Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

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208377 Unique Reference Number 14 April 2008 Inspection date Lesley Jane Bott 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two daughters, aged five and 11 years in Telford. The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary school and walks to local facilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for no more than five children under the age of eight years at any one time, and is currently minding eight children all on a part-time basis. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding together with an enclosed rear garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a pet dog and cat; the children are allowed access to the animals under supervision. The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 (NVQ 3) and a Cache Level 3 in Child Care.

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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. There are good procedures in place by the childminder to ensure that children learn about personal hygiene. Children are always reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet, and know to wash hands before eating especially after messy play, for example, painting or play dough. The children also remind the childminder to wash her hands when she goes to the toilet, 'you need to wash the germs away' they said. Good procedures are followed by the childminder when nappy changing, gloves are used and nappies disposed of appropriately. Each child has their own changing mat to ensure children are protected from cross infection and remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accident and medication records are in place and completed appropriately and signed by parents. Written consent is in place for emergency medical treatment in the event of an emergency. The childminder currently supplies a snack and a drink for children on their return from school. She works with parents' wishes and currently children attending full day bring their own lunch; this is stored appropriately until needed. Drinks are kept readily available to encourage children to recognise when they are thirsty and develop independence in helping themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical skills are promoted well. The childminder ensures that energetic physical play is encouraged and children have the opportunity to play outdoors in the enclosed rear garden. They are able to access a good range of outdoor toys. Younger children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the well-organised and stimulating environment which allows a variety of play experiences. Parents and children are warmly welcomed into the setting, with posters and children's work displayed in the porch and play room. The indoor play space creates a child-friendly setting which enables children to explore and take risks while being appropriately supervised and safe. Children can move around freely and are well-protected from harm. Older children have the opportunity to use the conservatory for quiet time after school to relax. Children are able to choose and select resources from the excellent range on offer which helps with their all round development. These are rotated to ensure that children are given an excellent balance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected from hazards as the childminder's good awareness of children's developing abilities helps to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place to avoid dangerous situations and minimise risks. Children know and understand road safety when walking back and forth from school. The childminder uses a double buggy for younger children, and older children know to hold onto the pushchair or the childminder's hand when crossing roads. Children are encouraged to have respect for the toys. For example, they know to put large pieces of equipment back before bringing out others and help to tidy away before lunch time. Effective procedures for home safety ensures that all children can play in a safe environment both indoors and outside. Emergency evacuation procedures are robust and are practised regularly with children to ensure that they know what to do in an emergency to keep themselves

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe, and smoke alarms are in working order on each floor. A register is maintained, however

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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 this does not accurately show children's actual hours of attendance as it had already been completed for the week.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates an excellent knowledge of child protection. All the required procedures and documents are in place and the childminder has recently attended training. As a result the safety and welfare of the children in the childminder's care is always a priority and they are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and very well settled in the welcoming environment. They enjoy spending time exploring the stimulating range of toys and equipment provided by the childminder. The childminder has an extensive range of resources for all ages of children and these are displayed and stored within the play room. The childminder gets down to the children's level on the floor and joins in with their play, supporting the development of their language as she chats to them. The children go out on walks to the local park and attend Stay and Play once a week where they have effective opportunities to develop their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have fun playing with connecting shapes, making a dog or a snake and laughing with the childminder when they all fall apart. They enjoy planting seeds and watching the vegetables grow so they can eat them, or wondering who is going to win the tallest sunflower competition. They also enjoy activities such as bead making or friendship bracelets. Older children's needs are met well, as they are given time to be active or relax after school according to their preference.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children's needs are well met by the warm and gentle childminder who reflects aspects of 'Birth to three matters' in her good practice. Babies have access to natural resources which they can use to explore textures, developing their curiosity. The childminder encourages their communication skills by patiently listening and responding to their questions so they know their views are valued. She is alert to their need for consistency and believes in offering plenty of one to one time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a good sense of belonging because the childminder knows them and their families well and ensures they are all valued and included. All children have equal access to toys and equipment that meet their individual needs so they can become confident and independent. The childminder has good resources reflecting diversity and discusses different cultures and festivals with the children to help them develop an understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is willing to work with other agencies to further increase her knowledge and ensure that she has the right resources to allow a child to develop in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder is a positive role model and has a good understanding of appropriate managing strategies depending on their stage of development. Regular communication with parents enables any behavioural changes to be shared and ensures a consistent approach is maintained. The childminder makes parents aware of the complaints process and the regulator by displaying a poster. However the complaints

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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 file does not contain all the relevant information that is needed to show that a full investigation is carried out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are able to share all the childminder's written policies and information is provided to ensure children are looked after according to their parents' wishes. A positive relationship is in place with parents as children spend time settling in prior to starting. Information is shared verbally on a daily basis about children's activities and daily routines to ensure their changing needs are met and to provide continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is significantly enhanced by the childminder's efficient organisation. The childminder works exceptionally well with the children. She has a clear and concise understanding of the National Standards which ensures children are well protected in her care. Her excellent knowledge and commitment to the children consistently promotes their well being in line with the comprehensive policies and procedures. Most documentation is maintained to a good standard. All relevant information is recorded demonstrating that the children are being provided with a stimulating environment offering excellent play opportunities to challenge and enhance their development. This includes birth to three profiles on their development and progress.

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Organisation

Both children and parents benefit from the childminder's continued undertaking of training and her commitment to further her improvement of the service she provides. The childminder has attended all relevant training to support her registration, and above achieving Level 3 in Cache and NVQ.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were raised. These included to continue to develop the planning of 'Birth to three matters' and review policies and procedures. The childminder has since started to do observations and planning for her under three year olds and completing transfer forms when the children have moved from different nurseries or play groups. The next review date has been included on all policies and these are now reviewed on an annual basis.

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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 further the complaints file to include all relevant information • ensure that registers reflect the accurate recording of children's arrival and departure times.

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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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