Childminder in Dudley

Inspection report for early years provision

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255721 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Carol Johnson 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 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband and one adult child in Stourbridge. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and children have access to a fully enclosed rear garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children who attend for a variety of sessions. She co-minds, at times, with her husband who is also a registered childminder. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder takes and collects children to and from school and pre-school. The childminder also attends local community groups. The family keeps several caged birds.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds appropriate early years qualifications. She is a member of the National Child Minding Association (NCMA).

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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's good health is promoted because they are cared for in a very clean and hygienic environment where positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Hygiene routines are thorough and older children are encouraged to be independent with regards to their personal care. They understand that they need to wash their hands properly after using the toilet and before touching food. Liquid soap and individual hand towels are readily available. Hygiene routines with regards to family pets are suitable and children are taught to treat them sensitively and with respect.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes effective measures to promote children's health and to ensure that their best interests are served should they become ill or have an accident. Regular communication with parents and carers ensures that children's individual medical information is accurately exchanged. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and maintains well-stocked and easily accessible first aid supplies. The childminder’s written sickness policy makes it very clear to parents that they should not send children who are clearly unwell and could pose a potential health risk to others.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are met because they are provided with a range of healthy meals and snacks. All food is generally provided by parents. Consequently, it is in line with their wishes and individual children’s preferences. However, when in season, produce grown at the childminder's allotment is introduced at mealtimes and this helps children to understand where some food comes from. The childminder and parents discuss any allergies or special dietary requirements. For example, they discuss weaning and mealtime routines for younger children. This information is known by both the childminder and her husband and it is recorded and respected. Children are at not at risk of dehydration as drinks are freely available. The childminder is up to date with food handling practices as she has attending recent food hygiene training.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have easy access to a wide range of activities that help to contribute to their increased physical development. They enjoy regular walks in the neighbourhood and visit local parks and the family allotment. Consequently, children exercise, enjoy fresh air and have frequent opportunities to participate in energetic activities. Also, they play outside in the childminder's garden where they can access a range of equipment including balls, a tunnel and a sand/water tray. Indoors, children dance, play musical instruments and join in with action songs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to eat, rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder talks to parents about their children’s routines at home and she gets to know children’s individual requirements. Daily routines are flexibly organised to reflect those needs. Consequently, children are able to predict what is likely to happen throughout the day and they receive consistency of care.

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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 very welcoming, secure and safe environment. An exciting range of toys are accessible to children and attractively presented. A selection of toys are stored at child height where children can easily help themselves. Careful attention is given to selecting the

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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 resources that are available on a daily basis. The childminder ensures that they are developmentally-appropriate and that children are not overloaded with choices and stimulation. Also, the childminder ensures that there is enough room for them to move and rest in safety and comfort. Children know that they must tidy away some toys before getting others out and this helps to keep resources in a good condition and also prevents them from becoming a tripping hazard to others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of safety issues and the sound attention she gives to all aspects of safety inside and outside the home. The childminder and her husband are vigilant and check all areas of their home, and toys and equipment on a daily basis. Extensive written risk assessments have been produced and these are regularly reviewed to identify and minimise any potential hazards. The childminder ensures that the family car is well-maintained and relevant documentation is available for inspection. If used, for minding purposes, children are seated in suitable car safety seats. Children are well-protected from the dangers of fire as suitable procedures and equipment are in place. Children are taught about fire safety in a child-friendly and developmentally-appropriate manner so as not to alarm them. They take part in regular fire drills and discussions inspired by books, and stories are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

used to help them understand the dangers of fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare with regards to child protection is effectively safeguarded. Children are not released into the care of unknown individuals or left unsupervised with persons who have not been appropriately vetted, for example, workmen or visitors. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of child protection issues and she has attended recent training in this respect. She is aware that the safety of children is her first priority and is confident of her ability to put appropriate procedures into practice should it become necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and having fun. They laugh, smile and play happily both alone and with others. Children are well-supported and are developing the confidence to explore and initiate their own play. The childminder carefully avoids interrupting children's play unnecessarily and this allows them to negotiate and explore independently. Children are given plenty of time and space to learn, refine and practise skills and the childminder motivates them through lots of praise and encouragement. They can access plenty of experiences and good quality resources that help to extend and support their play and learning. For example, children can play with construction toys, small world items and have access to a lot of books and games. Toys are stored in various places throughout the childminder's home and a selection is available and stored at child-height to encourage children's independence and freedom of choice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder and her husband work together to flexibly plan and organise the daily routine. Sessions include a good mixture of planned and spontaneous play and they reflect children’s interests and meet their individual needs. Children play out in the garden, read books and participate in a variety of craft experiences. The childminder teaches children manners and encourages them to develop personal care skills, for example, washing their hands, wiping their own noses and putting on coats and shoes. Children enjoy lots of opportunities to explore and experiment with different textures and sounds. Sensory boxes have been created and these contain a range of items to stimulate children's imagination and senses. For example, children can feel pieces of soft material, listen to the different noises that can be made with musical instruments and investigate using torches and magnifying glasses. Skilful use of open-ended

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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 questioning by the childminder encourages children to look and explore items carefully and to think about how they might be used.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder and her husband regularly observe children during play and record their findings. These observations are then used to help plan activities and some are recorded in record books called 'Trackers'. Each child has their own book within which their achievements in a wide variety of skills are noted. Periodically, these books are formally shared with parents. Both childminder's see observation skills as an area that they could develop further to improve information shared with parents and to ensure that children are effectively supported and challenged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are catered for. The childminder works closely and co-operatively with parents and carers, sharing information verbally on a daily basis and providing detailed written information about policies and procedures. Daily diaries are maintained for all children and these enable important information to be exchanged, for example, regarding toileting and food intake. Additionally, progress and developmental records are maintained and these are shared with parents so that they know how their children are progressing with a variety of skills and attitudes. Confidentiality for children and their families is assured and personal information is kept secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the wider community through everyday activities and experiences. They are actively encouraged to talk about home and their experiences and they talk about differences and similarities. Positive images of diversity are evident in the resources available to children. There are posters placed at child height and available resources, for example, a variety of books, jigsaw puzzles and role play items help children to develop a positive self-image and an understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder displays a very positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has attended a wealth of training in this respect. A clear inclusion policy is in place that confirms that each child is treated as an individual without discrimination. A proactive approach has been taken by both the childminder and her husband to identify how they can best meet the needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder has achieved a 'Me2' award for ensuring that their service is inclusive and accessible to all. The childminder understands the need to work in partnership with parents and other professionals to meet children's various identified needs. Consequently, all parents can expect any requests for care to be very carefully considered and additional support sought if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's good behaviour is encouraged very effectively through the consistent use of positive behaviour management techniques by the childminder and her husband. Their clearly written behaviour policy outlines the methods used and reinforces rules and expectations. House rules are clear and include not standing or jumping on furniture and sitting at the table whilst eating. Children are taught to show respect for each other, themselves and the property of others. The childminder provides children with a positive role model and encourages them to share and take turns in their play. Children are motivated to co-operate and behave because their efforts and achievements are rewarded with plenty of praise and encouragement.

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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 good. The childminder and her husband work together and take joint responsibility for all aspects of their service. They plan children's activities together and take an equal role in liaising with parents, carers and other professionals. Parents and children benefit positively from the childminder’s experience. She works part-time as a Childminding Development worker and has attended lots of training related to both this role and that of a childminder. She shows a commitment towards improvement and working in partnership with parents and other professionals. This is reflected in the good level of care and service that she and her husband provide. Suitable systems are in place to protect children from unvetted persons.

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Organisation

Children’s care, learning and play are positively supported by the childminder. Daily routines reflect children’s needs and parental requirements and the wide range of experiences available to children help them to flourish and have fun. Children have access to a wide range of accessibly stored and attractively presented toys and equipment. The premises offer children a warm and homely environment and available space is utilised well to enable them to play, rest and sleep in comfort and safety.

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Organisation

Children's care and welfare is actively promoted as the childminder has all documentation necessary for the safe and efficient management of the provision. Children's records and contracts with their parents are up to date and contain all the necessary detail to ensure that children are cared for appropriately. Both childminder's take equal responsibility for ensuring that policies and procedures are known, and written policies are reviewed on a regular basis. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure all the necessary documentation is in place before transporting minded children in a vehicle. The childminder has now obtained written permission from all parents in this respect and children’s welfare and safety is suitably improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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Complaints 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

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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): • develop methods used for observing how children develop and learn.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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