Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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210157 Unique Reference Number 14 September 2007 Inspection date Lynne Milligan 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 1993. She lives with her husband and grown up children. They live in Newcastle in Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor, two bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed outside play area. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent toddler group and takes the children to the local library and the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years at any one time. There are eight children currently on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 clean and comfortable home where they learn to follow satisfactory health and hygiene practices. Their health is promoted as they are encouraged to wash their hands as it gets rid of the dirt. Appropriate information is gained from parents about individual children's healthcare needs, including consent to seek emergency medical advice. There are satisfactory arrangements in place for nappy changing and disposal; although children that wear nappies do not have the opportunity to have their hands washed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder follows parents' wishes when providing a nutritious and balanced diet. Meals and snacks are provided by the parents that include fresh fruit and vegetables. This helps maintain children's dietary needs. Children have free access to water to ensure they do not become dehydrated. All children are able to rest or sleep according to their individual routines. However they are not provided with individual bedding and hand towels. As a result children are exposed to the risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical play experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They have access to a large garden where they have many physical play opportunities. The childminder often takes children them swimming or to Lyme Valley park. Babies have plenty of space indoors to pull themselves up and move around safely.

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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 and spacious location. Children's safety is considered and the risk of accidental injury is minimised within the setting as the childminder has taken steps to reduce possible risks. For example, stair gates are in place to restrict access to potentially dangerous areas such as the stairs. Fire safety precautions such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place and the childminder practises an evacuation policy to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have independent access to a range of suitable resources that conform to safety standards. These are regularly cleaned and checked for signs of damage. Toys and resources are stored to allow children to independently access them safely. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they demonstrate an awareness of house rules such as not running indoors, and understand that this reduces the risk of accidental injury. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has undertaken child protection training and is aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are given appropriate attention as the childminder is aware of their needs; they are content, happy and settled in the childminder’s home. She knows them well and sufficiently provides for their individual care needs and their different stages of development. The children participate in an adequate variety of appropriate play opportunities and activities, both inside and outside of the home. They have unlimited access to the garden for outdoor play and are taken out on a regular basis where they socialise with other children.

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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 Children freely choose what they want to play with. The childminder follows a simple daily routine, which allows time and flexibility to ensure that all children’s individual care needs are met. This includes sleep, snacks, daily exercise and outings. The play areas are well set out to provide children with access to a good range of toys and activities which help children choose what they wish to do. However, the childminder is not using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further the development of the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with respect and given choices, helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a secure understanding of equality of opportunity and encourages children to learn about differences through discussion and simple use of resources. Children benefit from the childminder's positive behaviour management. She has a written policy that is shared with parents. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement and have a good sense of well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works with parents to ensure their wishes are respected. She discusses needs of the children thoroughly to ensure continuity of care is offered. Written policies are in place and shared with parents. The childminder takes time on a regular basis to talk to parents about the progress of their child. These measures help to promote partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home to provide a welcoming and child-friendly environment in which children take part in a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. They benefit from regular routines which helps them feel confident and secure. Space and resources are well organised to provide children with a good balance of interesting activities. The childminder mostly follows sound procedures to promote children's good health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

The childminder has an understanding of the National Standards and her duty to comply with these and the conditions of her registration. An accurate register is maintained, showing children's hours of attendance. All required documentation is in place although this does not contain all of the relevant information regarding authorised collectors. The childminder has developed sound policies and procedures to support her registration and has undertaken a number of training courses to inform her practice in caring for children. All children's details are stored securely and confidentially and the childminder ensures children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder was required to improve in two areas. The first was to establish a written agreement with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements and provide parents with Ofsted's telephone number and address. This is now in place and clearly identifies how the childminder will operate her provision. Daily discussions with parents also keeps them informed of what the children will be taking part in. The address and phone number for Ofsted are now in place. should parents and carers want to contact them. As a result parents are now well informed of her provision and are able to contact Ofsted should they need to. Finally the

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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 childminder was required to provide a selection of toys and equipment that reflects diversity and equality of opportunity. An adequate selection of resources are now in place and this results in children developing their awareness further in this area.

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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

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 that each child has their own bed linen and flannel in order to prevent the spread of infection • improve knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under three, for example through the use of the Birth to three framework • make sure the information recorded on children's registration documents is consistent and contains all of the relevant information regarding authorised collectors any other significant details

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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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