Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY103273 Unique Reference Number 09 July 2007 Inspection date Permjit Tanda 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and seven years in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton. There are local shops and a park within walking distance. The ground floor of the property and toilet on the first floor are used for childminding purposes only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years on a part-time basis. The childminder collects children from the local school and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of appropriate hygiene and personal care through washing their hands prior to meals and after using the toilet. They stay healthy because the childminder adopts satisfactory hygiene routines to prevent the spread of infection. For example, children are provided with paper towels to dry their hands and separate bedding. The childminder has

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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 completed first aid training and there are effective procedures in place to protect children from infection or if they become ill. All the required documentation and formats are in place for administering medication and recording accidents, however, minor accidents are not always recorded and consequently children’s welfare compromised on these occasions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and hydrated. Parents' wishes and the children’s choices and special dietary requirements are met, because mainly parents provide the children’s meals. The childminder provides regular drinks such as fresh drinking water, milk and squash throughout the day and fresh fruits are made readily available. This helps them begin to understand the importance of healthy eating and making healthy choices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children develop their physical skills well through the childminder supporting and encouraging them. They freely use the environment indoors to practise and acquire new physical skills. For example, they have use of wheeled cars, a soft ball to kick and throw and a tent to move in and out of safely. Children benefit from regular opportunities to further develop their skills through using the garden for outdoor play. This contributes towards the children’s physical fitness. Children sleep according to their needs and are able to have quiet time for relaxing if they wish. They benefit from the childminder's flexible daily routines which ensure that their individual needs are met appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken reasonable positive steps to promote safety within the home for example, the use of safety gates and electric socket covers means children move safely, freely and independently indoors. Their safety outdoors is continued through ensuring all large fixed play equipment is secure and children are supervised at all times whilst playing in the garden. At present the childminder is caring for younger children and therefore the main door is secure, however, older children can easily reach the lock and leave the premises unsupervised and on these occasions their safety compromised. Fire safety aspects are well considered through well-maintained smoke detectors on each level, a fire action plan which is displayed along with fire exits which are clearly marked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a satisfactory range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Children are protected from possible harm and neglect, because the childminder knows how to recognise possible signs of abuse and is fully aware of her role and responsibility in protecting children in her care in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident, independent and settle well at the childminder's house. They develop close and caring relationships with the childminder which helps them gain self-assurance. Children enjoy being with the childminder who spends her time interacting with them, for example, together they play with the dough, exploring the texture by manipulating it with their hands and tools. Children easily seek comfort from the childminder when they are tired and enjoy being with a familiar adult which contributes to their sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder selects resources and activities which are appropriate for the needs of the children attending and mostly they show appropriate levels of interest in what is available. The

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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 resources are easily accessed through storage boxes and regularly changed through the use of a local toy library. However, on some occasions resources made available do not arouse the children’s interest. For example, children have few opportunities to build on their natural curiosity through good a range of sensory experiences such as paint, arts and crafts activities, sand and water. Children increase their language through the childminder’s interactions and they enjoy their time together. However, she does not always effectively increase children’s learning through extending their play further.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Children’s individual care needs are discussed with parents and routines and preferences followed, this helps children to settle in and feel comfortable. Children learn about diversity through the childminder's open approach to difference and through discussion. The childminder is able to adapt the environment and activities to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder meets the children’s needs well because she works with parents, in order to identify their likes, dislikes and personalities, for example, open discussion about eating habits and behaviour ensures consistency for the children and helps them make progress. Parents are kept satisfactorily informed through the use of a notice board and daily discussion about their child’s day. This contributes to the children’s well-being at the setting. Children understand behaviour boundaries because the childminder uses positive strategies which help them learn right from wrong, for example, a simple explanation which is positive and appropriate to the age and maturity of the children reminds them why they must not put the play-dough in their mouth. Children gain appropriate levels of self-esteem and confidence through the constant praise from the childminder. For example, children are further encouraged and excited whilst

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Helping children make a positive contribution

building a tower through the childminder clapping, praising and smiling at their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the environment. The childminder is aware of their needs and gives them the time to relax and play at their own leisure. The childminder has a developing understanding of child development and consequently children’s learning is not always effectively promoted in some areas of development. There is a commitment to further increase this knowledge through accessing further training and development courses.

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Organisation

All the required documentation for the efficient and safe management of the provision is in place. All documentation is stored securely and organised to maintain confidentiality. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection seventeen actions were raised to improve the safety, welfare and care of children. The childminder was asked to: increase her skills and ability to look after children through completing the Introduction to Childminding Practice course; plan activities in line with the aspects and approach as described in the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework; plan and provide a suitable range of activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical and intellectual capabilities; ensure that insurance for vehicles used when childminding

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Improvements 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 include business cover; ensure that safety equipment is used at all times when minded children are present; devise and practise an emergency escape plan; provide a fire blanket; take reasonable steps to promote children's safety within the setting, including when transporting children and when on outings; promote the good health of children by taking positive steps to prevent the spread of infection; ensure appropriate hygiene procedures are implemented consistently; promote equality through providing an appropriate range of toys and activities; develop an awareness of special needs so that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified; manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development; devise a system to enable the recording of and appropriate procedures

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Improvements since the last inspection

for the handling of complaints; obtain a knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures; ensure that the child protection procedure complies with that of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and that they can be put into practice; record daily the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed an appropriate ‘Birth to three matters’ framework course and is undertaking further training and reading in child development to increase her knowledge of child development. Therefore activities provided are mostly suitable for the ages of the children attending. The childminder obtained a place on the Introduction to Childminding Practice course but is unable to complete it until she has completed her Basic English course which will help her further understand what is expected. The vehicle used to transport children has an appropriate valid insurance and parents' written permission is obtained for their child to be transported. Positive steps are taken to promote safety within the home through the use of safety gates and electric socket covers. Children’s good health is maintained through ensuring areas used by the children are clean. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection

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Improvements since the last inspection

through encouraging children to learn about personal hygiene through daily routine and providing individual bed linen and paper towels. Children access a moderate range of toys and resources such as dolls, puzzles and dressing-up clothes to develop their awareness of diversity. The childminder has been supported by the local authority worker and now fully understands her responsibility and is able to take appropriate action when a child is identified or admitted to the provision with special needs. She is able to manage children’s behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development and children increase their self-esteem. Although the childminder has not received any complaints from parent’s she has a complaints log in place to maintain a record of any complaints made. The childminder has completed a child protection course and therefore her knowledge of child protection issues has improved and the procedures

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Improvements since the last inspection

in place are consistent with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Therefore children are well safeguarded. An accurate record is maintained of the children’s daily attendance and therefore children’s safety improved.

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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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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): • ensure a record is maintained of any accidents • ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised • continue to build on the range of resources, activities and play opportunities provided which allow children to build on their natural curiosity as learners, paying particular attention to activities that provide sensory experiences. • continue to increase knowledge of how to organise resources and support children's play and learning.

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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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