Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 223639 Inspection date 09 August 2005 Inspector Juliette Jennings

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 lives in a semi-detached house with her husband and their three children, who are all teenagers. The rooms used for childminding are the lounge, the conservatory, the dining room, the kitchen, the utility and the downstairs toilet. There is a large rear garden that the children can play in. There is a pond, which is securely covered, in the front garden. The childminder uses a car or walks to take children to and from school or nursery, on local walks or on visits to parks and other local attractions.

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 The childminder has completed the Developing Childminding Practice course and continues to access training courses and workshops in early years issues on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and works closely with other childminders in the area. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children and is currently minding seven children in total.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's access to the outdoor environment is good. They benefit from direct access to the garden and enjoy being able to use this space for a variety of activities which help to promote their development. They use a wide variety of toys and resources in this outdoor area and also enjoy trips out to local attractions, visits to playgrounds and walks in the local area. Children's individual dietary requirements are accommodated well, with the childminder working closely with parents, offering advice and guidance to help promote a balanced diet. Healthy eating is encouraged through routine snack and mealtimes and there is a policy in place which gives examples of the kinds of healthy food that children are offered whilst attending the setting. Children are cared for in an environment which is cleaned on a daily basis and where good hygiene procedures are implemented, for example appropriate nappy changing

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

procedures, cleaning of tables and supporting children to wash their hands before snacks and meals. There are policies in place to support children's good health and the childminder accesses training on a regular basis so that she has an awareness of how to ensure children's health is maintained. Examples include food hygiene training and childhood infectious diseases training.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely, child-orientated environment which is safe and secure. The procedures in place for keeping children safe on a daily basis work effectively. There were no safety issues highlighted at this inspection. The childminder has thought about what would happen if there was a need to evacuate the house in order to keep children safe. This procedure is displayed so that older children and parents can see it. In addition, she implements a safety wrist-tag procedure for outings which details emergency contact numbers. This helps to ensure that children are as safe as possible at all times whilst in her care. Children's welfare is promoted well through the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues, guidelines and procedures. The childminder has accessed training so that she knows what to do if she has a concern about a child. In addition,

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

First Aid training has been completed within a rolling programme so that she is aware of what to do in order to deal with children's accidents or any emergencies.

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 access a variety of resources which are stored safely and which they can easily access. Low-level storage allows children to reach their favourite activities and toys, whilst enabling the childminder to place any toys or equipment which may not be age-appropriate out of reach. Toys and resources are clean, safe and in good condition.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. There is an effective system in place which allows the childminder to monitor children's individual progress in all areas of development. In addition, the childminder is good at informing parents about what children enjoy doing and how children are whilst at the setting. The provision for younger children continues to be reviewed since the introduction of the Birth to three matters framework. The childminder continues to access training and consider how this framework may impact on and help her develop this aspect of the childcare provision. Children enjoy a good range of activities, toys and resources which are age-appropriate, stimulating, interesting and help them make good progress, for example encouraging role-play and focusing on language and speech development. Children are happy, busy and occupied within this homely, comfortable, relaxed and secure environment. They have good access to trips out to local attractions, frequent

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

outdoor physical play combined with child-initiated free-play activities within the childminding setting. The routine of the day allows some structure whilst still allowing them to make independent choices about what they want to do.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The partnership with parents is very good and is an area in which the childminder excels. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's excellent relationships with parents. She supports the families very well in a sympathetic and understanding way. She does whatever she can to be flexible with the service that is provided. Children's individual requirements are accommodated very well within the daily routine. This is enabled through daily verbal or written feedback, good support for parents with specific concerns and a flexible, adaptable service. This in turn allows children to feel confident, comfortable and secure in the childminder's care. Children have access to an extensive range of resources that encourage them to develop an understanding of diversity whilst engaging in free-play and other structured, themed activities. In addition they are supported and encouraged to

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

become independent and make choices about what they want to do. The childminder has a good understanding of behaviour management techniques which are appropriate to the age and stage of individuals. Children feel confident and secure in an environment where they are given lots of positive praise and

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 encouragement, individual attention and can freely play with whatever they choose, thus ensuring that they are busy and occupied.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good access to training, which helps her to develop her knowledge an understanding of childcare issues and so continue to improve the childminding practice. This in turn allows children to be cared for in a well-organised, safe and secure environment where there is a commitment to supporting families in a flexible manner. Documentation is maintained in line with requirements and organised efficiently, so that all information relating to the children is readily available yet stored confidentially. Thorough policies and procedures are in place which clearly outline the childminding provision. This helps to ensure that parents are clear about the care provided for their children. Children benefit from an efficiently organised space, both indoors and outdoors, where they have good opportunities to play, develop, relax and enjoy their time in this

p.5

Organisation

comfortable, child-friendly home, with excellent support and attention from the childminder. Overall the needs of all of the children who attend are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to make sure that records of medication administration were recorded clearly and in line with requirements. It was noted at this inspection that all documentation, including parental permission, is recorded fully, in line with requirements and maintained in good order. This helps to ensure that children are cared for in line with the wishes of parents.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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.5

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): • continue to look at the Birth to three matters framework and consider how it will impact on the childcare provision.

p.6

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

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