Childminder in Wolverhampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300512 Inspection date 08 September 2005 Inspector Patricia Dawes

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband who is also a registered childminder. They live in a house on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, close to local shops, parks and schools. All areas of the property downstairs, and one bedroom and bathroom upstairs are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding three children on a part-time basis. She is also registered to provide overnight care.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside, using the toilet and before eating, to help reduce the risk of cross contamination and germs. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are offered or can request drinking water or a range of juices regularly throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They benefit from regular opportunities to enjoy socialising with their peers outside the home. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they run in the garden and ride on wheeled toys. They

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Helping children to be healthy

become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. Younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder has a good understanding of appropriate types of activities and levels of support needed. She gives them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help such as building train tracks and reading musical story books.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder assesses and minimises risks for children which means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives considerable priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example children walk, and stay close to the pushchair on busy roads, and can run in safe areas such as grass verges in quiet roads, however no written consents for outings are obtained from parents. Children play in a safe environment where they are made aware of restrictions within the home due to safety. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues within the house in relation to the age and stage of development of the children she is caring for. For example children practise fire evacuation procedures using role play and various scenarios to help prepare them for such an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For

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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 example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home, as they choose between a good selection of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all ages. For example visits to local theme parks and places of interest during the school holidays. They are well supported by the childminder who provides them with activities that develop their problem solving skills such as use of the computer and internet for older children. Children gain confidence to ask questions, and the childminder responds appropriately. The childminder is beginning to use the Birth to three matters framework to adapt activities such as singing, story telling and mark making to promote younger children’s learning. They listen and respond to tapes of rhymes, stories and songs. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity and learning, such as painting, baking,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are increasing their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others through a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, for example the children talk about differences and similarities in each other. Children learn about their local community as they visit the toy library and local parks on routine outings. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs well, they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They behave very well, and are aware of rules and boundaries. The childminder ensures that she is consistent to enable children to know what is expected of them, and shares her strategies with parents. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do, helping themselves to drinks and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

independently visiting the toilet. They have time to relax as well as be active.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Most documentation is adequately maintained however parental consents for emergency medical treatment and outings are not available, and some entries which record accidents lack a parental signature to demonstrate they have been informed.

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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 This has an impact on the continuity of the children’s care. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • obtain written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and permission to take children on planned outings or in a vehicle • ensure records of any accidents to the children are signed by the parents.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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