Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

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208463 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2007 Inspection date Shirley Amanda Wilkes 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 1993. She lives with her husband and one adult child. They live in a semi-detached house in the Telford area of Shropshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet dog and a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through the daily routines in place. Hand washing is encouraged at relevant times which helps to prevent cross-contamination. Children's well-being is supported by the childminder’s knowledge of first aid and the relevant

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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 documentation. For example, parents sign to acknowledge entries in the medication and accident records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Opportunities for children to learn about healthy eating are good. The childminder encourages them to think about foods which are good for you and those which are not so good during activities . Children are beginning to recognise healthy options for themselves. For example, they talk about water and fruit being good for you. They help themselves to drinks when they are thirsty. Parents share information about their child's individual dietary needs and this is reviewed regularly to ensure those needs continue to be met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children move freely around the childminder's home. They are able to rest or join in activities according to their individual needs and interests. They have opportunities each day to engage in physical play both inside and outside. Children are able to play with a variety of resources, for example, bikes and sit and rides which encourages their physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The good organisation of the play space along with daily checks of all child accessible areas ensures the environment remains safe for children. Toys and resources are regularly checked and cleaned so they remain in good condition for the children to use. Children are able to make their own choices and move freely around the childminder's home. The provision of very good child accessible storage enables children to extend their play and learning at their own pace.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised and protected from hazards, for example, safety gates and socket covers are fitted. The childminder takes positive steps to help children understand how to keep themselves safe, they talk about and practise evacuation procedures. When walking to and from school the childminder discusses road safety with the children. The childminder is careful to check the identification of visitors and never leaves children alone with them. She has a clear child collection procedure in place to ensure children are kept safe and only leave with authorised adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare. She has a good understanding about her responsibilities with regards to safeguarding children and knows how to make a referral if she has a concern about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and secure in the childminder's home. They explore activities independently and the use of very good child accessible storage enables them to make their own choices. They have good opportunities to investigate and develop their skills in all areas of learning. Children enjoy role play, for example, dressing up as fire-fighters and hosing the cars and bikes in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to explore a variety of creative materials, making displays for the walls, such as, a thunder and lightning picture created after a storm and pictures of various insects seen in the garden. Regular trips out of the home to local parks and activity centres which include ball pits and soft play area, provide opportunities for children to socialise with others and increase their confidence as they learn about the world in which they live.

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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 childminder listens carefully to children giving them time to share their thoughts and ideas. She helps and encourages them as they share stories, play games and talk about what they want to do. The childminder uses plenty of positive praise and encouragement to develop children’s interest and participation. Younger children are developing their independence physically and emotionally.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are able to access a range of outdoor play equipment which is helping to develop their physical skills, for example, bats and balls, a sand pit and various sit and rides. The childminder shares accomplishments of the children daily with parents through daily discussions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is consistent in her approach with regards to behaviour management and she supports children as they begin to learn about boundaries and respecting each other. Children's self-esteem is well promoted. This is due to the childminder using praise and encouragement throughout their daily routine to encourage positive behaviour. Their art work is displayed on the walls of the playroom, showing they are valued and respected as individuals. They are able to make decisions and initiate their own play which enhances their time spent with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is not currently caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, she has sound systems in place to ensure that parents are consulted about any special services that may be required prior to placement in the best interests of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is increased by them being able to access a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. The children and the childminder play together using resources, for example, books and small world figures that show positive images of race and gender.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the records that must be maintained and ensures that these are up to date, stored confidentially and available for parents. However the attendance register does not record accurate arrival and departure times of the children. Parents receive copies of the childminder's policies and procedures and they are regularly informed of their children's progress and activities during daily verbal exchange and written records. This ensures parents are able to contribute to their children's care whilst attending the setting.

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Organisation

Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care where they initiate and extend their own play and learning, they feel at home and at ease within the well-organised environment. The effective organisation of space, toys and equipment ensures children’s play opportunities are maximised and their individual needs are consistently met. 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 make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint, including how

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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 to contact Ofsted. She was also asked to keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children, and to develop her knowledge and understanding of current child protection procedures and guidance.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A poster is now displayed showing the procedure to be followed if parents wish to make a complaint. A record of medication administered is now maintained and any entries are signed by parents, which ensures children's well-being. The childminder has attended child protection training and is aware of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child in her care.

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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): • ensure that the register records accurate arrival and departure 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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