Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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210378 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2007 Inspection date Valerie Thomas 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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15 and 12 years and one adult child in Wolstanton. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 and is currently minding 10 children. Of these, eight are under eight years and all children except for one of them attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder supports a number of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends the local playgroup and meetings for childminders and their children.

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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 good. Children's good health is promoted through the clear routines and procedures implemented by the childminder. Children know that they need to wash their hands before lunch and anti-bacterial hand wash is provided. Routines for nappy changing help to prevent cross contamination. The mat is wiped after use and the childminder ensures she washes her hands after changing the nappy. There is a clear policy in place for excluding sick and infectious children which helps to limit the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

A good range of healthy and nutritional meals provided by the childminder encourages children to develop a positive approach to healthy eating. Children sit well at the table as they eat 'Billy the bear' sandwiches for lunch and are encouraged to taste the tomatoes and cucumber. Young babies' needs are met well and the childminder works in partnership with parents to help them through the weaning process. Routines are flexible and children are able to rest according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular opportunities for children to take part in physical activities and play outside in the fresh air are provided. Children are taken to a local activity centre each week and often visit local parks and playgroup. This encourages children to develop their physical skills and a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Areas used within the home are maintained and organised well and there is good space for children to play comfortably with toys. The home is welcoming to children with posters displayed and there is a good range of toys which are easily accessible. Children are able to make decisions about their play as they confidently ask for the fire engine and take toys off the shelves to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about safety in the home through clear boundaries set by the childminder. They learn that they should not stand on the books and to be careful when taking the truck off the shelf as they may hurt themselves. Safety for children when taken outside is promoted well. There are clear written procedures for outings and lost children and required car restraints and seats are provided in line with the new regulations. This helps children stay safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and the correct procedures for reporting any concerns. She has all relevant contact details and has a clear understanding of signs and symptoms that may alert to child abuse. This helps to ensure children are protected from harm or neglect.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a wide range of activities which contributes to their development both inside and outside the home. They enjoy sharing stories with the childminder as they place the animals on the pictures. Children concentrate well as they choose to sit and write letters and numbers in the books and play with the trucks and fire engine. Children's language skills are constantly developed through lots of conversation and questioning. They are encouraged to say the numbers on the toy clock as they look at the time and count up to three.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. Positive and caring interaction takes place and the childminder is attentive to young babies' needs. She encourages them to reach out for toys and uses distraction and soothing tones well as they wait for their dinner to be prepared.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's independence is developing well through lots of encouragement from the childminder. They are encouraged to go to the toilet by themselves and wash their own hands although support is given if needed. As a result children are becoming confident in their self-care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There are good opportunities for children to learn about the wider world. Younger ones are taken to local toddler groups four times a week and all children are taken on visits to local places of interest such as Trentham park and Tittesworth reservoir. This helps them to develop their social skills within the local community. The range of resources and activities to promote positive images of different cultures, gender and disability are good. There are books, dressing up clothes and small world equipment. This helps to raise children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Support for children currently attending with learning difficulties or disabilities is good. The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's needs and uses good methods to help them progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good procedures are used to manage children's behaviour. Children respond positively to the clear boundaries set, sitting back down at the dinner table when asked. Negotiation between children is encouraged. Consequently, children are able to share the pens as they play. Children develop a good sense of self-esteem when they are told they are good for sitting at the table and for keeping their seat belt fastened.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships are developed with parents. Written policies are shown to parents and discussion at initial visits informs them of how their child will be cared for. All individual needs are discussed and recorded and kept in their individual files to ensure confidentiality. There is a clear procedure for settling new children which helps to ensure they are happy in the care of the childminder. The children's well-being and how their needs are met during the day are discussed on a daily basis. This enables parents and the childminder to work together to meet the needs of the child.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Policies and procedures are used appropriately to promote the well-being of children. Many of the policies are in writing and help to ensure parents are fully informed. Documentation of children's details and attendance meet all requirements. However, the records kept of medication administered to children do not always include parent's prior written consent. This does not fully promote children's welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder meets all training requirements. She has completed an 'Introduction to Childminding Practice' course and recently updated her first aid certificate. In addition the childminder is undertaking a level 3 qualification in home based caring. This increases the childminder's knowledge of childcare issues and contributes to the quality of care provided.

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Organisation

Children are relaxed and at home in the well-organised environment. They are confident to make choices from the easily accessible toys. Positive and caring interaction takes place and comfort is given to young children who are upset when they are hungry. Consequently, children are happy and settled. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her knowledge of the national guidance for child protection, 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused' and to devise and practise an emergency escape plan.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has the child protection guidance and has a good knowledge of all procedures. This helps to ensure children are protected. A written fire evacuation procedure is displayed in the main play room and fire drills are practised regularly with the children. This promotes children's safety within the home.

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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.

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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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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

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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): • ensure that records kept on the premises of medication administered to children include parent's prior written consent.

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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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