Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY365096 Unique Reference Number 14 July 2008 Inspection date Rebecca 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 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 2007. She lives with her mother and one child aged 10 in a house in Bilston, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor and one upstairs bedroom and bathroom are used for childminding. The house is within walking distance of shops and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years. There is currently one child on roll. The needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s individual care needs are appropriately met and there are acceptable procedures in place to protect them from illness and infection. Sick or injured children are appropriately cared for because parents are given a copy of exclusion periods for contagious illnesses. Children are

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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 beginning to learn about their own personal hygiene and how to keep healthy by washing their hands at appropriate times during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished. Although the childminder does not provide meals, children enjoy health snacks such as a variety of fresh fruit and yoghurts. However, drinks are not readily available at all times therefore children could potentially become dehydrated especially during hot weather. Children are beginning to learn about healthy foods as they plant and grow vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots and lettuce. Information is regularly shared and discussed with parents to ensure that each child's individual dietary needs and personal preferences are respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities to experience physical activity and develop their skills. They play with bats and balls and enjoy walks to the local park or forest. This contributes to their health and helps them to develop control of their bodies.

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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 warm, welcoming, clean and safe environment where most risks have been identified and minimised. However, the garden still has some hazards which makes it potentially unsafe for children until they have been moved. Children's awareness of safety issues is developed through every day activities such as practising evacuation procedures and learning to cross the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a limited range of acceptable equipment in place which children are able to use safely and select for themselves. All fire equipment such as smoke alarms are in place and are regularly checked. The premises are secure and there are effective procedures in place for the safe arrival and collection of children. Although procedures for outings are clear and risk assessments are carried out the childminder does not have business cover insurance for her car. Therefore children's safety and welfare is potentially hindered in this area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is adequately safeguarded because the childminder has appropriate knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, confident and interact positively with the childminder seeking her out to join in their games or to share experiences of their play. For example, when building a ship. Children's interest and learning is developed as the childminder asks simple questions to help them think and encourages them to count and name different colours. They are developing independence by choosing activities they wish to participate in and the childminder takes time to find out each child's interests by talking to parents and through discussion with the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are building positive relationships because the childminder encourages them to share toys with each other. They are able to access some age-appropriate activities which includes a variety of craft materials and table top games and they enjoy trips to the local park and forest to collect leaves to make pictures. However, resources are limited, therefore, children's learning, development and enjoyment in some areas is hindered.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Regular discussions with parents ensure that children's individual needs are recognised and met appropriately. Children’s knowledge and understanding of the wider world is promoted through their access to resources such as books and small world toys which reflect positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond to clear behaviour management policies and strategies such as reinforcing positive behaviour and clear and consistent boundaries. They understand simple house rules such as; be kind, respect each other and be kind to the animals. Strategies are shared with and understood by parents, which ensures consistency between home and minding environments. Methods of behaviour management are appropriate to individual children and children's age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual needs are appropriately met. They are cared for in accordance with their parents wishes and information is shared with parents on a daily basis through daily verbal discussion. However, children are not always protected as a system for recording complaints has not been fully implemented.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of the need to inform Ofsted of any significant changes. The childminder has knowledge and experience of working with young children and attends some local short courses to ensure she is up to date with new ideas and information.

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Organisation

All documentation which contributes to the children's health, safety and welfare is in place and regularly reviewed. Documentation is safely stored to maintain confidentiality whilst still being easily accessible in an emergency. Overall, children’s needs are met.

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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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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 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): • ensure that the garden is completely safe before allowing children to access it • obtain business insurance before transporting children in the car • ensure that children are able to access fresh drinking water at all times • provide children with a range of resources and activities to meet their developmental needs • develop a method for recording any complaints.

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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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