Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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209911 Unique Reference Number 03 May 2007 Inspection date Karen Cooper 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 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged 9, 11 and 13 years. They live in a detached house in the Stretton area of Burton on Trent. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The location is convenient for schools, pre-schools and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years and is currently minding seven children, one of whom attends on a full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they are taught the importance of personal care, for example washing their hands after toileting and before eating. The children are appropriately cared for in the event of illness with a verbal policy by which parents agree that children will not be cared for when they have an infectious illness. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has the appropriate permission and records in place regarding medication and accidents. However, children's welfare is not fully protected because accident records are not always countersigned by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children's health is promoted by providing a wholesome and nutritious diet. Food provided by parents is stored appropriately and information about meal choices is verbally shared with parents. The childminder is aware of each child's individual dietary needs and ensures these are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical play as they use 'push-alongs' and wheeled toys, which help to develop their physical skills. They receive plenty of fresh air when visiting the local park and frequently go for walks to the local shops. They competently use a wide range of smaller equipment including, crayons, pencils and various craft items.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children use a range of toys and equipment that are of good quality and safe. Equipment is regularly checked for safety and is kept clean. The children are able to access resources independently and the childminder supervises their choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Indoor space is organised effectively, creating a child-friendly environment which enables the children to explore while being appropriately supervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to keep children safe and ensures appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including cupboard locks, stair gates, fireguard and socket covers. There are clear procedures to ensure only authorised people collect children. For example, a description, identification and a name is used for extra protection. The childminder ensures children are safe when on outings and takes appropriate information such as parent contact numbers in the case of an emergency and obtains written consent from parents at registration. Fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. However, the children’s safety is potentially compromised because they are unaware of emergency procedures to follow for evacuation in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's appropriate knowledge of her role and responsibility to protect children in her care. She is aware of signs and symptoms of possible abuse and know the appropriate procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, well-settled and have formed good relationships with the childminder. This enables the children to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. The children are provided with a good range of activities and experiences that reflect their needs, interests and which help them to make progress in their development. The environment is child-orientated and the children are able to make decisions about their play as they choose from the various well-placed toys and activities. They are keen to participate in the activities and enjoy playing together with the cars, garage and with the childminder; making a train track. Toys and resources are regularly rotated to ensure that the children remain interested and stimulated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is sensitive to new children's concerns, offering comfort and reassurance. Parents are encouraged to spend time with their children for at least the first day. This ensures their children can be left happy and relaxed. The children are helped to develop confidence and self-esteem through use of praise. Good behaviour is acknowledged and the childminder ensures that it is highlighted during daily discussions with parents

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a range of activities outside the home. They go for walks to the local shops and supermarket and frequently visit the park. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and intends to attend training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder meets their needs well through daily routines, which are discussed and agreed with parents. Children have access to a range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of our wider world and which help to increase their understanding of people with similarities and differences. The childminder stated that she would care for any child as long as she could meet their needs and endeavours to work in partnership with parents to ensure the children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children make themselves at home, are relaxed and well settled. They respond positively to the childminder who ensures that behaviour is managed with use of praise, explanation and distraction. Children are well behaved and are encouraged to share, take turns and show consideration for others. They are listened to and the childminder values what they say, which helps them to feel good about themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Written and verbal information is provided to parents about the childminding practice and service offered. Parent’s wishes are respected and the childminder talks to them on a daily basis to ensure children benefit from a two way sharing of information.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at ease in a homely environment. They use the ground floor of the property to enjoy a wide variety of spontaneous and planned activities and independently select from a good range of quality toys and equipment that are provided for them daily. Regular visits outside of the home contribute to children's learning and enjoyment of the local environment.

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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 Documentation is easily accessible, regularly reviewed and stored securely. Written and verbal information is shared on a regular basis with parents to ensure that they are informed of their child's daily events and progress. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to undertake a risk assessment with regard to the dog and the water feature in the garden. keep a written record of any medicine administered to children and ensure parents sign the record of accidents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The garden is not currently used for minding and the childminder feeds the dog when children are not present to ensure their well-being is protected. The appropriate records are in place regarding accidents. However, children's welfare is not fully protected because accident records are not always countersigned by parents. Therefore, as part of this inspection this has been carried forward as a recommendation to improve practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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 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 accident recording complies with current legislation • develop fire safety precautions within the home, for example, by ensuring that children fully understand and practise the emergency escape plan • ensure children's records including emergency contact and GP details are kept.

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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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