Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 208359 Inspection date 18 May 2005 Inspector Jane Elizabeth Roberts

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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 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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and their 4 children, one aged 12 years and their other children are all over 16 years of age. They live in a detached house in a suburb of Telford, close to local shops and schools. The ground floor is used for childminding. There is a conservatory/playroom, lounge and a combined dining room and kitchen used for childminding, with direct access to a hall and bathroom which is upstairs. There is a fenced garden area at the rear of the property used by the children under supervision. The family have a pet rabbit and dog which are housed in the garden, there are also

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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 two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are involved in activities which are appropriate to their ages and the childminder talks to them about following a healthy lifestyle. The daily routine provides the children with a range of outings, games and resources to help them become aware of their bodies, for example there are regular visits to the local play park and in fine weather the younger children learn new skills when playing in the garden. Children's health is taken into account and she has a generally good understanding of how to care and support children, however children's written details do not reflect this sufficiently. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they follow appropriate hygiene and care routines to reduce the risk of cross contamination. They are encouraged to wash their hands before eating their food and using the toilet. Children are encouraged to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder takes account of the parent’s wishes, and works flexibly with them, enabling children to have their main meal provided by their parents. The younger children and babies are able to have drinks on demand throughout the day. Older children are encouraged to serve themselves and help to prepare the table for their packed lunch.

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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 suitably organised, welcoming home which is attractively arranged for the needs of the children. They move freely within the main play space of the dining area and kitchen and also use their conservatory as the main play room. Children freely access boxes of toys which are sorted in suitable ages and development stages. Younger children are introduced to road safety on their walks and are shown how to behave and act safely when outside the home. The childminder complies with the procedures and documentation required to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded. For example she has all current documentation for the use of a vehicle and she has a current first aid certificate. However she does not share her safety procedures with parents such as the emergency evacuation routine or how to make a complaint or how to deal with a child protection complaint. She has an adequate understanding of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection procedures which are in line with the local Area Child Protection

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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 Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well when they arrive at the childminder's house, especially those under three years old. There are familiar and interesting toys and activities set out which enable them to feel secure and comfortable. Younger children are given lots of time and they benefit from the childminder getting to know them well and working with their parents to meet the children’s needs and providing a caring and consistent routine. The children enjoy socialising at the local carer and toddler group where they take part in a wide range of creative activities and group games. Older children are involved in choosing what activities they do and they have regular opportunities after school to visit the local play park and play football. They also enjoy having quiet times with their books and favourite games. Older children's independence is encouraged by sharing jobs such as preparing the table for their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

packed lunch. Children interact very well with the childminder and each other; they share games and older children respond caringly when younger children are involved in their game, such as building and constructing objects. Children enjoy having contact with the family pets under close supervision of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about their local community and the natural world as they go on their daily walks or at their outings to the local parent and toddler group. However, there is a limited range of toys and activities which reflect other cultures and social diversity within the resources provided. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are understood and they are able to follow a daily routine which is discussed with their parents. Children are encouraged to play harmoniously together and sharing is promoted through their play and discussions with the childminder. The children respond to praise rather than criticism and babies are distracted with interesting toys. Children understand the house rules such as tidying away toys before getting new ones out and they are given praise when they help each other. Children with special educational needs benefit from the proactive ideas of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides parents with the required records and documentation. However, parent’s information about policies and procedures relating to childminding and children’s records are not always up to date. She knows the families well and she has daily informal discussions with parents about the children’s individual needs.

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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 childminder provides parents with the required records and documentation. However parent’s information about policies and procedures relating to childminding and children’s records are not always up to date. She knows the families well and she has daily informal discussions with parents about the children’s individual needs. The children feel at home and at ease in a generally well organised environment. This means they are becoming confident to extend their play and learning. There are adequate procedures in place; and records and contracts with parents meet the requirements. However, children’s records lack full details. Verbal exchanges of information with parents are common place but not all valuable information is recorded. The childminder has embarked on further training to benefit her

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Organisation

childminding practice which enhances the activities and daily routine for the children she cares for. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that the written records, parental permissions and agreements with parents reflect all the good child minding practice provided both indoors and outdoors. The childminder meets the requirements of the Children Act standards, however further development of additional written information would reflect the good childminding practice provided.

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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): • ensure children's records are up to date and include their dietary and health reeds • develop resources to provide children with more opportunities to explore other cultures and social diversity • ensure parents are informed about the procedures for emergency

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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 evacuations, how to make a complaint and how to deal with a child protection complaint

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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: 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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