Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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209689 Unique Reference Number 20 July 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 1985. She lives with her husband in Tamworth, Staffordshire. Children have access to the whole of the downstairs with exception to the conservatory. There is a fully enclosed outside play area. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is actively supported by the childminder. They are cared for in a very clean environment. The childminder effectively implements policies and procedures which she

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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 has devised to protect children's good health, such as using disposable gloves when changing children's nappies and the provision of separate hand towels for children. This helps to limit the spread of infection. Children are taught the skills of toileting and hand washing, independence is encouraged using appropriate resources such as a 'step up' to the toilet and wash basin. This further contributes to minimising cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes healthy eating. She encourages parents to choose healthy options for their child's lunch boxes and she has provided them with a healthy options cook book for children's meals. She provides fruit snacks for children and she keep drinks in easy reach of children to ensure they drink plenty throughout the day. This helps to support children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily routines and activities ensure children have fresh air and good opportunities to develop their physical skills. Children walk to school each day and are able to play in the garden with equipment such as small bikes, scooters, cars, bats and balls. They make visits to the park and soft play area where they play on larger equipment. This helps children develop a positive attitude to physical exercise.

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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 welcoming environment. They move and play freely around the dedicated playroom, adjoining room and kitchen. This helps to promote their independence and allows them to follow their own interest. The lounge provides a quieter area where younger children are able to sleep undisturbed following their own sleep patterns. This supports children's well-being. The childminder has an extensive range of toys and resources which are in good condition and suitable for the wide age range of children she cares for. However, although the childminder sets toys out each day most toys are stored in the garage and children are not able to access them freely. Therefore, they are not fully benefiting from this wonderful range of resources. Children are encouraged to tidy up and care for their toys which helps to develop a sense of ownership and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe and secure. The premises are kept secure and children are under the direct supervision of the childminder at all times. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has identified all potential hazards indoors and outdoors and taken suitable steps to minimise them. For instance, a safety gate is used to restrict children's access to the kitchen if the childminder cooks. The childminder uses daily routines to help children to learn to keep themselves safe. For example, on their journey to school they practise road safety. Indoors they learn about safety around the home such as why they should not run and they become familiar with evacuation procedures as they take part in regular fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended advanced safeguarding children training and has developed a good understanding and knowledge of the signs and symptoms that may alert to child abuse and what procedures she should follow to ensure children are protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, comfortable and confident with the childminder who has a kind and affectionate approach to the children in her care. This helps children to develop their confidence and self-esteem. She has cared for children for a number of years and has developed a good

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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 understanding of how children progress and how she can help them. She encourages children to become independent in their self-care and make choices about what they want to do and where they want to play. Children are listened to, engaged in conversation and encouraged to express themselves. They enjoy speaking to the childminder, each other and visitors. This helps to promote their language and communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children spend their time purposefully. They are busy in self-chosen play such as playing with the playdough and playing imaginatively with small world toys. They enjoy craft activities such as painting, sticking and playing in sand. They take part in activities such as growing cress and they make regular visits to places of interest and local activity groups. For example, a visit to the local garden centre provided children with the opportunity to look at different types of stones and plants. These types of visits help children to develop an awareness of the world around them. Regular trips to the library and childminders group help children to develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. Their individual care needs are met in partnership with parents. They relate well to each other and to the childminder who has a warm rapport with them. They share and take turns and they are developing a clear understanding about how to manage their own behaviour because the childminder gives them good guidance. Children join in discussions and make decisions about activities they would like to engage in which helps children to feel they are contributing and helps them to develop a strong sense of self-worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder presents a positive view of the wider world through resources reflecting positive images of diversity. This helps children to develop a positive attitude and understanding of others. The childminder has written an inclusion policy which highlights how she would work in partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs. Currently there are no children attending with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder develops with parents. Parents receive detailed information about how the setting operates. The childminder arranges times with parents to discuss their children's care and progress and provides them with pictures and videos of their children at play. She obtains relevant consent from parents to ensure their wishes regarding their child's care are followed. Written statements from parents demonstrate parents feel the childminder is professional and very caring.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall children's needs are met. The childminder is very experienced and clearly enjoys working with children. Her kind and caring manner helps children to feel at home and at ease in her care. She continues to develop and update her childcare knowledge through attending training event and she has obtained a recognised early years qualification. As a result, she has a good working knowledge of the National Standards and is able to implement policies and procedures effectively to promote children’s well-being. Documentation is well maintained which helps to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her time well to ensure children enjoy regular trips, walks, play indoors and rest when needed. She uses space well to meet children's needs and provide them

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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 with opportunities to develop their independence. In general the childminders extensive range of resources and toys are used well to provide a stimulating environment for children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has achieved this through attending child protection training events to an advanced level. She now has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. This helps to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 then 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): • further develop children's free access to the wide range of resources available.

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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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