Childminder in StaffordshireOfsted inspection, 22 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302250 Inspection date 22 September 2005 Inspector Jasvinder Kaur

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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 husband and three children aged five, nine and twelve years. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding five children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder supports children with special needs. She is a member of an

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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 approved childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self-confidence in their physical skills as they use a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and equipment. They enjoy walking to the school and park. There are suitable arrangements for rest according to children's individual needs. The children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well organised activities and routines. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They are protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illnesses. The childminder holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. Accident and medication records are well maintained and shared with parents who countersign all entries. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are developing an awareness of healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

eating through arranged cooking activities and different topics on food. They confidently choose when they want a drink and snack. A selection of drinks including fresh water is always readily available. The children enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes. The childminder is well aware of children's dietary requirements and preferences through consultation with children and their parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children feel secure and safe as the childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment. They are encouraged to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. The good organisation of toys and equipment enables children to move around safely in the house and garden. It is ensured that they are supervised at all times. However, the emergency evacuation procedure is not practised and the drain cover, in the back garden, needs attention. Children benefit from good use of the space available in the house and in the garden. They have easy access to a wide range of toys and equipment which enables them to develop their learning skills. The resources are well organised to provide free choice to encourage children's independence. The children are well protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She is able to put appropriate

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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 good. Children happily take part in a variety of activities both indoors and outdoors which promote their learning and imagination in order to give them a wide range of experience. The childminder makes a good use of back garden to enable children to explore and enjoy physical activities regularly. All children play together and enjoy each others company. The childminder knows the children well and she responds to their particular interests. Children have access to a selection of resources for example art and crafts, books, toys, dressing up clothes and out door play equipment which help them to advance their learning skills. Children are confident in the setting as they have good relationships with the childminder and her children. This creates a family oriented environment and helps them to feel at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values and acknowledges children's individuality and help them to feel good about themselves through resources and positive talks of diversity. Any special needs are met appropriately and the children are encouraged to take part in activities. Parents’ wishes are taken into account and children benefit from this. Children are able to share the toys and enjoy playing together. The childminder has a consistent approach and uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour. She is a good role model which encourages children to be polite and consider others. Children are happy, confident and aware of boundaries. Behaviour management is discussed with the parents as necessary.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s individual needs are met well because the childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding through attending a course. Children are happy and at ease in a well organised environment. They benefit from welcoming premises where they feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. She has suitable arrangements to protect children and has undertaken relevant vetting procedures. All of the childminder’s documents are clear, well maintained and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. They are readily available for inspection and shared with parents to keep them well informed of their child’s care and routines. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the childminder's qualifications and training, and information about the service provided. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who attend.

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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

Not applicable, as there were no actions raised at the previous inspection.

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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): • practise the emergency evacuation procedures regularly and ensure that the drain is safe in the garden.

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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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