Childminder in Walsall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY271136 Inspection date 02 November 2005 Inspector Lynn Morris

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and 2 children age 9 years and 3 years in Walsall, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor and 1 bedroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 during the day and 2 children over 8 years before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a parent and toddler group on a regular basis.

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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 take part in activities, which contribute to their health. They play on climbing equipment during visits to the local park and attend Whacky Warehouse, where they use the ball pit and soft play equipment. They play games such as hopscotch and ball games in the childminder's garden and make use of tents and a paddling pool during the summer. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about the importance of hygiene and personal care. They learn to wash their hands with liquid soap after using the toilet, after play and before and after meals and snacks. This helps them to understand the importance of keeping their hands clean. Risk to health from accidents is adequately addressed as the childminder has a first aid box. However, the childminder has not yet been able to access a first aid course. Children have a range of nutritious hot and cold meals provided by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Fresh fruit is always available and the childminder takes account of children's dietary needs and parents wishes when offering meals. Children's health is considered, they choose from sugar free drinks and have planned meals, which help them learn about healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where risks have been identified and adequately addressed. Children move around the home independently, using the lounge and the playroom for play activities. Children play confidently with toys of satisfactory quality. They learn to keep themselves safe. For example, they learn about road safety. They use the buttons at the crossing and know that the green man means it is safe to cross. They hold the pushchair when walking and know they have to sit still when using the bus. Children's safety is adequately met through the childminder's procedures and documentation. For example, children regularly practise emergency evacuations from the premises and know what it means when the childminder blows the whistle. Children are protected from risk of harm or abuse by the childminder's satisfactory knowledge of local child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well in the childminder's home. They make good relationships with each other and the childminder. Children socialise with other children during visits. They attend some organised groups outside of the home with the childminder. They

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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 benefit from satisfactory learning and play opportunities in the home and through visits and outings. Children choose from a general range of toys, which are easily accessed in the playroom. Children use toys available to develop their emerging skills. For example, they collect leaves to paint and they make models with play dough and papier-mâché. They become independent as they learn to pour their own drinks and help to tidy up after playing. They are comfortable and confident and they select toys and where they want to play freely. They share well and take turns, seek cuddles and reassurance, which are freely given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and valued and receive individual care according to their needs. They access a limited range of resources, which reflect culture and special needs and are unlikely to develop a positive view of differences. Children have equal access to all other general resources. Children receive praise and respond to requests from the childminder and behave well. The childminder is consistent in her management of behaviour, a satisfactory role model and takes account of different levels of development. Children's daily progress is exchanged with parents verbally at the end of each session. They benefit from information obtained from parents during the initial interview, which helps the childminder provide appropriate individual care for each child. Parents are able to read the policies and procedure documents for the setting during the settling in phase.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. Children play in rooms downstairs and make use of the space and toys available in the garden. They make choices of play and use accessible toys and resources developing confidence and self-esteem. Information regularly exchanged with parents helps to make sure that care meets their wishes and they know about their children's progress. Children benefit from the childminder's organisational skills with regards to routines, which include a variety of activities to contribute to their learning and social skills. Children's records kept contribute to care and the written policies and procedures ensure provision for children's individual needs. Confidentiality is maintained and children's personal information is kept secure. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children she cares for.

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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 this is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • complete a first aid course for infants and young children • develop resources and activities to promote positive images of culture and disability.

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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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