Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341751 Unique Reference Number 12 February 2008 Inspection date Jackie Nation 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 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband, who is a co-childminder and one child aged three years. They live in Oldbury within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. One first floor bedroom is used for sleep when providing overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children, when working alone. She minds with a co-childminder and together they can care for a maximum of eight children. Currently they are caring for two children over five years on varied days. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for a maximum of two children under eight years. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well-being is suitably promoted as they are cared for in a clean and welcoming home environment. The childminder takes good steps to keep children free from

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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 infection and cross-contamination. For example, she has hygienic procedures in place for nappy changing and cleans changing mats with antibacterial spray between uses. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care during daily routines. Their individual health needs are generally supported as procedures are in place for recording medication and accidents, information is shared with parents. Parents are informed if their child becomes unwell and first aid training has been completed, this ensures children's needs are met if they have an accident. However, written consent from parents to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is not in place. This potentially compromises children well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet and are offered drinks regularly which ensures they are kept well hydrated. The childminder offers a balanced healthy diet and nutritious meals are made using fresh ingredients and always include plenty of vegetables, fish and fruit. Children's individual dietary needs are discussed with parents and where they have specific needs, these are recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder recognises the importance of physical activity and how it promotes children's good health and development. Children take part in enjoyable games in the home such as musical statues and dancing activities. Children visit local parks and this gives them the opportunity to try out varied equipment, for example, climbing frames and slides. This helps promote their skills and confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a family-orientated environment where they feel at home and secure. The whole ground floor of the house is used and children are able to investigate and explore their surroundings safely. Children play in a designated play room with a suitable range of toys and resources. Toys and books are easily accessible to children and this enables them to make choices and promote independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an appropriate understanding of health and safety. Children benefit from a range of safety measures already in place to minimise hazards. For example, hazardous substances are stored out of children's reach. There are smoke detectors fitted on both levels of the house and the fire evacuation procedure has been practised with the children. Suitable safety seats and restraints are used when transporting children in the car, however, written parental consent from parents is not in place. Consequently, children's safety may be compromised. The childminder's public liability insurance is valid and displayed at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She is aware of the possible indicators of abuse or neglect and has a copy of the local child protection procedures. Consequently, children's welfare is effectively protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder’s home and have developed a caring relationship with her. The childminder provides children with a suitable range of activities and experiences both inside and outside of the home. Children take part in a range of outings, these include visits to the local park and library.

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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 Children enjoy a variety of activities and they take part in creative art and craft activities. Their artwork is displayed within the childminder’s home demonstrating that she values their efforts and achievements. Children are beginning to show initiative as they play with resources such as puzzles and construction and they enjoy small world play activities such as the farm. The childminder is aware of what each child is interested in and she joins in to enhance their play, chatting to them as they spend time together. Children respond well to the childminders questions and prompts during play. For example, the children complete a large floor puzzle together and the childminder encourages them to find the appropriate pieces to complete the task. The childminder introduces colour, number and shape names into everyday conversations

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with the children. Posters are displayed in the playroom and this helps children acquire new knowledge and skills. Children are able to rest and relax according to their needs and they enjoy watching appropriate television programmes if they wish to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well behaved and they respond positively to the childminder who acts as a good role model. The childminder's interaction with the children is good, she listens to what they are saying and shows interest in what they are doing. This helps children to develop their play and learning and make positive relationships. Children's activities and achievements are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure all children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Children's individual care needs are discussed with parents and routines and preferences are followed, this helps children settle in and feel comfortable in the childminder's care. Older children have recorded their views about the childminding provision and the comments are all positive. Children develop an understanding of the wider community as the childminder develops their awareness of festivals and celebrations, for example, Chinese New Year. Although the childminder has no experience of providing care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she is aware of children's developmental stages. Consequently she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and meet any specific needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and they are supported in developing an understanding of the needs of others. The childminder uses positive strategies to help children play together harmoniously, for example, she encourages sharing and taking turns. Children have worked together with the childminder to devise a set of rules, which are displayed. This includes children's views with regard to being friends, using manners and aspects of anti-bullying. Children respond positively to the childminder's calm approach, she praises and encourages them in their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and this has a positive impact on the children's well-being. There are good procedures in place for keeping parents informed about their child's care and progress. Information is shared each day about the child's routine, activities, meals and sleep. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents and the childminder informs parents about how they may make a complaint. However, the procedure is not fully developed in line with current regulations to ensure parents are fully informed about the provision.

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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. Children benefit from the childminders friendly and caring nature. The childminder organises her home well and there is plenty of space for children to move around safely. The childminder is eager to develop her knowledge and skills of childcare practices by completing relevant training. She has completed an Introduction to Childminding Practice course and attended first aid training.

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Organisation

Children's health, safety, enjoyment and care is generally promoted through satisfactory record keeping and good partnership with parents. All documentation is stored securely and confidentially is maintained. The childminders certificate of registration is displayed and the attendance register is maintained accurately.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • obtain written parental consent for minded children to be transported in a vehicle • develop the complaints procedure in line with current regulations and share this information with parents.

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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 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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