Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 506630 Inspection date 05 September 2005 Inspector Kathryn Mary Harding

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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 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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband and older son, in a small village in South Shropshire. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder can walk to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently caring for ten pre-school aged children, on a part-time basis. The family has a cat and guinea pigs.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm clean setting where they learn the importance of personal hygiene and personal care through the daily routines. Children learn about healthy living when talking about food with regard to washing hands and why it is important. The childminder has not obtained written parental permission to act in an emergency or seek medical advice. This is needed as it could compromise children's good health. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are offered healthy and nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit salad and vegetables. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary requirements. Children are offered regular drinks such as milk and water so that they do not become thirsty Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. There

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Helping children to be healthy

are outdoor activities to help children develop control of their bodies, for example bikes, a swing and balancing beams. Children can access a wide range of equipment such as threading, play dough and scissors to help develop their fine control skills. Regular visits to fields and walks improve children’s physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely, child-orientated environment which is checked daily prior to the children arriving to ensure it is safe. Children are kept safe by the childminder having safety precautions in place such as socket covers and a fireguard. However the low glass in the bathroom door needs to be made safe, to ensure children's safety is not compromised. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe when on walks and outings as the childminder talks with the children about road safety and ensures that children always stay close by. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which are regularly checked and meet safety standards. Children's choice of toys and resources is carefully monitored to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder places toys and resources that are not safe for all ages on higher shelves so ensuring children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

kept safe. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures in line with Area Child Protection Committee procedures and

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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 has attended a workshop on child protection matters.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children participate in a good range of various activities which they enjoy. They benefit from a good level of support from the childminder who allows them to think of their own games and offers assistance where necessary. Children demonstrate a high level of confidence as they select toys and equipment and make decisions about their play. The childminder monitors children's individual progress in all areas of development through observations. This enables her to plan when looking at the weekly theme the next stage in the child's development, so ensuring progression. The children are able to concentrate and persevere for sustained periods of time, when they are gluing their pictures. Close and caring relationships between the childminder and the children have formed which increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Children's learning is extended, as the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder encourages them to think, by asking open-ended questions, when talking about their visitors. Children play well together and learn to share toys and take turns when playing games. They respond well to the childminder and approach her easily, involving her in their play. Children listen to her and answer questions, for example when looking at the book the childminder asks the child what he can see. Younger children's learning is extended as the childminder adapts activities such as a painting so all children can join in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children have access to some resources that positively reflect diversity. However, children's understanding of the wider world could be further broadened by increasing this range. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. As a result children understand what is expected of them, so they know they have to take turns with the toys and help tidy up the resources. As the childminder thanks the children she models good behaviour, so encouraging the children to be considerate to each other. Children are encouraged to behave well as the childminder praises the children for their efforts. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as the childminder regularly talks with parents and tailors her service to suit the child. Relationships with parents are positive and the childminder keeps them well informed

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about how their child has been and what they have been doing and where they are planning on going. This ensures consistency of care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease with the appropriately organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. They are able to freely access a wide range of activities, so encouraging their independence. The childminder works appropriately to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. The childminder has written policies and procedures in place to outline the service provided. However, in order to ensure that children are well cared for, medication records need to contain more details as outlined in the National Standards. Confidentiality is maintained as all paperwork is stored securely. All household members over the age of 16, also need to have satisfactory clearances in place. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children that attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure all documentation was accessible, yet stored confidentially and provide more toys or equipment to promote positive images of diversity. Documentation is now, all stored confidentially, yet accessible, so promoting children's well-being. The childminder has looked at gaining more toys and resources to positively reflect diversity but has found this difficult. This has been brought forward as a recommendation at this inspection.

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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):

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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 • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that the low glass is made safe • provide more toys or equipment which promote positive images of diversity • ensure all household members are appropriately vetted • ensure all medication records are retained and contain details as outlined in the National Standards.

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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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