Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 204739 Inspection date 22 February 2006 Inspector Donna Stevens

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house in Kidderminster. The dining room and kitchen are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under the age of eight years, of these no more than three may be under the age of five, and of these no more than one may be under one year. She is currently mainly caring for school age children and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 children's health is well promoted because they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-planned daily routines. They understand that they need to wash their hands to stop germs from spreading and making them unwell. Children are able to take themselves to the toilet and are encouraged to be independent. There are good arrangements in place for nappy changing. However, there is not a suitably stocked first aid box. This may prevent children from receiving appropriate care in the case of an accident. The childminder has a good understanding of nutrition and encourages parents to send healthy food for their children. Parents provide the majority of their children's meals and snacks and are therefore able to decide what they would like their children to eat. The children enjoy cooking activities such as making cakes and biscuits and in the summer help to pick fruit that has grown in the childminder's garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are making good physical progress and have plenty of opportunities for exercise. There is a large garden for children to play and in the summer children enjoy outings to local parks and to the forests.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are safe as a result of the childminder's awareness of health and safety and all reasonable steps are taken to minimise risks. The children are cared for in a clean, well maintained and safe home. Toys and equipment are of a good standard and are regularly checked to ensure that children can play safely and independently with a good range of resources. Children are well supervised both in the home and on outings. Their safety is paramount and the older children are encouraged to become aware of dangers outside the home such as crossing the road and talking to strangers. There is an evacuation plan and the procedures are practised on a regular basis. Children are encouraged to tidy up toys, not throw things and not climb on the furniture. The children are adequately protected from possible abuse or neglect. However there is no written policy to share with parents. The childminder demonstrates an

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of the different types of abuse and where to go if she was very concerned about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are making good developmental progress because they take part 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 good-quality activities during their time with the childminder. They are confident in the setting and in their relationships with the her. There is continuous positive interactions between them and their skills, learning and language are developed through explanations, encouragement and praise. The childminder is currently mainly caring for school age children who are able to choose their own activities. There is a particular emphasis on extending their creativity and imagination by using a good variety of materials for role play and arts and crafts. During the school holidays the children enjoy outings to a variety of local attractions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are valued as individuals and their needs are well met. They develop a positive attitude to others and gain an understanding about the wider world and community through discussions with the childminder who expands on subjects and ideas that they have learnt about at school. There is a basic range of resources that allow children to see positive images of culture, gender and disability. The children behave well. They are encouraged to understand right from wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and age appropriate methods which are used to manage behaviour. These include gentle explanation, distraction and removal from a situation. During their play children are encouraged to learn to share and take turns and children are praised for doing this. Children benefit from a close relationship between the childminder and their parents and carers. This is strengthened by good verbal communication at the end of each

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Helping children make a positive contribution

day. There are no written policies or information about the childminding setting available for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children benefit because the childminder is well organised and plans days so there is a variety of good quality activities and opportunities for the children both in and out of the home. The play space is well laid out to ensure children can easily access toys independently. Their individual welfare, care and learning needs are met and supported by the documentation kept. All required records are kept up-to-date, confidentially stored and are available to share with parents. The childminders first aid qualification has lapsed but she is currently attending a course. Overall the needs of all children who attend are met.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to keep a record, signed by parents of any accidents. These records are now in place and as a result children are better protected from accidents and parents are better informed when their child has had an accident.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 first aid box complies with health and safety regulations • increase support for the ongoing partnership with parents by informing them of child protection and make information available about the service provided • complete a first aid course which includes the treatment of babies and young children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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