Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347604 Unique Reference Number 16 July 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 2007. She lives with her partner and son aged three years. They live in Willenhall within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. First floor rooms are not used, except for access to the bathroom. There is a patio area available for outdoor play. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding four children under five years of age and one child over five years of age, all of whom attend on varied days.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home that generally promotes satisfactory health and hygiene procedures. Most procedures followed by the childminder help to minimise the risk of cross-infection. For example, children wash their hands at appropriate times during the day

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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 and use their own personal towel. However, the methods used for changing nappies does not effectively eliminate the risk of cross-infection and this potentially compromises children's well-being. Children's individual health needs are mostly supported and procedures are in place, for example, if a child is unwell parents are informed and there are procedures in place for recording medication and accidents. The childminder has written consent from parents to enable her to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. She has a current first aid certificate and her first aid box is easily accessible. However, the childminder is not familiar with procedures for notifiable and communicable diseases which may compromise children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met and the childminder understands the importance of providing children with a balanced diet. Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks, nutritious meals and regular drinks. The childminder takes account of the wishes' of parents and the children's choices to provide meals and snacks that appeal to them and meet their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children rest and sleep according to their needs, individual routines are discussed with parents. During daily routines children have opportunities to be active and have quiet times or rest. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as they engage in a range of activities to promote their physical development. The childminder takes them to the nearby park where they can run and enjoy exercise in the fresh air and they walk to and from school. This contributes to their health, well-being and physical development.

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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 homely environment where they have sufficient space to move around and play freely. Children use developmentally appropriate toys and resources safely. The childminder ensures that toys are maintained in a safe and clean condition by carrying out regular checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder identifies potential risks to children and has taken action to minimise these. Safety features are in place, such as safety gates and a fireguard. Smoke detectors are fitted and maintained in working order as they are regularly checked by the childminder. A fire blanket which conforms to the required safety standard is accessible in the kitchen. Fire evacuation procedures are in place and practised with the children. Children are developing an awareness of safety because the childminder talks to them about road safety while they are on outings and encourages children to tidy away toys that could pose a trip hazard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is generally safeguarded as the childminder understands her role in protecting children in her care. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and is able to put the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures into place if required. However, she is not fully aware of the implications for her childminding where an allegation of abuse is made against the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder’s home and they have developed a caring relationship with her. The childminder ensures children have a varied day, she plans and provides a suitable range of activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Children benefit from a flexible routine, which

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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 provides them with play and learning experiences both inside and outside of the home. Children take part in a varied range of outings, these include visits to a local park and ball park. Children enjoy the activities provided which contribute to their creativity and imagination, they are able to paint, manipulate dough, sing songs, dress-up and listen to stories. Children's vocabulary is promoted and extended through the childminder's good interactions. She uses everyday play experiences to naturally introduce children to colours, shapes and numbers. This helps children acquire new knowledge and skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s self-esteem and confidence is enhanced with the childminder’s use of praise and encouragement. The childminders interaction with the children is good, she listens carefully to what the children are saying and gets down to their level engaging herself in their play. The childminder supports children's learning and offers help to develop their play further, for example, she encourages children to look at the different shapes as they try to complete a puzzle. Children are encouraged to be confident, express themselves, make positive relationships and learn about right and wrong. They are learning how to play together because the childminder reminds them to share and take turns. Children who attend after school are confident in expressing their needs. They enjoy playing games, such as 'Bingo' and taking part in a varied range of art and craft activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Their care needs are discussed with parents and routines and preferences are followed, this helps children to settle in and feel comfortable. The childminder has a flexible routine and takes into account children's feeling and well-being on a daily basis. The childminder has a good understanding of equality of opportunity and values children's individuality. The childminder talks to the older children about topics they cover at school and their understanding of different festivals. She uses resources which reflect positive images of different cultures and disability to develop children's understanding of the wider world and local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is positive about inclusion and has some experience of caring for young adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has strategies in place to promote children's welfare and development and works closely with parents to ensure individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's sense of right and wrong is developed through the childminder's good understanding of behaviour management. She is able to manage a range of behaviour, which helps children work harmoniously with others and helps them to begin to understand responsible behaviour. The childminder implements appropriate strategies, depending on the age and stage of the child. She encourages good behaviour by setting a good example, praising children in their achievement and encouraging them to be aware of others. This helps develop good self-esteem and respect for others.

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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. The childminder spends time with parents introducing them to her recording procedures. This keeps parents well-informed about the provision. Parents are aware of how they make a complaint about the service provided.

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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 enjoy attending this welcoming, homely setting because the childminder has made suitable use of space and resources. The childminder enjoys the company of the children and they benefit from her enthusiasm in her role. They settle easily into this relaxed atmosphere and benefit from routines which are flexible and have regard for their individual needs. The childminder is eager to develop her knowledge and skills of childcare practices by completing relevant training.

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Organisation

Generally all the required documentation which contributes to children's health and well-being is in place and stored confidentially. The registration certificate is displayed for parents to see the conditions of registration. However, the children's attendance records are not maintained effectively and this potentially compromises their 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.

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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): • ensure the procedure for changing nappies effectively reduces the risk of cross-infection • increase knowledge of the regulation with regard to notifiable and communicable diseases • develop further knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures • ensure that children's times of attendance is maintained effectively.

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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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