Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

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224607 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2007 Inspection date Shirley Amanda Wilkes 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 1985. She lives with her husband and one adult child. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently three children on roll all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well in a warm, clean home. The childminder follows routine hygiene procedures, for example, cleaning the table with antibacterial spray. Children are learning about the importance of personal hygiene as they routinely wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet with liquid soap, and paper towels are used for hand washing to prevent the spread of infection. Clear systems are in place in the event of children becoming

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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 ill or having an accident. A medicine record book is kept and parents provide written permission to administer medicine and sign to acknowledge medication given. Written consent is in place for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. Accidents are recorded appropriately and parents' signatures are obtained. There is a clear sick child policy in place and this is shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and their dietary needs effectively met. Agreements with parents are in place with regard to provision of meals. Parents generally provide a packed lunch and the childminder provides snacks and drinks. Healthy options are provided as snacks include a selection of fruit. Children do not become thirsty as water is freely available. Children have good opportunities for fresh air and physical activities in the rear garden. Children have opportunities to play on bikes, ride-on toys and pushchairs. Visits to local parks mean that children are able to experience a full range of activities. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs as a travel cot and comfy sofas are provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a welcoming, well-maintained and safe environment. Children's safety is well promoted because outdoor spaces on the premises are kept tidy and secure. Hazards are kept to a minimum because the childminder is vigilant in checking the area and equipment before children play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have good opportunities to play with safe, clean toys. Indoors, the childminder takes positive steps to ensure children's safety is promoted. There are socket covers, safety gates and emergency equipment in place. Children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised as doors are kept secure. Children learn to keep themselves safe through discussions about emergency escape routes and road safety when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively promoted as the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. She clearly understands the steps to follow in the event of any safeguarding concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and well settled in the childminder's home. They are able to initiate their own activities inside and outside of the home, which promotes all areas of their development. Children are encouraged to make decisions about their play and are able to self-select from the large range of age-appropriate toys and resources, promoting their confidence and independence. Children's self-esteem is being built upon through the childminder offering support when needed and the acknowledgment of their individual achievements, for example, when completing construction toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's imagination is encouraged through playing with small world toys and through role play, for example, when using the play castle in the garden. Their creativity is developed as they explore painting and enjoy sticking and gluing using a variety of materials. A range of books means that children are able to share and read stories.

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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 enjoy visits out of the home, for example, trips to the local park were children are able to develop their physical skills, for example, when using large play facilities, such as the monkey bars.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and made to feel part of the family. The childminder gains information about children and their families on admission. Children are valued and are learning to value others, however, their access to toys and resources that reflect people of varying needs and backgrounds is limited to books. They have opportunities to learn about their own community through visits to local parks, shops and places of interest. Children have opportunities to socialise with others on visits to toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and encouraged to devise house rules to support their understanding of the need to cooperate with others. Their good behaviour is promoted through the childminder's calm manner. Children are encouraged to take responsibility, be helpful and polite. The needs of the children are well met because of the partnership between the childminder and parents. Appropriate contracts are in place and information about the setting is shared with parents. Daily informal chats with parents about what the children have done ensure parents are kept informed. There is an appropriate complaints procedure in place that is shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care where they initiate and extend their own play and learning, they feel at home and at ease within the well-organised environment. The effective organisation of space ensures children’s play opportunities are maximised and their individual needs are consistently met.

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Organisation

The welfare, care and learning of children is maintained through appropriate record keeping and documentation. A daily record of attendance is kept. Children's information and parents' contact details are maintained and appropriate consents are in place. Written policies, procedures and information about the setting are shared with parents. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. She was also asked to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a smoke alarm, which conforms to BS EN standards, is provided at every level of the house and to keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed a first aid course and has fitted smoke alarms on both levels of her home. Medication records are maintained, parents sign to give consent for medication to be administered and also sign to acknowledge when given. As a result, the safety and well-being of children has improved.

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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 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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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): • Increase the selection of toys that promote positive images of diversity.

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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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