Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

209584 Unique Reference Number 04 May 2007 Inspection date Jean Otter 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 good. 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 two children aged 14 and 17 in Cheadle, Staffordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding, except the study, and there is a fully 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 there is currently four children on role. The family has a cat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the childminder's consistent daily routines. They know for example, to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals. Children access toys and equipment which are clean and in a good state of repair and they can rest or be active according to their needs. They stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate guidelines, policies and procedures.

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 Some children bring their own lunch to the setting. The childminder provides healthy snacks, including wholemeal bread and a selection of fruit, and mainly sandwiches at lunchtime for those children whose parents do not provide meals. Drinks are available at all times which ensures children remain hydrated. The childminder respects the wishes of parents and has regard for any special dietary needs.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise. They go to the local park and use the garden under supervision where a range of equipment is available to support their physical development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well-organised setting which has good safety precautions in place, for example, hazardous and sharp materials are safely stored out of the children's reach. Security measures are effective, the front door is kept locked and the outdoor area is fully secure ensuring children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. Fire safety equipment is in place helping to keep children safe in an emergency. Children are beginning to learn about safety because the childminder talks to them and reminds them of safety issues, for example, how to cross the road safely when they go out to the local park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate toys and resources. They are able to self-select which helps to promote their independence skills. Equipment and furniture is functional and clean ensuring a satisfactory environment for children. Children are well supervised by the childminder which further safeguards their welfare.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection, ensuring that children remain safe. Procedures that relate to the Local Safeguarding Children Board are fully understood.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time in the setting. They are confident and approach the childminder for their needs which are met well. The childminder understands and responds to the non-verbal messages children display when, for example, they are tired. She demonstrates good communication skills with the children, in turn helping them to become skilful communicators. She listens and talks to them, values what they say and do and develops their self-esteem by the positive use of meaningful praise and encouragement. Children are learning various concepts such as long and short, empty and full, and basic problem solving skills such as how to fasten and unfasten the strap on the pushchair and to use bricks to build. The childminder supports the children to become independent as they choose which activities they want to play with. She makes good use of the Childminding Network resource facility, where

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

themed boxes of toys and resources are used and passed round the childminders in the local area, maintaining a varied selection of resources for the children's interest. There are good opportunities for children to develop their imagination and creativity as they paint, draw, dress up, play with water or dance to the music. They also benefit from a good range of outings and social activities, for example she takes children to the local library and to the swimming baths, which support their understanding of the community in which they live and the wider world.

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are fully included in the life of the setting. Children's understanding of the wider society is developed by the childminder's positive approach to diversity, which enables them to learn to respect the differences of others. The childminder is aware of children's developmental stages, consequently she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate behaviour management methods are in place which support children in their understanding of what is right and wrong. The childminder sets realistic boundaries for behaviour depending on the age and stage of development of the child. The use of praise and encouragement as children try to achieve different tasks helps them to develop their self-esteem. Behaviour is discussed with parents and the behaviour policy outlines the importance of a consistent approach.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents, for example, the childminder spends time at each session sharing information with them about their child's well-being and how their needs are met during the day. Some written information is available for new parents outlining policy and business procedures and in most instances written parental permission is sought for various activities such as going out on trips. However, written parental permission is not obtained for the childminder to take photographs of the children which may impact on the wishes of parents and the safety of the children. Written contracts are used with parents and the childminder is aware of the appropriate procedure in the event of receiving a complaint.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the premises ensures children are well cared for and contributes positively to their good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Space and resources are organised well to effectively meet their individual needs. Children are supported appropriately to achieve their potential and the childminder works closely with their parents to enable this progress. Children have good levels of support as the childminder maintains the required child ratios. The childminder shares and develops her childcare knowledge and skills with other professionals and attends suitable training which impacts positively on the well-being and enjoyment of the children.

p.4

Organisation

Children's welfare is promoted effectively because the childminder has most required documentation in place which contributes to their health, safety and well-being. For example, children's records, which include information from parents, supports the children's individual needs and the daily register showing children's times of arrival and departure impacts positively on their safety. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that suitable soft furniture for resting and relaxing be available to meet the needs of children and to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children. Both issues have been addressed. The childminder has provided large cushions and rugs on the floor of the conservatory so children

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 can rest or relax in comfort and written permission is obtained from parents before administering medication to children which has a positive impact on their safety and well-being.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 1 2004, 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 good. 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): • obtain written parental consent to take photographs of the children

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