Childminder in Walsall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299410 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Jane Lindsay Durand

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband in the Beechdale area of Walsall. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children aged 0 to 8 years at any one time. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and also attends parent/toddler groups in the area. The family have no pets.

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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 The childminder is able to support children with special needs and speak English as an additional language. She is also a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are being cared for in a warm, clean and loving environment. They have easy access to a wide range of toys and equipment which are clean and in a good state of repair. Regular risk assessments are carried out to ensure children are safe. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well planned daily routines. They know, for example, that they should wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Minor accidents are appropriately managed and recorded with information shared with parents. Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children have regular access to fresh drinking water. Children experience good routines which enable them to be active as well as rest. The childminder provides plenty of opportunities to enable the children to participate

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Helping children to be healthy

in a wide variety of physical activities, both indoors and out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and uses risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, the childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place. Children understand how to keep themselves safe because the childminder gives high priority to promoting their well-being. Children are well protected. Child protection procedures are understood well and the childminder is aware of her responsibilities. These are discussed with parents at registration. A fire evacuation procedure is practiced regularly to ensure children are aware of the routine in such an event.

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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 The provision is good. Children have settled well at the childminder’s home. They are self-assured and confident in the welcoming environment. Children are able to develop their confidence and independence through positive interactions with the childminder. Challenging and varied activities are provided which stimulate and arouse children’s interest. They are able to choose between a variety of books, toys and activities which appeal to all. The children spend their time purposefully at the childminder’s home and have an excellent attitude towards learning. Children benefit from regular outings to physical activity groups, farm visits and local parks. These promote learning and stimulate their interest in the wider world. Children's early communication skills are extremely well supported through high

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

quality adult-child interactions. Children receive lots of cuddles and have a strong bond with the childminder which increases their sense of well-being. Parents regularly share information about their child's needs, interests and experiences outside the home. This ensures the childminder gives appropriate care and attention to each individual child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well and play happily together. With the childminders guidance they are able to learn how to take turns and show concern for each other. This enhances their social skills. Resources are easily accessible which help children make independent choices about their play. The childminder shows a sound understanding of special needs, however she her knowledge and awareness of equal opportunities to ensure children's needs are fully met, is limited. Behaviour management is discussed with parents at registration. Children respond positively to the childminder's routines and boundaries. Behaviour is managed effectively with age appropriate strategies used. Good use of praise and encouragement helps build the children's self esteem. Children are treated with equal concern, this helps them feel valued. Children benefit from a two way sharing of information between parents and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder to enhance their learning. This promotes the children's progress within the setting and helps them to fully contribute to the provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards.

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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 The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Toys and equipment are stored appropriately, promoting the children's independence and self-selection. The childminder organises her time sufficiently well to meet the individual needs of the range of children. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge and development through attending appropriate courses. She receives support from the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership to enable her to broaden children's experiences which contributes to the quality of care. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. A daily register showing children's times of arrival and departure is maintained. Documents are stored appropriately,

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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 toys and equipment are cleaned and checked for safety regularly. • Increase knowledge of equal opportunities to ensure all children's needs are met.

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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:

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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 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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