Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302630 Inspection date 08 September 2005 Inspector Sarah Jane Rhodes

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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 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her two children aged four and six. 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 children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have goldfish.

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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. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene, for example, they understand why they wash their hands after using the toilet. However, children do not have separate towels which means they would be able to cross infect one another. Good general hygiene procedures are in place for nappy changing and meal times. The children benefit from toys and an environment that is kept hygienic through systematic cleaning. The childminder has a 'sick children's policy' set out on her contract with parents, she excludes infectious children until clinically well. These policies ensure children are protected from general cross infection. Children's medical needs both in an emergency and with regard to ongoing medication are met through the use of accident and medication procedures that are clear and understood by the childminder. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet the children's ever

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Helping children to be healthy

changing individual dietary needs. She provides a healthy and nutritious diet and encourages all children to make healthy choices. Children take part in cooking activities to help them understand more about their food and encourage them to try different healthy options. They also have access to milk, water or juice throughout the day ensuring they are not left thirsty. The children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They increase their physical control through daily routines and visits to local toddler groups, play barns and playgrounds. This helps them develop their coordination and physical strength.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment, where risks are identified and minimised. This means children are able to move around the open plan home safely and independently. The childminder discusses road safety rules with older children on the walk to school and practices her emergency evacuation procedure with the children. She extends her risk assessment and clear safety rules for children to trips away from home, for example, the planning and organisation for a day out to Southport during the summer holidays. This helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe. A good range of safe, appropriate toys, suitable for the age range attending is rotated to maintain children's interest. They are made readily accessible in the main living area, for children to select from. This allows children to have some control over their play and learning. The childminder has attended child protection training and has a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clear knowledge of child protection procedures in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. This ensures children are protected from harm or neglect.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. They relate confidently to her, enjoying close, warm, physical contact with lots of verbal communication and praise. This helps to build their self-esteem and confidence to learn new skills, for example, using the toilet independently. The childminder plans a range of activities both inside and outside the home, often in conjunction with another childminder. This allows her to offer broad experiences which contribute to the children's development and keeps them interested and well occupied. For example attending local toddler groups, library story time, local parks, as well as larger trips out in the school holidays to the seaside. Some planning of the play provision within the home is undertaken, to weave learning into general play. On the day of inspection children interest was maintained with construction, books,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

photograph scrapbooks, music and movement. However, this could be extended for children under three to ensure they have as rich an experience as possible.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are seen as individuals, their unique needs are met as they follow their own daily routines as discussed with their parents. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs, providing care and activities that ensure children are comfortable and well stimulated. She is confident in working in partnership with other professionals and parents to ensure children meet their full potential. The childminder provides resources and activities that promote a positive view of the wider world, which increases children's awareness of diversity. She ensures no child is disadvantaged because of gender, race or disability and that the children understand everyone is of equal value. Children behave well for their age and stage of development and respond positively to the childminders boundaries. They play together, developing positive relationships. Children's self-esteem is boosted by praise and encouragement when they achieve

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Helping children make a positive contribution

different tasks, for example, managing to use the toilet independently. A positive relationship with parents is promoted from the beginning, with verbal information about how the childminder operates. Information about how children have been during the day is also passed on to parents verbally. Parents are encouraged to share any information that they think will help the childminder when working with their child. This enables the childminder and parents to work together to meet the needs of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are comfortable and feel secure in a well-organised environment. This

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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 means they are confident to initiate their own play. Training is seen by the childminder as an important way of developing her knowledge and expertise in childcare issues. She has undertaken her 'Introduction to Childminding Practice' course, child protection training and a first aid course in February 2005, she is still waiting to receive her certificate for the first aid course. These courses broaden the childminders knowledge and contribute to the quality of care provided. Policies and procedures are in place and used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Some written policies and procedures are shared with parents to provide continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • extend good hygiene practices around hand washing to prevent any possible spread of infection • extend planning of activities for children under three, by using, for example, Birth to three matters.

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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:

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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 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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