Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY339967 Unique Reference Number 04 March 2008 Inspection date Susan Rogers 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and one child aged six months in the Wednesfield area of Wolverhampton. The childminder co-child minds with her husband. The house is within walking distance of shops and schools and a local park. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom. There is fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children if both childminders are present and is currently caring for four children all of whom attend a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is supported by the local authority and regularly takes children to and from school.

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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 well-presented and comprehensive documentation protects children if they are ill or have an accident. For example, the sick child policy encourages parents to care for their child at home if they are ill and all accidents are recorded. Children's specific health details are recorded which protects their welfare. Children are well protected if they have an accident or if there is concern over their health as the childminder has a full paediatric first aid qualification. They are protected against illness and infection as a consequence of the comprehensive procedures and routines. The nappy changing routines are hygienic and children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Individual paper towels and antibacterial soap protect children against cross-infection when they wash their hands. All areas of the setting are maintained in a clean condition which protects children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are sufficient opportunities for children to enjoy indoor physical exercise as there is good space provision. They develop their smaller muscle skills by using smaller toys which include jigsaws, colouring and painting activities. However, there are limited opportunities for children to benefit from healthy eating which compromises their welfare. For example, children sometimes snack on crisps and chocolate bars which compromises their welfare. Children always have sufficient to drink as there is water and sugar free squash readily available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's protection is given consideration as the childminder has completed health and safety training. Most of the risk assessments are effective in protecting children's safety. For example, there are stair gates to prevent children accessing the kitchen, all exit doors are secured and all low level glass is safe. However, the highly polished wooden floor presents as a slip hazard as younger children sometimes do not wear shoes which compromises their safety. The regular fire drills protect children's well-being. They are further protected as the childminder explains to children why fire drills are completed. Appropriate fire prevention equipment is installed protecting children's welfare. These include, a fire blanket and a smoke alarm on each floor of the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The toys are well-organised and suitable for children's age and ability which promotes their development. The childminder carefully monitors children's play and ensures they access equipment that is suited to their age and ability. Children are able to eat their meals in a positive social environment using child sized chairs and table which promotes their social skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children sleep in safety and comfort either on the settee or the travel cot. They travel in safety and comfort in the car as there is full business insurance, and appropriate seating and restraints are carefully chosen to match children's height and age. Children well-protected in the sun as they have sun protection cream applied and spend limited time outdoors during the hot weather.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s independence is promoted as they are encouraged to explore their environment and sample a variety of play opportunities. For example, they enjoy supervised cooking activities

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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 in the kitchen and creative play opportunities in the playroom. Careful adaptation of the different areas promotes a variety of child-initiated activities which encourages their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's creative play opportunities are appropriately supported by the childminder who promotes children's language by making suggestions. They are encouraged to recognise letters and sounds through reading activities which also encourage their appreciation of stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy feeling of security as they are regularly comforted and reassured by being offered hugs and cuddles. They are actively encouraged to explore all areas and freely access a variety of toys and play equipment. The childminder has an understanding of children's development issues as she has attended the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework which protects children's development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported in their activities through the positive demeanour of the childminder. They are developing effective friendships with other children which promotes their confidence. They are considerate towards others and are able to share toys and activities. They frequently engage in conversations with each other which promotes their language skills. Pre-planned activities are shared with parents which gives consideration to children's individual development needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's learning is promoted if they have English as an additional language as the childminder ensures that there is a list of words that can be referred to ensuring effective communication which promotes their sense of security. Children are encouraged to understand the needs of others through celebrating a variety of different festivals and celebrations. Their continuity of care is well-protected as the childminder communicates on a regular basis with parents by exchanging information that relates to their child's progress. A gradual settling in period promotes children's security as they are encouraged to attend for short periods of time before the placement commences on a permanent basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are encouraged to share and positively interact with each other. They are developing friendships with each other and recognise their play is improved when they include others. Their sense of security is well-promoted as they are aware of the boundaries and house rules. Their self-esteem is actively encouraged as they are consistently praised and encouraged in their activities. Their positive behaviour is promoted as they able to sample a range of activities and play opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities have appropriate care as the childminder has an understanding of current legislation and communicates well with parents over any concerns in respect of their child's development. The childminder understands current legislation and is able to work effectively with other agencies to promote children's development. The childminder has attended some modular training opportunities for children with specific needs and is willing to access additional training opportunities that will aid her in the care of individual children.

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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. Children are well-protected in the childminder's care as all adults who care for them are vetted. Effective contingency plans have been agreed and discussed with parents and ensure that children are always cared for by a vetted person. The assistant has been carefully selected by the childminder and her suitable aptitude promotes children's well-being. The well presented documentation protects children's welfare. For example, children's contracts are regularly updated and the register records their date of attendance and time of arrival and departure. Comprehensive policies that reflect the service that is offered are shared with parents and protect children's well-being. The childminders share in the daily maintenance and reviewing of documentation which protects children's welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder has engaged in a variety of modular training opportunities which promotes children's learning and she is committed to improving her skills. The correct adult child ratio is consistently maintained as a consequence of careful planning. For example, the school collection service is subject to careful pre-planning and ensures the children's safety. 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. 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 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): • review safety procedures in respect of the polished wooden floor and children's footwear • promote healthy eating opportunities for children.

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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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