Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY348080 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Turner 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two adult sons and her daughter-in-law, in the Park Hall area of Walsall. Childminding takes place on the ground floor lounge and dining room. There is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She attends the local toddler and pre-school group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop an awareness of sound personal hygiene practices through everyday routines such as, washing or wiping their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Young children are well protected because the childminder has established good practices during nappy changing. For example, the changing mat is wiped clean between each child and the childminder uses disposable gloves. All this contributes to reducing the risk of spreading infection. Children with infectious illnesses are excluded which further protects other children from infection. The

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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 childminder has attended training on health surveillance and childhood diseases, which ensures she is able to recognise any possible infections at its early stage.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the correct procedures for administering medication and knows that she must obtain written parental consent before administering any form of medication to children in her care. Although there have been no accidents to report the childminder is fully aware of the information she must record to ensure children receive appropriate care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy food and snacks provided by the childminder. For example, snacks consist of a variety of fresh fruit, organic milk, eggs and bread. Drinks are offered to children throughout the day, thus ensuring they receive sufficient fluid for their needs. Children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents and recorded. This contributes to providing appropriate care for children. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise through playing in the garden on bikes, rockers and a play tunnel as well as walking around the local area to shops and parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is promoted through the childminder's generally good attention to detail. For example, she has fitted a guard around the gas fire and low-level glass doors are protected with safety film. Children are unable to leave the grounds of the property unsupervised as the entrances are secure. In the event that a child was lost or not collected the childminder has a policy which explains the procedures she would follow and who she would notify. Resources and equipment available are age-appropriate and in a good state of repair. The childminder retains an attendance register, however this is not always accurate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrated a good understanding of how to safeguard children from the risk of fires. She explained that fire drills are undertaken frequently, however she has not documented these to support her practice. Children learn to keep themselves safe when they are out because the childminder talks about issues such as crossing the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted through the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues and her responsibilities in this area. However, although she has a policy which includes the procedures if an allegation was made against her or a member of her family, she does not have the relevant documentation and guidance for reference if needed in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures to ensure that the welfare of children is fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Although there were no minded children present, the childminder explained how she encourages them to settle well and engage comfortably by providing a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of different play and learning experiences. Children share in a daily routine which is organised to include free play, some more structured sessions and visits into the local community. This ensures children have a wide variety of opportunities to interest and engage them and to develop their social skills. Children have access to a range of age-appropriate toys and equipment which are chosen to invite interest and enjoyment. The childminder demonstrated how she effectively uses opportunities to give children individual attention which encourages their development.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to respect and accept each other because the childminder treats them with respect and discusses issues as they arise. They are developing some awareness of the wider community through planned visits to places of interest and from the small amount of resources available, covering this area. All children are welcomed into the childminder's home and she is conscious of working with parents and other agencies to support them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder explained how children are encouraged to play well together and to understand the guidelines in place. Children are given a clear example in the open and patient attitude of the childminder and her positive approach to all. The childminder demonstrated a clear understanding of the appropriate strategies for managing challenging behaviour and the importance of working together with parents to ensure consistency of approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is seen as an important part of encouraging children to settle in and make progress. There is a good exchange of information between parents. At the end of the day the childminder spends time finding out how the children have been at home in order to assist her in providing the care they need. However, although she holds a complaints procedure it does not include contact details of the regulator or a log to ensure parents are fully informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated how childminding is organised around the needs of the children who are included within the family routine and offered a variety of opportunities and experiences. Space is well-organised and the children freely move around between areas, choosing their toys. The childminder is aware of the need to ensure children are not left in the presence of unchecked adults and all adults currently living in the household have completed the appropriate checks.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains a portfolio of information pertaining to her service. For example, she has leaflets on first aid and resuscitating babies. All this provides an environment that promotes children's welfare and learning. Most mandatory records are in place which helps to underpin the smooth running of her service. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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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

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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 the attendance register is accurate • obtain a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedure • update the complaints procedures to include the contact details of the regulator and devise a log.

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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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