Dawson Lesley

Inspection report for early years provision

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254997 Unique Reference Number 01 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 1994. She lives with her partner, two adult children and two children aged 15 and six years. They live in Oldbury within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, shops and parks. The lounge on 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 garden for outside play. The childminder has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years and six children over five years before and after school on varied days. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder attends local toddler groups and she runs a local toddler group and crèche.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current

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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 and appropriate practices and procedures. There are effective procedures in place to minimise the risk of cross-infection, for example, during nappy changing and by regular hand washing routines. The childminder is trained to administer first aid, a first aid box is easily accessible together with all the required documentation and formats for recording accidents and administering medication. This information is shared with parents. Written consent is in place from parents to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder has a written sick child policy and parents are kept informed of their child's condition if they become unwell while in her care. However, she is not fully aware of the procedures relating to notifiable and communicable diseases. This reduces children's well-being overall.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and their individual needs are met. Some parents supply their children's meals in agreement with the childminder. The childminder understands the importance of healthy eating, for example, she provides children who attend after school with fresh fruit and toast, with an occasional biscuit. Children are continually refreshed with drinks of water or sugar-free juice which are available to them at all times. Children's specific dietary needs are recorded where necessary and this forms part of the discussion with parents. The childminder has completed food hygiene training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. Their physical skills are well supported as they enjoy a range of activities which contributes to their good health. They have the opportunity to engage in physical play as they enjoy playing in the garden, visiting the local park, activity centres and toddler groups. A range of play equipment is available in the garden, this helps all children develop confidence. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and the daily routine allows time for active play and relaxing activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in a secure environment where they can relax and enjoy their play. They are able to sit comfortably at the dining table for meals, snacks and creative play. Children are provided with a good range of toys and resources, which are safe, clean and appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder checks and cleans toys regularly to ensure they remain safe for children to use. Toys and books are easily accessible to children and this enables children to make choices, promote their independence and develop their own ideas. The childminder monitors the use of toys to make sure they are used appropriately and carefully by the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a range of safety measures already in place to minimise hazards. For example, safety gates prevent children's access to the hallway and kitchen and hazardous substances are stored out of children's reach. Written fire evacuation procedures are in place and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. However, a smoke detector is not in place on the ground floor of the house. Consequently, children's safety may be compromised. Good priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures, the rules of road safety and 'stranger danger'. The childminder has good safety procedures in place when on outings, for example, children wear fluorescent jackets and younger children are kept safe by being securely strapped in a pushchair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows the correct procedures to follow if she has a concern, so children's welfare is safeguarded. She has completed training and understands the role of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She has a written

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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 policy regarding child protection and this is shared with parents. She has relevant information to hand and this ensures children's safety is the childminder's first priority. Consequently, children's welfare is effectively protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home and they have developed a caring relationship with her. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she knows the children well. She plans and provides activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Children benefit from a flexible routine, which provides a good balance of play and learning opportunities, both in the home and outside the childminding setting. For example, at toddler group children enjoy creative play such as painting, play dough and sand and water play. The childminder takes children to local shops to purchase milk and fruit for the group and this helps promote children's confidence and social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given time to play and benefit from being able to take part in a wide range of worthwhile and interesting activities. The childminder ensures children have a varied day, they go to local parks where they are able to play on a range of equipment to promote their physical development. The childminder has attended training for the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has given consideration to implementing some components of the framework to ensure children's care, learning and play are effectively supported. Children enjoy looking at the photograph albums of activities they have taken part in and pictures of themselves and the other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from good interactions with the childminder and this increases their sense of well-being. She listens to what children are saying, gives reassurance and supports their learning and play. Children are encouraged to be kind and patient with each other. Children attending after school like to take part in art and craft activities, construction and enjoy outdoor play. During the school holidays the childminder ensures children take part in a variety of experiences which helps them to enjoy and achieve and have fun. For example, they visit a local zoo, farm and activity centres.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. The childminder shows a good understanding of equal opportunities and a written policy statement supports her practice. She recognises the importance of treating children as individuals and with equal concern. Children's care needs are discussed with parents and relevant information is recorded, this ensures their needs are met. Children learn about the community through visits to local parks and toddler groups. The childminder promotes children's awareness of different festivals and celebrations through discussions and planned activities. There is a range of resources which reflect positive images of culture and disability, this includes books, play figures and dolls. The childminder ensures all children are included and have equal access to toys and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is positive about inclusion and has some experience of providing care for children having identified special educational needs; she is aware of children's developmental

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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 stages. Consequently, she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and meet any specific needs. This helps support children's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's sense of right and wrong is developed through the childminder's understanding of behaviour management. She is able to manage a wide range of behaviour by being consistent and using appropriate strategies. Older children are developing a sense of responsibility for their actions as they understand what is expected of them and what the consequences of their behaviour are for others and themselves. House rules are displayed and this helps children to understand the clear and realistic boundaries. The childminder encourages children to share and readily praises and rewards children in their achievements. This helps develop children's growing self-esteem. The positive behaviour management policy and any concerns or issues about behaviour are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and this has a positive impact on the children's well-being. There are good procedures in place for keeping parents informed and all parents receive daily verbal feedback about their child's day. This ensures continuity of care. Parents receive a helpful information pack, which includes the childminder's policies and procedures. This keeps parents well informed about the provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met effectively. The childminder provides a good range of play opportunities and varied outings for all children in her care. Space is organised to allow children to select their own resources and play independently. Children have access to a secure outdoor play area. This positively supports children's care, learning and play.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Positive relationships with parents promote a sense of mutual trust in exchanging relevant information. The register of attendance is accurately maintained and the registration certificate and complaints information are displayed for parents. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and skills of childcare practices by completing and implementing relevant training. For example, 'Birth to three matters' framework. She is also working towards a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education. All documentation is stored securely and organised effectively to maintain confidentiality.

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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: ensure that young children have easy access to appropriate resources; extend resources to include positive images of people of all abilities and inform Ofsted of the confirmation of required vetting procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder organises space effectively to ensure resources are easily accessible to younger children. There is a range of resources which reflect positive images of culture and disability, this includes books, play figures and dolls. The childminder complies with Ofsted requirements to ensure every person over the age of 16 years who lives in the house has been suitably vetted. The action taken by the childminder with regard to the recommendations further improves outcomes for children in their care, learning, play and safety.

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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

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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 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): • develop further knowledge and understanding of the procedures related to notifiable and communicable diseases • ensure smoke alarms, which conform to BS EN safety standards, are provided at every level of the house.

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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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