Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 210207 Inspection date 18 July 2005 Inspector Julie Mary Preston

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 satisfactory. 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 1983 and works with another registered childminder on the same premises. The childminder lives with her husband and three children aged 13, 16 and 23 years. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children alone or for a maximum of nine children when working with another registered childminder. She currently offers care for four children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder takes children to visit the

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 local park, the local shops and the library.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where the procedures implemented by the childminder help children learn the importance of staying healthy. Children demonstrate a clear understanding of hygiene as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before having their snack. They know that this removes germs. The childminder understands the procedures for dealing with accidents and administering medication, however, consent for medication is sought but no record of administered medication is kept and parents are not asked to sign a record when medication has been administered. Children understand the benefits of a healthy diet through discussion with the childminder. Children are given regular access to drinks and are comfortable to request drinks and snacks they require throughout the day. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual dietary needs. Healthy snacks

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

are provided and together with parents children develop a healthy approach to eating. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. Regular outdoor activities help children develop physical skills and gain control of their bodies. For example children visit the local park and use the garden. Children are given opportunities to rest or sleep in line with parental wishes and individual children's sleep patterns which helps children to settle well.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where the childminder is very diligent in ensuring possible risks are identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder develops children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe and maintain safety both inside and outside the home. For example through discussion about road safety. The home is well maintained and offers good space and a welcoming environment for children to play comfortably with the toys and equipment. The child friendly environment allows children to independently select activities from the range of toys, which are suitable for the age range of children attending. Toys are organised in storage boxes and on shelves at child height to allow easy access. The childminder has all the required safety procedures in place to ensure children's

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example by discussing fire procedures with children and undertaking regular evacuation drills. The childminder has a developing understanding of child protection procedures to ensure children are protected from harm or neglect. However she is not aware of her Local Area Child

p.3

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 Protection Committee guidance and procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, very settled and show enjoyment of their time in the childminder's care. They are confident and make themselves at home. The children interact well with the childminder and with each other showing a clear bond and understanding. This leads to positive relationships and a sense of belonging. Children gain confidence to express their needs and wants confidently with the childminder. The childminder takes time to listen and make conversation with each child expanding on children's individual interests through discussion and questioning. This develops their understanding. The main play room provides a stimulating environment for children. For example by having toys and resources available at a child's level. Children experience a range of age appropriate activities that in the main promote development, encourage confidence, develop independence and promote self- esteem, such as independently

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

selecting activities and resources. However opportunities to develop older children's learning are limited. Most children spend their time purposefully. Many of the activities are child led with the childminder supporting and extending children's learning. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child that attends and their individual capabilities. This enables her to adapt and extend most activities to allow each child to gain the most out of each activity they participate in.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates some understanding of equal opportunities and special needs issues. Children are treated as individuals and their needs met accordingly. Resources and activities provide some positive images and develop children's understanding of themselves and the wider world. For example stories in books and visits into the local community. This helps children's awareness of the wider world and helps them develop positive attitudes and increases awareness of diversity and understanding of others. Children are well behaved and show a clear understanding of their boundaries. Children take turns and exhibit care and concern for each other. The childminder applies a consistent approach to manage a wide range of children's behaviour. Positive use of praise and encouragement helps to build children's selfesteem. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do. They have

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

opportunities to rest and to be active within the daily routine. The childminder promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnerships with them. Discussions are held with parents and children at the initial visits with ongoing discussions and observations on a daily basis to allow individual children's needs to be addressed. The childminder ensures parents are fully aware of

p.4

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 her procedures and how children will be cared for through discussions held on a daily basis and by sharing a file of written information and policies.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets all relevant training requirements and holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder intends to attend further training and currently intends to attend training on the Birth to Three Matters framework. The children feel comfortable and at ease within the childminder's home. An organised environment provided both inside and outside enables most children to be confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Written and verbal policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. These are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities and well being. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Most documentation is in place. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to review the resources provided that reflect equal opportunities, review the range of toys and their storage and to plan play activities and opportunities to help children make progress in all areas of development. In order to provide positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and ability the childminder has now provided books and jigsaws that reflect this. To ensure all areas of learning is met through the selection of play equipment provided appropriate to age, the childminder has devised a list of toys and equipment available including the age of child it is appropriate for, and the area of learning it addresses. Toys and equipment are now organised and stored in a store cupboard on shelves, within storage boxes and in a cupboard. The childminder has thought about the play opportunities she provides and has sought resources to enable children to make

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

progress in all areas of development, however activities are not always planned to meet the needs of the older child.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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.5

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): • Update medication records to include details of administration and parental acknowledgement of administration. • Gain awareness of the local area child protection committee guidance and procedures including contact details. • Ensure opportunities and experiences are available at all times to extend older children's learning and development. • Ensure a written agreement with parents is provided for all children that attend setting out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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.6