Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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210332 Unique Reference Number 02 October 2007 Inspection date Christine Holmes 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 1998. She lives with her two children aged 15 and 12 years in Tamworth, Staffordshire. A dedicated playroom, hall, kitchen and conservatory are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's awareness of healthy lifestyles is fostered well by the childminder. Children take part in topics including 'caring for yourself' where they look at hygiene routines and eating healthy and organic. This awareness is also fostered in every day routines where children are encouraged to develop their personal independence in the skills of toileting and hand washing with the childminder on hand to explain why these routines are so important. Children also benefit from daily 15 minute walks along the canal to go to nursery and they enjoy eating healthy snacks

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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 such as fresh fruit. Children have regular drinks at snack and meal times and there are additional drinks in the kitchen. However, children can not easily access these additional drinks which results in them not generally drinking between snacks and meals. This does not ensure they are well-hydrated which is important to their good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is effectively promoted by the childminder because she takes a number of positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, all areas, equipment and toys are kept very clean and well organised. Children are provided with separate paper hand towels to dry their hands and the childminder implements good hygiene practices when changing nappies which include using disposable gloves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good arrangements are in place which work effectively to ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of illness or injury. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate which enables her to provide appropriate first aid to children and she has a good understanding of accident and medication recording.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and parents receive a warm welcome into the childminder's house. Children are cared for in a bright and extremely welcoming playroom and also have free access to the hall, kitchen and conservatory. There are lots of colourful displays of children’s work and photographs of children at play in the playroom which promotes a sense of belonging. Children become settled and happy to join in playing and parents are happy to spend time exchanging information about their children. Resources are plentiful and organised very effectively to create an accessible and stimulating environment for the children. This supports children's independence and allows them to initiate their own play and follow their own interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept very secure whilst in the childminder's care. Good arrangements are in place to ensure children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised and that access to the premises and garden are well managed. Safety equipment including a stair gate, cupboard locks and electrical socket covers are in place and help to minimise the risk of accidental injury to children. Children's awareness of what to do in the event of an emergency is promoted well. Regular, recorded practise evacuations have contributed to children being able to recognise the alarm and know to take the appropriate action of standing by the door.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear written procedure and up to date information relating to child protection procedures ensures the childminder is able to act accordingly to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the good quality interactions they experience with the childminder. The childminder knows how children learn and how she can help this process. She is skilled in helping children to become motivated and excited to learn. Children can be heard expressing their enjoyment saying that the activity is fun and 'lets do it again'. She is able to include different areas of learning in each activity. For example, playing with the play dough she encourages children to develop their interest in counting, naming colours and shapes as well as introducing language and concepts such as 'half' and 'more than'. Children guess what food the childminder is making from the play dough and they are encouraged to experiment making the pretend food themselves. This results in children demonstrating a great sense of pride and achievement.

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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 organisation of space and resources enables children to extend this play to take the food and cook it in the role play kitchen. This approach helps to increase children's progress and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are listened to and engaged in conversation and encouraged to think, use new words and express themselves. This fosters their communication skills and self-esteem. They take part in a wide range of stimulating activities including making three dimensional models of as part of their transport project and making dens in the garden. Children have good opportunities to socialise in the childminder's home and when they go to local groups and trips to places including Ten Pin bowling.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's awareness of diversity and their wider word is fostered well by the childminder. Children take part in topics such as 'around the world' and celebrate a range of festivals including Chinese New Year. They use a range of resources and see images throughout the day that reflect positively race, culture, gender and disability. This contributes to children developing a sense of value and respect for others. Currently there are no children cared for by the childminder who have learning difficulties or disabilities but she has experience of providing care and her arrangements fully support inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of consistent behaviour management techniques and she uses these very well with the children. Children behave very well, play well together and have formed positive relationships with each other. They develop a good sense of belonging and they enter the childminder's house with enthusiasm and start to play even before they have taken their coat off. They show concern and consideration for others as they tell other children that there friend is not coming to play as she is not well. This promotes self-esteem and helps children feel valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive and friendly relationships have formed between the childminder and parents which contributes to children's well-being. Parents are encouraged to share detailed information about their child's needs on a daily basis which promotes consistency in care. Written statements from parents demonstrate they recognise and appreciate the good quality of care their children receive with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall children's need are met. The childminder is very experienced. She has cared for all of the children in her care since they were babies which contributes significantly to their continuity of care. Her kind and caring manner ensure parents and children are welcome, valued and respected. Her good understanding of child development ensures children experience stimulating, challenging and fun activities. She is clearly committed to continually improving and updating her practice. She has obtained a Level 3 in childminding practice and is currently undertaking a Diploma in home based childcare. She has recently become part of the local childminders Network and is undertaking a Quality Assurance Scheme. As a result, children benefit from practices which are in line with current ideas and legislation and the childminder has a number of plans to further improve children's learning and partnership with parents.

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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 The organisation of space and resources supports children's independence and provides them with many play opportunities which contributes to the overall good quality of care. Children greatly benefit from having their own personal space in the playroom and being able to move freely through to the conservatory. Documentation is well maintained and kept secure which ensures the efficient and safe management of the service.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle. This has been obtained which ensures the childminder is acting upon the wishes of the children's parents. She was also asked to improve safety measures on the stairs. A banister has now been fitted to the stairs which has improved safety for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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 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): • make drinks more accessable to encourage children to take drinks between snack times.

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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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