Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209654 Inspection date 19 September 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Mason

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and daughter in a detached house in Stoke-on-Trent. The whole of the ground floor and two upstairs bedrooms are used for childminding. Toilet facilities are also on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children. She currently cares for one child on a full-time basis and three children attend part-time. The family have fish as pets.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder's home is clean and tidy. Good hygiene practices are promoted well. Children are learning about the importance of good health and hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing before meals and after toileting. Established routines are followed and children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. The effective procedures for sick children ensures that the best interests of all children are met if they are unwell. Healthy eating is encouraged. Processed and sweet foods are discouraged and children are encouraged to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that preferences are respected and special dietary needs are met. Children's independence is developing and they are confident to help themselves to their own drink that is always kept readily available in individual cups. Although opportunities for children to be outdoors are limited during inclement

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Helping children to be healthy

weather children are developing physical skills through outings to the park and other local facilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are learning the importance of staying safe. The childminder has mostly identified and minimized hazards within the home. Home safety equipment, such as a stair gate, is used to ensure that children can play safely in the playroom. Children are able to choose from toys that are clean, safe and suitable for their purpose. Although a record of all accidents is kept, confidentiality of the entry in the record book is not maintained and the actions taken by the childminder to deal with the accident are not recorded. Effective procedures for the evacuation of the building in an emergency help safeguard children. Fire evacuation practices are carried out regularly and a record kept. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is able to put necessary procedures into practice if needed and acts in the best interests of the children at all times. There are good arrangements for the collection of children at the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

end of the childminding day to ensure their welfare is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a satisfactory range of activities for the children to choose from. Children are developing independence and self-assurance as they ask for activities that are not out. The childminder mostly has regard for children's wishes and offers an explanation to them if they cannot do what they want. Children take part in a range of developmentally appropriate activities although these are not

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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 always challenging to help sustain children's interest. The childminder interacts well with the children. She is interested in what they say and do and has good relationships with them. This helps children to be settled, secure and confident. Children have opportunities to meet other children and explore the wider environment through visits to local toddler groups and the home of another childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has appropriate strategies for managing challenging behaviour. Children are developing an understanding of right and wrong. The consistent behaviour boundaries, set by the childminder, help children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged. Children are developing a respect for the needs of others. They have positive relationships with the childminder and with each other. The childminder knows the children well. She finds out about their individual needs and ensures that the needs are met, for example following babies' individual routines. Children are learning about the diversity of the world around them however their awareness is not always increased to fully promote their learning. The childminder works in partnership with parents and promotes positive relationships with them. Her relationships with them contribute effectively to the continuity of children's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents' wishes are respected and there are satisfactory systems in place to keep them informed about the provision and their children's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures that she shares with parents to ensure that the welfare and care of the children is promoted. She keeps all necessary paperwork, and information about children is mostly stored securely to maintain confidentiality. The childminder's home is warm and welcoming to children and parents. Children's self-confidence is promoted through the display of their art work. There are also posters for children displayed in the playroom to add to the inviting atmosphere. Indoor space is used appropriately to offer children environments in which they can play freely as well as quiet areas for rest and sleep. The childminder organises her time effectively to enable her to offer sufficient adult support in which children can be settled and secure. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder develops her range of resources to promote positive images of other cultures and disability. Although steps have been taken to improve the range of toys available to children, the childminder does not have sufficient knowledge and understanding of how to promote positive

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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 images for children to develop a good awareness of the world around them.

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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): • develop accident records to ensure that actions taken are recorded and confidentiality is maintained when sharing records with parents • further extend opportunities for children outdoors at the home address • plan and provide activities and play opportunities which meet children's individual needs • increase children's awareness of diversity to fully promote their learning

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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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