Childminder, Out-of school day care in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY284082 Inspection date 28 September 2005 Inspector Valerie Thomas

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and one child aged two years. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder lives within walking distance of local schools, park and shops. She attends a variety of local toddler groups and regularly takes children swimming and to an activity centre. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years on a part time basis. She 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. Routines and procedures implemented by the childminder help children to develop a clear understanding of when they need to wash their hands. They know they need to wash them before lunch and after using the toilet. The clear procedures implemented for infectious children help limit the spread of infection. This helps to keep children healthy. Procedures for accidents and medication are clear and understood. The childminder obtains verbal consent from parents to administer medicines, although, it is not always in writing. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet the children's individual dietary needs. Children have regular drinks and a varied and nutritional diet is provided throughout the day. This encourages them to develop a healthy approach to eating. They choose satsumas for their snack and help to make their own

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Helping children to be healthy

sandwiches for lunch. Importance is placed by the childminder on ensuring children are able to play outside in the fresh air. They regularly go for walks to the post office, visit activity centres and go swimming. This helps children to develop a positive attitude to exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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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 safe and secure environment where risks are identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. They are able to climb up the small step ladder to wash their hands and know that they should not walk around with the scissors as they may cut themselves. Currently, there is work being undertaken in the garden next door, which means there are some hazards for children. However, good supervision and guidance by the childminder ensures children's safety. Procedures implemented for fire evacuation are clear and drills have been practised, although, not all children have taken part. Consequently, this helps most children to understand how to keep themselves safe. The home is well-maintained and offers good space and a welcoming environment for children to play comfortably with the toys and equipment. Children independently

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

select activities from a varied range of good quality toys, which are suitable for the age range attending. Toys are well-organised in storage boxes to allow easy access and help create a stimulating environment. This allows children to make their own decisions about their play. The childminder's secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures ensures children are protected from harm or neglect.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time in the setting. They are confident and approach the childminder for their needs, which are met well. They enjoy close physical contact and relate well to the childminder as she helps them to develop their cutting skills. The wide range of activities provided promotes children's learning and achievements, helps them to develop their curiosity as learners and maintain their interest well. Children concentrate and have much fun as they climb the ladder to mend the shed and paint their butterfly pictures. They enjoy receiving praise for their efforts, which develops their self-esteem well. High importance is placed by the childminder on developing children's independence. They are encouraged to tidy away the toys and help to make their own sandwiches for their picnic lunch. Children visit many local toddler groups, which helps children to develop their social skills and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make new friends. The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is currently in the early stages of implementing it into her practice. She plans to attend training to help further develop this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents and they are very settled. Clear behaviour management methods implemented by the childminder help children develop their understanding of what is right and wrong. They respond well to the boundaries set, picking toys up after they have thrown them. Children have high levels of self-esteem, enjoying the constant praise given to them as they try to achieve different tasks, for example, washing their own hands. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through visits to local farms and nature areas. There is a varied range of resources to promote a positive view of different cultures and disability and these are supplemented through use of a local toy library. This helps to raise children's awareness of diversity and their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding of others. Good methods are in place to develop the partnership with parents. Detailed written information is given on how the setting operates and written consent is obtained for many procedures. Children's well-being and how their needs are met during the day are recorded on daily information sheets for the parent. This enables the childminder and parents to work together to meet the needs of the child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised environment.

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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 Consequently, they are confident to choose their own activities and develop their own play and learning. Good support form the childminder develops children's learning and helps them feel secure. The childminder develops her knowledge of childcare issues through attending additional training, such as child protection. This contributes to the quality of care provided. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well-informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 parents give written consent for administering medicines at all times • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring all children are aware of the evacuation procedure.

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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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