Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

223727 Unique Reference Number 18 April 2007 Inspection date Kathryn Mary Harding Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and three children, in a small town in North Shropshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog and one rabbit as pets.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm clean setting where they learn the importance of sound personal hygiene through the daily routines such as ensuring they wash their hands prior to

p.2

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 eating and using antibacterial soap. The childminder will not accept an ill child, so preventing the spread of infection. Procedures are in place to record accidents and the childminder has attended a paediatric first aid course. However, written parental permission is not in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, so children's good health is not fully promoted.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about which foods are good to eat as the childminder promotes healthy eating. They are encouraged to try healthy and nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit. She takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to meet their dietary requirements. Children learn about living healthily as they are encouraged to take lots of exercise and get plenty of fresh air. They are offered regular drinks of fruit juice and water and are able to access their own drinking container throughout the day, so dealing with their own care needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy outdoor activities which help them develop control of their bodies, such as skipping, scooting and riding on the trikes. They take part in a range of activities, such as construction sets and puzzles to help develop their fine control skills. Regular walks around the local area, to nursery and the park improve children’s physical skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards and are regularly checked. The childminder does monitor and supervise children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Older children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as they talk about road safety when outdoors and are encouraged to hold onto the pushchair. They know that a baby can choke on toys with small pieces, so they have these out when babies are asleep.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment which is warm and where there is plenty of space for them to play in. In order to help keep children safe the childminder visually checks the rooms prior to the children arriving. In the home safety precautions such as socket covers and cupboard locks are in place.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an appropriate knowledge of child protection issues and has information available regarding what to do if there is a child protection concern. However, a record of existing injuries is not maintained. Consequently children's welfare is not fully promoted.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy, confident and interested to learn. As they complete a jigsaw they spontaneously sing nursery rhymes. The childminder gives each child individual time during the day and encourages them to choose what they want to do, so promoting their independence. As they complete the matching game, the childminder chatters to the children about their friends and their toys at home. The childminder makes learning fun, as they find different coloured pegs and count how many.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Their confidence and self-esteem is promoted well as the childminder praises them for their efforts and gives them lots of encouragement and support. The childminder ensures that children have good opportunities to develop social skills by taking them to toddler groups to meet other children.

p.3

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 accessible for the children. The childminder has got the 'Birth to three matters' framework and adapts activities so younger children can take part. She gives younger children larger wax crayons so they can crayon a picture.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's awareness of others is extended as the childminder has some resources to positively reflect diversity. The childminder values and respects each child as an individual and encourages each child to achieve their potential. Although there are no children currently attending with learning difficulties and/or disabilities the childminder demonstrates an appropriate understanding of ensuring inclusion for all.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased as they are given an explanation why the behaviour is not acceptable and the childminder encourages the children to sort the disagreements out themselves, dependent on their age and stage of development. The childminder asks the children to play nicely together and is always consistent in her approach. Lots of praise and encouragement is used with the children, so promoting their self-esteem and self-confidence.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure consistency of care for the children. The childminder works hard to adhere to the child's routine. However, a complaints procedure is not in place, if a parent wishes to complain. Parents are kept well informed about their child's day as they talk daily, so they know where they have been and what they have been doing and if there have been any problems. This ensures consistency of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at home within the relaxed, welcoming environment. They are confident to choose their own activities and are effectively supported by the childminder who organises the play environment appropriately. They have plenty of space to play in and access to an enclosed outdoor area.

p.4

Organisation

Most of the required paperwork is in place to promote children's well-being. The certificate of registration is not displayed so parents are therefore not fully aware of the conditions of registration. Confidentiality is maintained as all paperwork is stored securely.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to:

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure that a record detailing injuries, which children already have when entering the childminder's care, is maintained;

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Ensure that the first aid training completed is an appropriate course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children;

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.4

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 The childminder has not recorded children's existing injuries or obtained written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, so these recommendations have been brought forward at this inspection. The childminder has attended a paediatric first aid course, so helping to promote children's good health.

p.4

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that a record detailing injuries, which children may already have when entering the childminder's care, is maintained • ensure a complaints procedure including Ofsted's details is available if a parent wishes to complain

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5