Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292916 Inspection date 13 June 2005 Inspector Dianne Lynn Sadler

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and their two children aged ten and two in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years. The family has two cats.

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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 learn the importance of appropriate health and hygiene practices. They understand , for example, the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Children stay healthy and safe because the childminder maintains satisfactory policies and procedures, however she does not obtain permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children are well nourished. They are provided with a packed lunch by their parents and offered an acceptable range of healthy and nutritious snacks and drinks by the childminder. Children are also confident to ask for a drink throughout the day. Children have their health and individual dietary needs met adequately, as these are discussed with parents and details of specific dietary needs are recorded. Children enjoy a balanced range of physical activities which contribute to their good

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Helping children to be healthy

health. Each day there are outdoor activities, as part of their regular daily routine, which help develop control of their bodies. For example they ride on wheeled toys, and visit the local park and shops.

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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 secure and safe environment that helps them to feel settled and confident. There is plenty of space to allow children to move around freely, safely and independently. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has a good understanding of health and safety procedures. Any potential risks to children have been identified and effective safety measures put in place. Children are supervised well, for example, when using the stairs to gain access to the bathroom and while playing outdoors. Children use a wide range of suitable and safe equipment. Their independence is being developed effectively as they are able to select activities from a wide range of good quality, age appropriate toys and resources. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the use of toys to make sure they are appropriate to the age and stage of the children's development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and their welfare is promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of all the required procedures and documents. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 provision is satisfactory. Children settle and play well at the childminder's house. They are making positive relationships with each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at playgroups. Children are developing confidence and self-esteem because the childminder is attentive to their needs and responds appropriately to their particular interests. She frequently allows them to initiate their own play and shows interest in their work. For example she displays some of the children's art work on the kitchen wall. Children are provided with a suitable range of activities and experiences which help children acquire new knowledge and skills, although at present, activities are not planned in advance. Children benefit from playing games outside and enjoy art and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

craft activities. Children benefit from accessing all play equipment with ease, as toys are stored appropriately in boxes at the children's level. Children frequently ask questions and the childminder responds appropriately, listening to what they are saying. Children are developing their independence, expressing themselves and learn about wrong and right because the childminder is developing a supportive relationship with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. All the children are included and feel a sense of belonging because the childminder shares her time adequately between them. She has an acceptable knowledge of equality issues and is developing the resources available to children reflecting positive images of culture and disability. Children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong. The childminder has appropriate expectations and their behaviour is satisfactory. Children are developing a sense of self-esteem and their achievements are rewarded through consistent verbal praise and encouragement. Children are cared for and supported appropriately by the childminder and their needs are met according to the wishes of their parents. She takes time to discuss their individual needs with parents and understands the importance of a developing a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positive relationship with parents. Parents are made welcome in the setting and information is shared daily, to ensure that they are aware of the provision and the activities that their child may participate in. All policies and procedures are shared with parents to enable them to make informed decisions about their children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met effectively through the good organisation of space and resources. Children feel at home and at ease, which means they are confident to

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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 initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are used well in practice to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed, and stored securely. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, as this is the first inspection.

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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): • obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • consider implementing activity planning to further enhance children's play opportuniites.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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