Childminder in Wolverhampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 251894 Inspection date 04 July 2005 Inspector Patricia Webb

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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 1991. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 11 years, 9 years and 3 years. Her home is a semi-detached property in Wolverhampton. There are local shops and parks within walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and currently and cares for two children who attend on a part-time basis. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes, including the toilet facilities. The front lounge is used for children taking rest. There is a fully enclosed

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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 rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children happily enter a clean, family orientated home where they settle well in the relaxed environment. They understand the need to follow effective personal hygiene as the childminder gently reminds them about washing their hands. They are developing their independence in this routine as the childminder ensures they have easy access to all the necessary equipment. Signed parental consent is obtained for the administration of medication including non-prescribed painkiller medicine. There are currently no formats available for inspection to indicate how the childminder makes the decision for giving the painkiller medication or recording the time medication was administered. Children’s individual dietary needs are attended to appropriately as information from parents is recorded clearly. Children are developing a good understanding of healthy eating as they enjoy the varied nutritious meals and snacks provided by the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder. They confidently express their preferences as she responds to requests for favourite fruits and drinks. They relish the variety of fruit on offer and tuck in to tangerines, bananas and pears eagerly. They understand the importance of drinking water as part of their daily routine. Children enjoy a varied range of activities to promote their physical development. Their need for regular exercise is acknowledged and encouraged as the childminder puts into practice her increasing awareness of the Birth to three matters framework. Children are encouraged to extend and test their abilities as they take part in activities from walking and playing in local parks to climbing complicated constructions in the nearby indoor arena.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment where most risks and hazards are appropriately addressed. There is an element of risk to children when using the ground floor bathroom as the small wash basin is not securely fixed to the wall and is badly cracked. The childminder is in the process of replacing it. Children are developing an awareness of their own safety as they share the rules such as keeping still when sitting on dining chairs at the table. Children know about road safety as the childminder takes time to instruct them when on trips outside the home as part of their daily routine. Children develop freedom of choice about their activity as they access a varied range of resources from a suitably presented selection. Toys and equipment are appropriate for the needs of the children and maintained in a clean and safe condition.

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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 Children’s welfare and health are suitably met as the childminder holds a current first aid qualification although the certificate has been misplaced and a copy has been applied for. The childminder has a basic understanding of the child protection procedures but does not have any local contact numbers for reporting any concerns, this hinders how swiftly guidance can be sought to protect individual children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s learning and progress are promoted through the childminder’s awareness of how children learn. They are confident in their relationship with the childminder as they play well and make choices about their play. They receive sensitive support from the childminder who takes every opportunity to reinforce their learning and development. She uses effective questioning to draw their attention to naming colours, shapes and numbers in their everyday play. Children benefit from her understanding of what interests them. They are excited as they step on the electric sensor pad of the light tube to change colours. The childminder accesses the local toy library to enhance her resources. They make requests for her to read and look through their favourite books and stories as they settle closely on the settee. They share giggles and cuddles with each other and the childminder, such as when making a collage, tickling each other with the feathers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have consistent routines and are able to take part in quieter activities and take rest as they need. They enjoy a wide range of purposeful activities contributing to the development of their creativity, communication and social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs valued and respected. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of equality issues, presenting a positive view of the local community and the wider world. Children have access to some resources reflecting the diversity of society although positive images of disability are limited. Individual needs are identified and met appropriately as the childminder fosters a positive relationship with parents. This promotes an effective exchange of information in order to care for children in accordance with parents’ wishes. Children are developing an understanding of their behaviour and its impact on others as they are encouraged to share and take turns. They feel secure as they are familiar with the house rules and the expectations the childminder has of their behaviour. Children’s self-esteem is positively fostered as their efforts and achievements are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have good levels of support and supervision to enable them to feel secure and confident in the home. Children’s well being is adequately fostered as most of the required documentation is in place and reviewed regularly. However, the recording of attendance for some children is not accurately maintained and records of medication are not available for inspection. Confidentiality is acknowledged as the childminder maintains individual records for each child. Overall, the needs of the range of children cared for by the childminder are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has addressed most of the recommendations. The remaining concerns have been re-addressed at this inspection and re-instated as recommendations. She has developed an awareness of the need to discuss behaviour management with parents. Although she currently has no such concerns, she understands that, for consistency for the child, working in partnership with parents in this area is essential. A format for recording significant incidents of behaviour and restraint are now in place. Children enjoy playing with the increased range of resources reflecting positive images of the diversity of society. The childminder is looking to add more resources depicting disability. A new first aid box is now in place and is used solely for childminding purposes. This ensures that all the necessary equipment is readily available in the event of an accident to children. The fencing in the rear garden is now in good order offering a safe and secure play

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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

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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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 a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures (ACPC). • Reduce the risk of injury to children, when accessing the ground floor toilet facilities, with regard to the wash basin. • Extend the selection of resources depicting positive images of disability. • Maintain accurate daily attendance records and records of any medication administered to the children.

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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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