Childminder in Sandwell

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290359 Inspection date 18 October 2005 Inspector Jayne Lesley Taylor

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and four in Oldbury. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a cat and two pet rats.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment where they are observing and following appropriate hygiene routines and practice, for example washing their hands before eating. However some hygiene practice is not sufficient to ensure that cross infection is minimised which could impact upon children's health not being maintained. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as part of their daily routine, through trips to the local park, using the garden and walking to school. Their physical needs are responded to because the children are able to rest and relax as they wish throughout the day. Children have regular access to drinks and are encouraged to eat a varied diet, with meals provided by either the childminder or the children's parents. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and the childminder takes account of their wishes. They enjoy a social experience by all sitting together at meal times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is safe and appropriately maintained. They can safely and independently access toys and equipment made available to them on a daily basis. Children's safety when using equipment and resources is maintained because the childminder ensures that everything available is appropriate for its use. Items are checked regularly and are replaced as and when required if they are damaged. Children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe is supported by the childminder's practice and her approach to minimising any potential risks or hazards. Their safety and well-being is maintained by the childminder's direct supervision. Children are learning about how to keep themselves safe through discussion and explanation. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures and her role and responsibilities to protect children in her

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are appropriately occupied throughout their time with the childminder because she ensures that they can access a range of activities and experiences that

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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 meet their individual needs. They benefit from a flexible routine that is relevant to the needs of the children attending at any one time. Children are encouraged to make choices about what they would like to do, with the childminder taking into account the varying ages and abilities of the children attending. Children's choices are supported by the childminder because she listens to what they are saying and responds accordingly. They spend their time purposefully and are encouraged to play alongside each other, sharing and taking turns. Children benefit from opportunities to socialise outside the childminder's home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern because the childminder has an understanding of equality practice. They are gaining a sense of self worth and confidence by participating in activities and experiences at a level that they are comfortable with and by making small choices and decisions for themselves. Children are developing an understanding of differences within others, however this is impacted upon because there are limited resources available to allow them to extend their awareness of different lifestyles and cultures. Children understand what is expected of them because of clear consistent boundaries and expectations, which supports their understanding of the need for good behaviour. They are sensitive towards the feelings of others and understand the impact that their behaviour can have on peoples feelings, they are encouraged to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

apologise to each other. Children's individual requirements are met because the childminder has a commitment to working alongside parents, she ensures that she shares information with them daily and regularly updates herself of any changes regarding their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have their needs met through the organisation of the space available where they are able to undertake a range of activities and experiences relevant to their ages and the times that they attend. They use the space freely and safely to play, rest or relax as they wish. Children benefit from a good level of support and guidance from the childminder which helps them to feel secure and confident. Children's health, safety and well-being is maintained because of the range of supporting documentation that is in place. All documentation is stored confidentially and reviewed regularly. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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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 Not applicable

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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): • maintain appropriate hygiene procedures • develop resources that extend children's understanding of different cultures and lifestyles

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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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