Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

204522 Unique Reference Number 25 April 2007 Inspection date Rachel Wyatt 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 16 years. They live in a house in north Bromsgrove. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and three school-age children. The childminder drives to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a dog, cat and some tropical fish.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Support is available for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The childminder regularly attends local carer and toddler groups for children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds an National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childcare and Education which includes a module on the care of babies.

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 looked after in a clean and comfortable home. Areas used by children are cleaned daily and the childminder is careful to ensure areas of the house and garden used by her pets are maintained in an appropriate condition for children's safe play and care. Prospective parents are made aware that she has a cat and dog, and that her home is a non-smoking household. The childminder ensures her pets are in good health through annual inoculations and relevant routine treatments.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and hygiene are promoted in line with the childminder's policies which are shared with parents. She ensures children wash their hands regularly, for example, before eating or after visiting the toilet. Children understand the importance of good hygiene, talking about getting rid of germs. Their independence is fostered as they can visit the ground floor toilet by themselves. Children become aware of other aspects of hygiene, for example, during a topic about caring for teeth. Babies' and toddlers' comfort is assured during well managed nappy changes.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Babies' and children's sleep and rest needs are accommodated well. The childminder respects parents' wishes and follows children's settling routines. Sleeping children are checked regularly. Quieter activities are incorporated into daily sessions to ensure older children can relax and are rested. Children have regular opportunities for energetic play though activities in the garden, where they use a selection of apparatus and toys. Children also go for walks and on outings, for example, to toddler groups or to a local park where they try different equipment.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Should children be unwell, have an accident or need medication the childminder ensures they have prompt appropriate treatment. She obtains parents' consents to her seeking emergency medical advice and treatment. Relevant information about children's medical history is kept to hand. The childminder takes these consents and details with her when she takes children out, along with a first aid box, so she is well prepared for emergency situations. Risks of cross-infection are minimised through her sick children and exclusion procedures. Parents are made aware of all these arrangements. Medicine is administered with parents' prior consent and relevant records are kept. If children have an accident, prompt appropriate treatment is given and relevant records kept, which parents see and sign.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and have regular drinks. They enjoy healthy breakfasts and meals, including cooked lunches. Menus are varied and include a good balance of freshly prepared ingredients such as meat, fish and vegetables, as well as some treats. Meals and snacks reflect children's dietary needs and stage of development, so the childminder agrees weaning arrangements with babies' parents, She is careful to ensure parents know what their children have eaten. Babies, children and the childminder enjoy lunches together. Portions are manageable and children's independence in feeding is encouraged. They use child-size cutlery and drink from suitable cups or beakers. Snacks are provided promptly when children return after school so they have something to eat and to drink, plus a sit down, before they go off to play.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

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.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in safe and secure premises. Indoor areas are free from hazards. The childminder checks her garden is safe before children go out there and all areas are enclosed and secure. Children are generally well supervised and well prepared for managing risks and hazards, so there are few accidents. Parents give their written consent to children using outdoor physical play equipment. However current arrangements for supervising children's use of large apparatus in the garden does compromise their safety. In other respects children use age-appropriate good quality toys and equipment. Babies enjoy playing with sturdy, colourful toys, which encourage their manipulative skills and exploration. When travelling in a vehicle, babies and children use suitable seats and restraints. The childminder's vehicle is properly maintained and insured.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a good understanding of safety issues. The childminder adeptly incorporates learning opportunities during topics such as safety in the home. She readily discusses relevant issues, including road and water safety, when children are on outings on foot, in the car or visiting parks. Children understand what to do in an emergency as the childminder talks to them about what to do in different circumstances. She has devised a fire drill which is discussed with parents and children, and practised from time to time. Appropriate fire detection and safety equipment is kept in the house. Older children know about calling 999 as the childminder has talked to them about different scenarios when they could telephone for help.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is given priority in the childminder's thorough emergency procedures which are shared with parents. When she goes out with the children the childminder takes their contact details, a first aid box and information to alert the emergency services about her role as a child carer. Her emergency plan covers children's care by another registered childminder should anything untoward happen to her. She has robust arrangements for managing any other crisis such as a child being lost.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm. The childminder has clear child protection procedures, which explain her role and responsibility to promote children's welfare. Parents are made aware of these. They are asked to advise the childminder of any injuries to children which have happened elsewhere. The childminder's collection procedures ensure children's safety when they are met by her after school or nursery or when they go home. Children are sensitively introduced to strategies to protect themselves, including what to do if they became separated from her. The childminder discusses these strategies with parents so that they can work together to help children safely manage difficult situations.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy being at the childminder's home. They play with interesting toys and resources and take part in rewarding activities and topics which take account of their age and interests. Toys are varied and readily accessible. This means babies develop confidence as they safely reach out for toys. They can explore and investigate these with the childminder's help. She is reassuring and is aware that some babies or children may need some support and her involvement. However, she also makes sure children benefit from the wide choice of toys. As a result they are very confident to help themselves. Children play well together and develop their own ideas and scenarios, for example, when dressing up or during role play with the small world animals and farm.

p.4

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 take part in well resourced, enjoyable art and craft activities. These are often linked to a topic. The childminder makes sure activities are manageable for children so that younger ones happily colour in and glue their collage sheep. The childminder is also adept at giving children opportunities to try new experiences. Recently a mixed age group of children were captivated by a different method of colouring hard boiled eggs which they then decorated. They also enjoy cookery, for example, making chocolate 'nests', cakes and flapjacks.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's understanding is promoted by the childminder's good explanations and questions. Whilst making their collage sheep she encourages toddlers' to recall of an earlier topic about animals, the noises they make and the names of their babies. She helps children to make further connections through the books and toys she provides, so that children then go on to complete a puzzle depicting ' Old MacDonald's farm' and play with the small world toy farm buildings, vehicles and animals.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs and characteristics are well supported by the childminder. Their differing abilities or care requirements are confidently supported by her. She has a good understanding of child development and ensures that each child's care and health needs are fully recorded and discussed with parents. Activities are adapted and toys selected to reflect children's age, their level of understanding and their interests. This, and the childminder's sensitive encouragement, contributes to children's positive self-esteem.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good relationships with each other, often showing kindness and playing well together. They develop positive attitudes towards diversity through discussions, looking at books and playing with toys. Children are well behaved. Their good behaviour is encouraged as during activities and routines, the childminder naturally fosters their good manners, sharing, turn taking and being kind. They respond to her high expectations, especially regarding being independent and taking some responsibility for aspects of their safety. However, the childminder is alert to any changes in their behaviour or demeanour, and she often pre-empts any disruptions or disputes. She also appreciates the importance of ensuring children are busy and settled. Children like the fact the childminder values their efforts and achievements in different ways, including the use of rewards as well as praise. Consistency in behaviour management is achieved

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

between her provision and home through discussions and agreeing her expectations with parents.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are very well informed about the childminder's provision during her effective settling in and induction arrangements. Parents understand how the childminder organises her provision as they are able to discuss and look at her written procedures and samples of the records she uses. They are given copies of some key policies, including her emergency arrangements. Parents are given advice about what they need to provide for their baby or child. Clear agreements are made about their children's care.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive very good information about their babies' and children's activities and routines. Parents of babies have comprehensive daily feedback, and they all have access to a delightful individual photographic record the childminder maintains on each child. She also collates a folder of work for each child, which is in addition to the art and craft work they take home. When children leave her care, their photograph album and folder are given to the family. Should parents have any concerns about her provision the childminder has given them information on

p.5

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 how to contact Ofsted, and she has information to hand regarding her role in managing any written complaints.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being looked after in a welcoming family environment. The childminder's home is child-orientated, with toys ready to hand, so that babies and children quickly settle. Children's play is supported and enriched by the childminder's worthwhile topics and activities. She makes good use of information she has collected regarding ideas for children's play and learning.

p.6

Organisation

Children are safeguarded, and their parents are reassured, as the childminder ensures they are aware of her suitability and of other members of her household. She keeps up to date through her own personal research and undertakes required training such as first aid. The childminder's portfolio of information, policies and procedures enables parents to understand how she promotes all aspects of children's well-being. At the outset parents are shown her certificate of registration, but this is not displayed whilst the childminder is working. This means parents are not consistently aware of her responsibilities. The childminder is receptive to developing her provision through buying and loaning different toys and resources.

p.6

Organisation

Children's care is generally effectively supported by the childminder's documents and records. All relevant information and agreements are obtained to ensure children are looked after in accordance with their parents' wishes. Documentation is well organised so that confidentiality is maintained, whilst ensuring the childminder can easily access information. She has also collated helpful good practice information for her own reference. Some omissions in attendance recording have in the main been addressed. However, remaining minor inconsistencies mean some children's hours of attendance are not accurately recorded. In other respects the childminder ensures parental agreements and documents are reviewed and updated. Overall children’s needs are met.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to two recommendations regarding garden safety and promoting children's awareness of diversity. Garden safety has improved as renovations have been completed creating inviting areas for children's play. However, arrangements for the supervision of children and their use of large equipment at the bottom of the garden require further improvement in order to fully support their safety. Children's awareness of diversity is supported by an appropriate range of toys, resources and activities, and the childminder intends extending this aspect through borrowing additional toys and resources.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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.7

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 arrangements for the supervision and organisation of children's use of large outdoor physical play equipment • improve the accuracy of the daily record of children's hours of attendance • display the certificate of registration whilst working.

p.7

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.7

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.7