Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209539 Inspection date 09 September 2005 Inspector Shirley Amanda Wilkes

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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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband, 15 year old son and adult daughter. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There are shops, schools and a park within walking distance. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. There are 11 children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash hands after using the toilet and after outside play reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder's policy for the care of children who are ill is shared with parents, which ensures children's best interests are met. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder discusses children's individual dietary needs with parents. Parents' wishes and children's preferences are recorded. This enables the childminder to provide a good range of healthy snacks. Children are able to freely access drinks throughout the day. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies. For

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Helping children to be healthy

example, as they play on equipment at the local park and join in games to increase their physical skills. Daily walks to school and around the local area contribute to their well-being.

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. All safety equipment is in place. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside of the home. There are good procedures in place for the safe arrival and collection children. Children's independence is encouraged by them being able to self-select from a wide range of toys, which is clean and safe. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder having all the required procedures and documents in place. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Protection Committee procedures. This means children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled in the childminder's home. Children benefit from the childminder planning a variety of play experiences both inside and outside of the

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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 home, for example, visits to child orientated venues which enables them to socialise with other children. Farm visits, which promotes learning and stimulates their interest in the wider world. Children are becoming increasingly independent by being able to freely access a good and varied range of toys, resources and activities that appeal to them. Children's self-esteem is developed by the childminder offering consistent praise and encouragement and through their art work being displayed. The children are able to enjoy outside play that builds their confidence and independence, for example, visits to the local park. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity such as dancing, painting and model

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder takes time to find out about specific needs through the use of contracts and through the recording of individual daily routines, likes and dislikes. Children's welfare is promoted by a regular exchange of information between parents and childminder. Children's self-esteem is well promoted. They behave well and play together learning to share and take turns. This is due to the childminder using praise and encouragement throughout their daily routine to encourage positive behaviour. Children are beginning to show care for others within the wider community, for example, by fund raising for children less fortunate than themselves. Children 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. Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is increased by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

them being able to access a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident to 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 and the childminder's competent management of time ensure children’s play opportunities are maximised and their individual needs are consistently met. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. All documentation which contributes to children's health safety and well-being is in

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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 place. The childminder has a current first aid certificate. This contributes to the children's well-being. Children’s records and parental contracts are stored confidentially and updated on a regular basis. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made to ensure that the low level lock on the ground floor W.C. does not pose a hazard. Children's safety has been protected by the removal of the sliding bolt from the toilet door.

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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 enhance the already good practice of care for the under three's by following an appropriate framework for this age group, such as the Birth to Three Matters framework

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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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