some activities are planned whilst others are initiated by children themselves. Children are learning to be good communicators and competent learners. They particularly enjoy art and craft activities and cookery. They explore collage materials such as feathers, glitter and coloured tissue paper. Children are also developing good self-esteem and confidence as they support each other in their play and have their individual efforts valued by the childminder. For instance, older children enjoy a 'homework club' after school and help each other complete tasks such as spelling.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported by the childminder who listens to what children say, responding appropriately. Children's language and communication skills are promoted well by the childminder through constant conversation, questions and individual attention. Children name the colours of their dessert bowls at lunchtime and learn new words such as 'combine harvester' when playing with cars. Therefore children are effectively developing their vocabulary and self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. The childminder has a pro-active approach to inclusion and takes care to ensure the environment and activities offered meet the needs of all children present, including children with disabilities and additional needs. The childminder has a good knowledge of equality issues. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through carefully selected play resources which reflect positive images, such as dressing-up clothes depicting other countries and small world toys that show people

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 in wheelchairs. They are also made aware of all festivals and celebrations, including Chinese New Year.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave appropriately. There are clear expectations and rules and children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. For instance, the children are learning to share and have respect for each other. Children are developing good self-esteem. Children show pride in their achievements and the childminder rewards their individual efforts through consistent verbal praise and encouragement.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for and supported very well by the childminder. She promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to meet the individual needs of all children appropriately. Parents are made welcome in the setting at any time. Information is shared daily, to ensure that they are aware of the provision and the activities that their children participate in. Parents are made aware of policies and procedures through an informative prospectus.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met effectively through the good use of space and resources. Their care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. For instance, the childminder provides a homely and interesting environment, planning activities very well. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children. She is supported by another childminder at times to ensure children receive good quality care. Parents are well informed. The childminder has much experience of caring for children and is constantly improving her knowledge and understanding by undertaking training. This ensures children are cared for by an appropriate adult. Her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease. They are confident and able to initiate their own play.

p.5

Organisation

Most policies, records and procedures are in place, and used effectively in practice. This promotes the welfare, care and learning of all children, according to the wishes of their parents. All documentation is shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. All documents are regularly reviewed and stored securely.

p.5

Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure all medication administered to children is signed by parents. The childminder now records the administering of medication very well, which is signed by parents.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the standards.

p.5

Complaints 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 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6