Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

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224361 Unique Reference Number 31 May 2007 Inspection date Shirley Amanda Wilkes 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 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 14 years . They live in a house in the Meir Park area of Stoke on Trent within walking distance of local shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are currently 6 children on roll. The family has a pet cat .

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder helps to run a local carer and toddler group. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is promoted well and they are protected from illness and cross-infection by the good hygiene procedures the childminder has in place, for example, children's hands are routinely washed and table tops cleaned before meals and snacks. Nappy change routines are

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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 effective with the childminder washing her hands and cleaning changing mat before and after nappy change. Procedures for the recording of accidents and medication administered are in place however, the format used for the medication records do not ensure confidentiality is maintained. Children's welfare is accommodated as the childminder can respond to accidents appropriately. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a first aid box is easily accessible and written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has been obtained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and children are able to choose from a range of healthy snacks, for example, fruit and vegetables. Children are able to access drinks freely and their individual dietary needs are met effectively, these are discussed in detail with parents, and specific dietary needs are recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are developing well, they enjoy outdoor play and regular walks to and from school as part of their daily routine. They are able to enjoy more vigorous activities when attending carer and toddler groups and on visits to the local park. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. This contributes to their good health and physical well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe, indoor and outdoor environment. They have sufficient space for free movement and spread out activities and there is adequate storage space for equipment. Children use a wide range of developmentally appropriate, safe and suitable equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is fostered as the childminder carries out an ongoing risk assessment of her home to reduce hazards and to minimise the risk of accidental injury to children. They learn to keep themselves safe as they are provided with clear explanations about safety issues within the setting, for example, not to run indoors. The childminder regularly practises evacuation procedures with the children to ensure they know how to keep safe in an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in the area of child protection. She has a secure understanding of the procedures to follow if she has child protection concerns and has systems in place to release children into the care of other adults in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and well settled in the childminder's home. They are able to initiate their own activities which promotes all areas of their development. Children are encouraged to make decisions about their play and are able to self-select from a range of age-appropriate toys and resources promoting their confidence and independence. Children enjoy looking at books and join in the story 'I spy Tom Thumb' looking for the hidden characters. The childminder records and discusses children's individual routines with their parents so that children have time to be active and to rest. Children have regular opportunities for physical development as the play area is safe and comfortable where infants are able to toddle safely and play with a variety of age-appropriate resources.

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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 Children's self-esteem is being built upon through the childminder offering support when needed and the acknowledgment of their individual achievements, for example, when completing their art work. Children enjoy visits out of the home, for example, to the carer and toddler group and to commercial play areas. The childminder shares accomplishments of the children daily with parents through the use of a daily diary and by sharing their developmental profiles on a regular basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well. The childminder takes time to find out about specific needs through the use of contracts and the recording of individual daily routines. Children's welfare is promoted by a regular exchange of information between parents and childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is well promoted. This is due to the childminder using praise and encouragement throughout their daily routine to encourage positive behaviour. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are able to make decisions and initiate their own play which enhances their time spent with the childminder. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have special needs the childminder is able to provide care which includes them in the life of the setting through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a comprehensive folder about her family and her policies and procedures to share with parents. Children's ongoing progress is accommodated as the childminder works closely with parents and provides opportunities each day to share information regarding the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is increased by them being able to access a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. The children and the childminder play together using resources, for example, books and dolls and small world figures that show positive images of race and gender.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the care of an appropriately vetted and experienced childminder. They are never left alone with anyone who is not vetted. Children’s progress is enhanced as the childminder accesses childcare workshops to improve her practice.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her home effectively to accommodate children’s play. They are able to move around easily and safely and access equipment in a well-prepared environment. Comfy furniture is available on which children may rest or look at books, a table and chairs are provided for board games and craft activities. A toilet is available on the first floor and the secure garden is accessed from the conservatory. Documentation to promote the welfare and care of the children is well-organised and stored securely. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and request written permission from parents for

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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 seeking emergency medical advice or treatment; become familiar with the latest child protection procedures; improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that the fire blanket is easily accessible in the kitchen and by fitting a smoke alarm on the ground floor and to obtain written permission to transport children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now obtains written permission before administering medication and consent is in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment which ensures children's well-being. The childminder is aware of the latest child protection procedures, a smoke alarm is now fitted on the ground floor and a fire blanket is easily accessible. All of which ensures children's safety. Written permission has been obtained to transport children in a vehicle.

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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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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 medication records are maintained to ensure confidentiality of individual entries.

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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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