Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY240972 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2008 Inspection date Hazel Christine White 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, 11 and nine years. They live in the Shirley area of the West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor, upstairs back bedroom and bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, one of whom attends on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where hygiene routines minimise the spread of infection. With the childminder's support children learn the importance of washing hands after using the toilet and before meals. Children's individual personal care is appropriately met. Nappy changing procedures are good and children rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder

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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 follows their home routines. Accident and medication records are kept up to date and signed by parents. Written consent for medication and emergency consent, has also been obtained. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is properly stocked, consequently, positive steps are taken to care for children when they are ill or have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished because they are provided with packed lunches which have been prepared by their parents. Therefore, their individual dietary needs are catered for. Children's social skills are encouraged because they sit together at mealtimes in a relaxed environment. They are offered drinks regularly throughout the day and snack on a variety of fresh fruit. Storage and re-heating procedures are satisfactory.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a satisfactory range of activities which contribute to their physical development. They use the garden for physical play, weather permitting and enjoy taking the dog for a walk as well as walking to and from school. Children have the opportunity to dance to music when they are indoors and are beginning to learn that it is important to be active to help them develop strong muscles.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. Space is adequately organised to enable children to experience a variety of play opportunities in the playroom. A welcoming environment is created because the childminder displays children's artwork and sets toys out ready for their arrival. Their risk to injury is minimised as visual checks are carried out on toys and equipment to ensure that they are safe for children to use. Toys and equipment are in a good condition and well maintained. Most resources are stored at a low level and organised so children can safely make their own choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are appropriately supervised both indoors and outside. They are learning about their own safety through clear explanation and discussion. For example, they are beginning to understand the importance of road safety. More able children are aware of the boundaries when out and about and younger children are securely fastened into a pushchair. Children learn to use equipment in the park safely, such as swings and slides. They are protected in the event of a fire because the emergency evacuation procedure has been practised. The fire blanket is readily available, however, there is no working smoke alarm on the first floor which may compromise children's safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's sound understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the homely environment and develop a good rapport with the childminder. They learn from the wide range of toys and activities that are readily available. Weekly plans ensure that children investigate and explore different types of play. These are flexible to take into account children's interests. Toys and equipment are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children make independent choices and move freely between activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported as they try out new activities because the childminder joins in with their spontaneous play. They enjoy being creative as they make patterns with 'hamma beads' and mould with play dough. Every day situations are used to develop the children's interest in

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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 counting and colour recognition. Role play develops the children's imagination. They act out situations they have seen at home, for example, making drinks and putting 'baby' to bed. Children are shown care and affection and enjoy the childminder's attention. They are responsive to her suggestions and confident in asking for specific toys if they are not already out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They have equal access to an appropriate range of resources which help them to enhance their understanding of the wider world. For example, books, play people and puppets show positive images of diversity. Pictures and posters of people in society are displayed around the playroom and encourage children to develop a positive attitude towards others because they are used to promote discussion. Children see days of the week written in a variety of languages including Japanese.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have been introduced to house rules and are reminded of the boundaries. As a result they know about expected behaviour. They play cooperatively with each other and develop good self-esteem and respect for others through learning to resolve disagreements together. Any behavioural issues are discussed with parents to ensure consistency. Children respond positively to praise and are rewarded with stickers for good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to share information about their children's needs and interests. Children are helped to settle in and benefit from a gradual introduction. Parents are regularly consulted with regard to their children's needs and good communication exists. Policies and procedures are displayed in a folder and parents are encouraged to have a read through them. As a result, they are kept fully informed of the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and at ease in the home. Play is planned around their daily routines and takes into account their interests and individual needs. Children show confidence and freely choose from resources. The playroom is sufficiently organised to enable children to experience a wide range of activities. Information exchanged and regular discussions with parents help to promote the welfare and care of the children.

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Organisation

The childminder is interested in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated although she has not attended any recently. She has all the required information and consent from parents. Records are kept up to date and are securely stored. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to: comply with conditions of registration, regarding the number of children under five years who may be cared for at any one time; ensure that the name, home address and date of birth of each child looked after on the premises was recorded, and to develop an effective partnership with all parents so that all required information

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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 was obtained. The childminder complies with conditions of registration and demonstrated through discussion that she has a sound understanding of the maximum number of children she is registered to care for. As a result, ratios are maintained at all times. The childminder has a positive partnership with parents. Good communication and the implementation of policies and procedures, ensures that all required information is obtained. Documents have been reviewed and reorganised so that every child's name, address and date of birth is recorded. These personal details are kept in individual folders. Consequently, children's needs are met.

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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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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): • provide a smoke alarm which conform to BS EN safety standards, on the first floor.

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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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