Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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210061 Unique Reference Number 28 June 2007 Inspection date Jasvinder Kaur 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 1997. She lives with her husband and one adult child in Lichfield, Staffordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children over five before and after school. She also cares for children over eight years of age. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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. The children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-organised activities and routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They are protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude

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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 children with infectious illnesses. The childminder is well aware of the importance of keeping a record of accidents and medicines administered to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy and nutritious foods which cater for their individual needs. They are developing an awareness of healthy eating through arranged activities and discussions about healthy eating. They say fruits make them fit and healthy. They know which food contains fat and sugar and why it is bad for their teeth and health. They choose their food, including fresh fruits, with confidence. Drink is readily accessible for all children at all times. They enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at snack times. This means children gain good understanding of the value of good nutrition and regular fluid intake. The childminder is well aware of children's dietary requirements and preferences through consultation with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good opportunities for children to learn about keeping healthy through regular exercise in their local play area. The use of physical play equipment and enthusiastic participation in outdoor games promotes their physical development. They enjoy walking to and from their school on a daily basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a welcoming and friendly environment as the childminder makes good use of available space. The space is well-organised so the children can move freely and safely. They enjoy easy access to appropriate resources, enabling them to be independent when selecting activities. The resources are stimulating and provide sufficient challenge in most areas of children’s development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times. They are encouraged to learn about hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. Safety issues are highlighted in the house rules, and children are warned about any possible hazards while they are playing in the house, walking to the school or using their local play area. Children develop a good awareness of safety measures as they discuss and draw a plan of emergency evacuation routes. However, the escape routes are not always kept free of obstacles, and the electric sockets are not made safe for children. This compromises children’s safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are well protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She has attended the relevant training 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 good. Children develop their imagination and independence by selecting resources and activities of their choice and initiating their own play. For example they enjoy taking part in art and craft activities and trace, draw or colour their favourite pictures. The childminder provides a good range of resources which are well-organised to increase children’s independence. Group activities encourage children to discuss rules of games and share their ideas. The childminder responds well to their interests and learning needs. For example, she picks up on topics they are doing in school or they show an interest in such as, the Egyptian alphabet or dinosaurs, and supplies them with additional materials such as DVD’s. If children need help with homework, she is willing to give it.

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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 are confident and have good relationships with adults and peers. They cooperate with each other, for instance while playing cards. They interact with the childminder and the inspector positively and happily engage them in conversation. Children are confident about seeking help and the support of the childminder and peers. This enables them to enjoy themselves in a relaxing and learning environment. The childminder offers assistance appropriately and is effectively involved in children’s play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a sense of belonging. They feel secure, as the childminder is well aware of their individual needs and interests. They enjoy being with and talking to adults and other children. They develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world through an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children are involved in decision making when selecting play and taking part in activities. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have special needs, the childminder is able to provide care which would include them in the life of the setting through discussing children’s needs with parents and relevant organisations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children appear to be happy, confident and well mannered in response to the clear boundaries set by the childminder. In group situations they listen to each other and wait patiently for their turn to speak. The childminder praises children for good behaviour and encourages them to play together and respect others through examples. For instance, on the subject of bullying, she explains how it affects others and the consequence of such behaviour. The childminder works well in partnership with parents to ensure children’s individual needs are met. Behaviour management is discussed with them. Information is shared with parents on a regular basis through verbal communication and well documented policies. This creates a welcoming environment for parents and children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in an organised and safe environment. They benefit from welcoming premises where they feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. Required adult-child ratios are maintained at all times to meet children's needs effectively. The childminder has attended some courses to keep abreast of developments in childcare. She holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. She has suitable arrangements to protect children and has undertaken relevant vetting procedures. This ensures that children receive appropriate care.

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Organisation

All the documents are maintained and stored appropriately. They are readily available for inspection and shared with parents to keep them informed of their child’s care and routines. Parents’ contributions are valued. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the childminder's qualifications, policies and information about the service provided.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that all low-level glass is safe or inaccessible to children and a parental signature is in place for obtaining emergency medical treatment or advice and for the administration of medication.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now rearranged the household furniture to ensure the low-level glass is inaccessible to children. She has tailored children’s record forms to ensure that parental consent is obtained for emergency medical treatment or advice and for the administration of medication. This means children’s welfare is promoted regarding this issue.

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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): • take reasonable steps to minimise hazards to children, with particular reference to the electric sockets and emergency escape routes.

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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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