Deakin Theresa Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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254971 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2007 Inspection date Jackie Nation 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 good. 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 1996. The childminder works with another registered childminder. The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and nine years. They live in Oldbury within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, parks and shops. Part of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. First floor rooms are not used, except for access to the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed raised terraced area available for outdoor play. The family has corn snakes as pets. They are kept in the front room.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She minds with a co-childminder and together they may care for a maximum of 12 children under eight years. Currently they are caring for seven children under five years on varied days and two children over eight years after school. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder has a NVQ Level 3 in Childcare.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder and her co-childminder attend local toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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 good. Children play in an environment that is clean and well maintained. The childminder follows appropriate procedures to ensure that children's general well-being is safeguarded. Young children's health is well supported as the childminder follows effective nappy changing routines and has a good regard for children's privacy. Thorough procedures and documents are in place to ensure that children's individual needs are well met. The childminder has written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and the sick child policy ensures effective measures are in place to care for children when they are ill. Children learn about personal care routines as they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. This helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activity is highly regarded and children are able to develop their physical skills as they take part in a wide range of activities on a daily basis. Children enjoy daily walks to and from school, visits to local parks and farms. They visit toddler groups on a regular basis and enjoy playing in the garden using a good range of equipment, For example, bikes, cars, bats, balls and parachute games. This helps children develop positive attitudes to exercise and promotes their health and well-being. Young children benefit from routines that are consistent to their home experiences and children are able to rest and play according to their own needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and their individual needs are met as parents currently provide their meals. However, food provided by parents is not always stored at an appropriate temperature. This potentially compromises children's health. Children sit together at mealtimes and this makes it a relaxed sociable occasion as they chat with each other and eat their lunch. Regular drinks are provided to ensure children are kept hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's awareness of safety is very well fostered by the childminder and children are cared for in a secure environment. The childminder ensures all areas of the premises are safe by undertaking a thorough risk assessment, being vigilant and supervising the children well. High priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and maintain safety inside and outside the home. The childminder ensures children's safety on outings, by using buggies, car seats and restraints, as appropriate. The childminder gives good priority to fire safety and emergency evacuation and has written procedures in place. All the required documentation is in place for the childminder to use the vehicle for minded children. She has written consent from parents to use the car and a range of restraints suitable for children of different ages.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have plenty of space to move around safely and engage in different types of play. All children have access to an extensive range of quality toys and resources, which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. Resources have been carefully chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. Care is taken by the childminder to ensure there are no small parts of toys within reach of very young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a sound understanding of her role in protecting children in her care. She keeps herself up-to-date with current practice by attending

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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 training. She has a written child protection policy which is shared with parents, and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and the knowledge and understanding of how to implement the procedures should any issues arise. Consequently, children's welfare is effectively protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and confident in their environment. They are very well stimulated and receive a high level of individual attention as the childminder shows great interest in what they do and say. Children's listening skills and appreciation of stories are encouraged through access to enjoyable books suitable for their differing ages. Children display high levels of confidence in their daily activities. They are developing very good independence skills as they busy themselves and become fully absorbed in their activities. Children's early communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality interaction with the childminder as they discuss their activities and talk about what they are doing. Children's understanding of shape, number and colour are naturally encouraged by the childminder during activities and daily routines. Their interest in the local environment and their surroundings is fostered during

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

discussions and on walks and outings. For example, they visit local parks and farms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an exceptional understanding of child development and plans an excellent range of activities for all children to take part in. She has a very good understanding of how children learn and uses 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan activities to meet children's individual needs and develop their interests. This enhances children's development physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. Children benefit from socialising with others at local toddler groups and enjoy activities which contributes to their creativity and imagination. This is evident from the range of art work which is attractively displayed in the room. Children enjoy playing games, such as floor dominoes and completing puzzles. They are able to construct using a wide range of equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children who attend the provision after school participate in an excellent range of interesting activities. They like reading, colouring, playing board games and cooking. Children have access to electronic games and a computer, although the childminder is careful to monitor the length of time children spend on the computer. The childminder is committed to meeting children's needs and some children like to relax after school and spend time chatting to their friends.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. All children are welcomed into this family environment and this significantly contributes to their sense of belonging. The childminder provides an extremely meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. This helps children to value and recognise similarities and differences within society and increase children's awareness of diversity. The childminder is sensitive towards inclusion and keeps up to date with current thinking and procedures relating to identifying concerns and providing support. This ensures children's welfare and development is supported effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is excellent. The childminder is a positive role model and has a clear and consistent approach to behaviour management. This ensures children know what is expected

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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 of them and they feel secure. The childminder uses her effective skills to encourage children to share, take turns and think about others. This helps them develop their relationships with one another and promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's care and well-being. Parents appreciate the quality of the childminder's care and play provision. She ensures that effective partnerships are developed with parents at the outset with good settling-in arrangements. She talks to parents and records information about children's individual routines, this is reviewed to ensure children have settled and parents are happy with the arrangements for their child's care. Parents benefit from being able to discuss and read her policies and procedures. They are reassured and well informed about their children's activities and routines as a result of regular feedback covering their child's experiences. Should parents have any concerns about the provision, they are well informed about how to make a complaint and have access to information about how they can contact Ofsted.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enriched by the childminder's highly effective organisation of time, space and resources. Consistent routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and part of this warm and welcoming home. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder is friendly, supportive and approachable; this helps children feel comfortable and at ease. She has a high regard for the well-being of all children.

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Organisation

All adults in the childminder's home have the necessary checks to determine their suitability. The childminder complies with all conditions of registration and her certificate is displayed. The childminder has an early years qualification and is proactive in ensuring she keeps up to date with current initiatives. She regularly attends training to enhance all aspects of children's care, play and learning. Accurate records are maintained of children's attendance, recording their arrival and departure times. The childminder ensures that correct ratios are maintained at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder obtains relevant information to provide appropriate care for children in partnership with their parents and carers. Children's records are maintained pertaining to their individual care and these are regularly updated to ensure information is correct. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the provision.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to update her skills and knowledge on a regular basis. The childminder is fully committed to ongoing training to further enhance her existing skills and knowledge. She holds a recognised childcare qualification. She implements strategies and new knowledge gained on training to improve outcomes for the children in her care.

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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.

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Complaints 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 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 good. 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 food is hygienically stored and served at the correct temperature.

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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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