Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY268286 Unique Reference Number 21 May 2007 Inspection date Susan Rogers 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 2003. She lives with her father in Walsall. Two living rooms on the ground floor, the first-floor bathroom and one bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children who attend on both a full-time and part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks and drives to a local school to take and collect children. She attends the local toy library and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder has an NVQ three qualification in care and education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities to learn about healthy eating. They enjoy nutritious snacks that include fresh fruit, wholemeal sandwiches, home cooked stews, raw vegetables and sugar free

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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 squash. Children are appropriately nourished as they enjoy food that is relevant to their times of attendance and different dietary requirements. The appropriate documentation supports children's varied health needs. For example, there is a sick child policy that encourages parents to care for their child at home if they have an infectious illness and medication is administered with parents prior written consent.

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Helping children to be healthy

The appropriate routines protect children against illness and infection, for example, children wash their hands prior to eating and after using the toilet. They are protected if there are concerns regarding their health or if they have an accident. The childminder has a current paediatric first aid certificate and has an understanding of how she would protect children if there are concerns over their health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to enjoy physical exercise; they play in the garden and walk to and from school. They are protected in the sun since the childminder ensures that parents provide their child with protection cream and ensures children wear hats when playing outdoors. They are suitably protected in the cold weather since the childminder ensures that children wear warm clothing whilst they walk to and from school or will drive them to and from their destination in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy feelings of security as the premises are welcoming with a variety of children's art work displayed and equipment and toys readily available for their use. The premises are mostly safe and, therefore, protect children's well-being. For example, all sockets have protective covers and children have supervised access to the kitchen. However, some of the play equipment in the rear garden is not secured, one of the stair gates has an inefficient closing mechanism and some cleaning materials in the bathroom are within children's reach. The childminder supervises children and is vigilant of their activities this, therefore, maintains their safety. Children sleep safely as the childminder ensures that their sleep is monitored. There is appropriate business insurance, seating and restraints that ensure children travel in safety whilst being driven in the childminder's car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected against the dangers of fire through regular emergency evacuation practices and maintenance of the fire prevention equipment. For example, there is a fire blanket available in the kitchen and a working smoke alarm on each floor of the premises. Most of the documentation is in place that supports children's safety, however, there is no formal evidence of current public liability insurance which may compromise children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures that children have a variety of equipment and toys that are suited to their age and ability. For example, there are construction and craft activities, creative play equipment, abacus and shape sorters. There are some toys and equipment that are suitable for the older children which include activity books, wheeled toys and sports equipment. Children are protected if there are concerns regarding their care as the childminder has a child protection policy, has all the relevant contact numbers and has discussed her obligations with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder actively promotes children's independence through vigilance and careful monitoring of their abilities, therefore, they are confident. For example, younger children climb

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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 stairs alone and use the toilet unaided. They speak clearly, are proud of their achievements and enjoy playing and working independently. They take pride in their play environment and are encouraged to help the childminder with simple household tasks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is promoted as they enjoy activities that further their learning and skills. For example, younger children enjoy activity toys and older children enjoy colouring and imaginary play opportunities. Their sense of security is nurtured whilst they enjoy close contact with the childminder during their play. For example, children sit on the childminder's knee whilst they have a story read or enjoy one-to-one conversation. Their play is encouraged by the childminder who has appropriate understanding of their individual needs. For example, children's learning is promoted whilst they enjoy an imagined scenario with farm animals, this is supported by the childminder who makes suggestions and joins in their play. Their conversation skills are encouraged through the childminder contributing to their vocabulary through one-to-one conversation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing good friendships with each other, recognising that their play is improved when they include others. Their sense of security is encouraged as the childminder continues with their familiar routines. Their learning is promoted as the childminder plans activities in advance and frequently makes use of additional with spontaneous learning opportunities. They are able to interact socially through a range of activities that take place outside the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have some opportunities to learn about different cultures and traditions as there are activities and equipment available that give positive representation of the wider world. They are learning about other cultures through positive explanations. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities have suitable care as the childminder understands the importance of working alongside other agencies. The childminder works appropriately with parents to ensure that children have continuity of care and that their individual needs are respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's energies are being consistently directed into meaningful activities, therefore, they behave well. They enjoy positive self-esteem and are confident about their achievements. Frequent praise from the childminder promotes their well-being. Their individual routines are respected as the childminder ensures she liaises well with parents, therefore, promoting their continuity of care. Children settle well as the childminder ensures she has sufficient information and knowledge regarding their individual care needs. However, children's contracts have not been recently updated which compromises their welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's independence is encouraged, consequently, they are confident. The childminder promotes their independence through encouraging children to become responsible for their own actions. For example, they clear away toys and equipment following their play activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have appropriate protection as they are always cared for by a vetted person. There are suitable contingency plans in place, which have been discussed with parents and ensure that children are appropriately cared to for at all times. The documentation includes comprehensive policies and procedures, is shared with parents and mostly protects children's well-being.

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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 Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has completed initial assessments of the younger children which follows the 'Birth to three matters' framework. The childminder furthers her own development by attending both professional and voluntary training which, therefore, protects children's welfare and development. For example, the school collection service ensures that children have opportunities to exercise whilst they walk to and from school.

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Organisation

Children's individual needs are supported through flexible planning. The childminder plans for regular activities and makes provision for spontaneous learning opportunities. Their development is encouraged as planning makes sure that their individual preferences are considered. Additional learning opportunities are provided for children that include visits to the seaside, the Sea Life Centre and local venues that include the library and toy library. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to: broaden the provision of toys and equipment to ensure that the needs of all children are met; develop resources to promote positive images, so that children learn about the wider world; ensure that meals and snacks provided are healthy and nutritious; make sure that low-level glass is inaccessible, that electric sockets are fitted with socket covers, the premises are secure, that small hazardous items in the front room are inaccessible to children and that the banisters on the landing are made safe so that children can play safely; ensure good hygiene practice regarding nappy changing and the use of feeding bottles; improve knowledge and understanding of managing children's behaviour and ensure that parents provide all necessary written permission relating to the care of their child.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children now have appropriate protection as there are suitable provision of toys and equipment that include resources that promote the wider world. The effective hygiene routines protect children from illness and infection in respect of nappy changing and the use of feeding bottles. The meals and snacks provided are healthy and nutritious and include fruit and raw vegetables. The low-level glass has been removed and accessible electric sockets are fitted with socket covers protecting children's welfare. Hazardous items in the front room are inaccessible to children and the banisters on the landing are now safe ensuring children's safety. The childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding of managing children's behaviour and she ensures that parents provide all necessary written permission relating to the care of children.

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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. 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): • regularly review the written agreements and contracts with parents • provide evidence of public liability insurance, review the risk assessments with reference to the stair gate, play equipment in the garden and cleaning materials in the bathroom.

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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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