Childminder in Sandwell

Inspection report for early years provision

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268314 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2007 Inspection date Kim Sharratt 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 satisfactory. 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 2001 She lives with her partner and two children aged 10 and four years in Oldbury, West Midlands. The whole of the childminder’s house downstairs and bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five part time. The childminder walks to local nursery school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local playgroup and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for in a warm, welcoming environment where they are happy and settled, and their individual needs are sufficiently well met. Children stay healthy and learn about good hygiene practices and follow well-established routines. They benefit from the childminder's use of consistent hygiene procedures such as encouraging the children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Documentation relating to medication and accidents is readily available and includes written parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met because the childminder discusses each child's individual requirements with parents. Each child's records contain information regarding specific dietary needs or allergies. The childminder is aware of providing healthy options such as fresh fruit, yoghurt and low sugar juice drinks. This ensures children learn about healthy food choices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an awareness of the importance of physical development and exercise and enjoy a range of activities such as visits to the local park, shops, playing in the garden and walking to and from nursery school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. The premises are clean, tidy and well organised. The whole ground floor is used and children move freely between the two rooms. Younger children are able to investigate and explore their surroundings safety. They begin to understand there are rules and boundaries that keep them safe. Children are provided with a good range of toys and resources, which are safe, clean and appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are easily accessible to children and this enables them to make choices, promotes independence and helps create a stimulating environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of health and safety; she is vigilant and supervises the children well. Children benefit from a range of safety measures already in place to minimise hazards. For example, a safety gate prevents children's access to the kitchen and stairs along with locks and safety devices fitted to cupboards and drawers in the kitchen. The emergency escape plan is clear and simple, smoke detectors are fitted in appropriate locations and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. The childminder ensures children are safe while on outings. She has written consent from parents to use the car and she uses a range of restraints and safety seats appropriate to each child's needs. Good priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has demonstrates some knowledge of child protection and a satisfactory understanding of the indicators of abuse or neglect. She is aware of her responsibility to protect

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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 children in her care, however she does not have a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures and consequently children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home and have developed a caring relationship with her. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she knows the children well. Children's individual needs are met and their welfare promoted. She provides them with a suitable range of activities and experiences both inside and outside the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The organisation of the childminder's home and the use of good resources helps younger children become increasingly independent. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children are given time to play and benefit from being able to take part in a wide range of worthwhile and interesting activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from good interactions with the childminder. She listens to what children are saying, gives reassurance and supports their learning and play by helping them to complete more difficult tasks and acquire new skills. This helps children develop confidence, extend their language skills and make positive relationships. The childminder encourages children to get on well together, share and take turns. This helps children to make positive relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are treated with equal respect because the childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of equality practice. They are gaining a sense of self worth and confidence by participating in activities and experiences, making small choices for themselves. Children are developing an understanding of differences between them selves and each other which is supported by the range of experiences and activities that the childminder provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand what is expected of them because clear and consistent boundaries are set and followed. This helps supports their understanding of the need for good behaviour. They are sensitive towards each others feeling and beginning to understand the impact their behaviour can have on others. The childminder as realistic expectations and these are continually reinforced through daily routines and practices such as tidying away toys after use. As a result children behave well and are developing positive relationships where they learn to play together, share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual requirements are met because the childminder and parents have clear expectations in respect of the care of the children and activities provided. Written contracts and agreements are in place and regular daily discussions take place to exchange information. This keeps parents are informed about the provision, however parents do not receive up to date information regarding concerns or complaints about the service, as the childminder does

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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 not have a format available to log complaints. Therefore parents are not fully informed of factors that potentially impact on children's well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards and takes positive steps to ensure that persons who have contact with the children are suitable have completed the relevant vetting procedure. She is enthusiastic about developing her childcare skills and knowledge to further improve the quality of care she offers by completing NVQ level 3 in Childcare and Education.

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Organisation

Effective organisation of space and resources provide children with ample opportunities to complete activities, relax, play or talk about their day. They are confident in moving around the childminder's home because they feel relaxed and at ease with the family environment. As a result children’s individual needs are consistently met.

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Organisation

Children’s records and parental contracts are stored confidentially and updated on a regular basis. This helps to form a positive relationship with parents to promote children’s care, learning and play. All documentation which contributes to children’s health and safety is maintained appropriately and is up to date and reviewed regularly, however the registration certificate is not displayed. Consequently children's welfare is potentially not fully protected.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet 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 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 satisfactory. 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures, with particular reference to obtaining a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures • ensure a record is kept of complaints and concerns relating to the National Standards and any action taken • ensure the certificate of registration is displayed.

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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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