Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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201306 Unique Reference Number 05 January 2007 Inspection date Dianne Lynn Sadler 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 good. 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her partner in a village near Tamworth. All areas of the house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time when working alone and for seven children at any one time when working with an assistant. The childminder is currently minding five children under five. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools. The childminder regularly attends the local childminding group. The family have a hamster.

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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 outstanding. Children's health is significantly enhanced because the childminder has established and meticulously implemented well written policies, procedures and records. She gives high priority to providing a clean, healthy and hygienic environment. For example, she asks adults not to wear outdoor shoes in the play areas of the house and uses a sangenic nappy bin to dispose of dirty nappies. Children are learning the importance of simple good health and hygiene practices through daily routines. They understand, for example, the need to wash hands before and after toileting to remove germs. The risk of cross-infection is further reduced by children using anti-bacterial soap and paper towels to wash and dry their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished. They enjoy an excellent range of meals, snacks and drinks that are healthy and nutritious, offered by the childminder. A hot meal is provided at midday which includes fresh fruit and vegetables, which actively promotes children's growth and development. Children are able to ask for a drink throughout the day, provided in their own individual beakers. The childminder has an extremely good awareness of special dietary requirements which includes allergies, likes and dislikes and provides specific foods if required, for instance, soya products. This ensures children's individual dietary needs are met very well according to the wishes of parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a balanced range of physical activities and are gaining early skills as they access a wide range of indoor and outdoor equipment. For instance, they enjoy playing outdoors in the garden playing ball games such as netball and riding bicycles. They also take part in well planned indoor activities, such as music and movement sessions, which develops control of their bodies. Children are learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They access fresh air and exercise by playing in the garden and by going out on walks within the community to local attractions such as Tamworth castle. They also grow flowers in the garden and enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables to eat. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Babies sleep in a separate room which provides a peaceful environment where they have their own travel cots and separate linen. Children can rest by selecting quieter activities such as reading a book

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The imaginative use of space available by the childminder ensures children can move around freely, safely and independently. For instance, they benefit from a well resourced play room and use the lounge as a quiet room. This helps them to settle and feel confident. Children benefit from vigilant procedures which are diligently followed by the childminder to ensure children are kept safe. For instance, risk assessments on all areas of the property and play resources are carried out regularly and recorded well. The risk of accidental injury to children is significantly minimised because the childminder has an excellent awareness of all hazards indoors and outdoors. All areas accessed by children are safe. Children are also learning to keep themselves safe. For instance, there is a well written

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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 emergency evacuation plan which is practised regularly. Children also understand the need to tidy up between activities and discuss the highway code when walking near the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an excellent range of very good quality furniture and play equipment suitable to meet their different needs. Children are able to access these freely and safely, which fosters their independence and choice. Toys are stored in boxes, on shelves and in cupboards at the children's level. The childminder uses effective methods to ensure that toys and resources are well maintained and suitable for all ages of the children present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and their welfare promoted effectively because the childminder has an excellent understanding of her role in child protection. She follows a comprehensive policy and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle and play well in the setting because the childminder is able to give them appropriate support and shares her time well between them. Children benefit from a stimulating and interesting environment in which they are happy, content and secure. Children are developing confidence and very good self-esteem because the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement and values the children's efforts. For instance, photos of children at play are displayed in the kitchen and playroom, which also helps to give children a sense of belonging. Children are developing positive relationships with both each other and with all adults present. This is further promoted by socialising with other children at local social groups, such as Tumble Tots. Children are making very good progress. This is because the childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn and develop and of early years guidance, such as 'Birth

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder's home. They are well motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. Some activities are planned and organised, whilst others are initiated by children themselves. Children are learning to be good communicators and competent learners. They explore their environment, select play resources for themselves and enjoy activities which uses all of their senses. For instance, children enjoy making puppets from material and thread. They concentrate very well whilst sewing the pieces of the puppet together. They also enjoy playing with media such as sand and water.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported by the childminder and assistant who listen to what children say and respond appropriately. Children's language and communication skills are promoted very well by the childminder through constant conversation, questions and individual attention. Therefore children are effectively developing their vocabulary and self-esteem.

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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 proactive approach to inclusion and takes care to ensure the environment, the care she

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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 gives and activities offered meet the needs of all children present. The childminder has a very good knowledge of equality issues. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through play resources which reflect positive images and through well planned activities. For instance, to celebrate Chinese New Year, the children dressed up and experienced new foods and tastes, eating with utensils such as chopsticks.

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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. Children are developing good self-esteem. This is because the childminder values the children and rewards their individual efforts through consistent verbal praise and encouragement.

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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. Information is shared daily to ensure that they are aware of the provision and the activities that their child participate in. Parents have access to an informative prospectus and some well written policies. The procedure followed by the childminder to manage and record complaints is not in line with regulations which impacts on her ability to respond appropriately to parents' concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met effectively through the versatile use of space and resources. For instance, children benefit from accessing a playroom which provides a stimulating and interesting environment, where resources are displayed and easily accessible. Their care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation, where activities are very well planned. The childminder and assistant has much experience of caring for children. The childminder supervises the work of the assistant well and is constantly improving her own knowledge and understanding by undertaking training. This ensures children are cared for by appropriate adults. She has a high regard for the well-being of children and arrangements effectively promote their health, safety and enjoyment. Her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease. They are confident and able to initiate their own play.

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Organisation

Most policies, records and procedures are in place, and used effectively in practice. This actively 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 reviewed regularly and stored securely.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make sure that the garden is suitably enclosed. There is now a fence in place around the whole perimeter of the garden, which ensures children's safety outdoors.

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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 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 complaints 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 good. 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): • improve knowledge and develop systems for the recording of complaints, in line with regulations.

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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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