Childminder in StaffordshireOfsted inspection, 2 Dec 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304478 Inspection date 02 December 2005 Inspector John Vernon

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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 2005 and lives with her husband and three children. She lives in a house in Staffordshire, close to local schools and within walking distance of shops and a park. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight at any one time. There are currently four children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time 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 The childminder has an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education and is an experienced nursery nurse. She attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy and benefit from adequate opportunities to learn about good personal hygiene during daily routines, such as washing hands after visiting the toilet, before snack and after messy play. Procedures are in place for excluding children who are ill. The childminder has a current first aid certificate, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children to enable children’s needs to be met. The children are cared for in a warm and clean home. They have appropriate access to outdoor play facilities and equipment and are beginning to develop a healthy attitude to exercise and being active. Children are beginning to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. They are offered water or milk on a regular basis throughout the day and enjoy nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit. The childminder requests information from parents about any special dietary requirements, preferences or food allergies a child may have, to

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Helping children to be healthy

ensure that children’s individual dietary needs are appropriately met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has put in place a number of measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the children. For example smoke alarms, safety gates and a fire blanket. Children are able to rest and play in comfort as there is adequate space for their needs. There is a varied range of toys and play resources available to the children. The childminder monitors the play materials to ensure they are safe, clean and age appropriate to meet the needs of the children in her care. Children are encouraged to tidy away toys after play and keep within sight of the childminder when away from the home. As a consequence they are beginning to develop some awareness of personal safety. Children are protected as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection and a sound awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse to ensure the children are protected from harm. Consequently, children are adequately protected

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

because the childminder has a clear understanding of their role in respect of child protection.

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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 given opportunities to play independently and are also encouraged to partake in adult led activities. The children are exposed to a variety of creative play opportunities and enjoy drawing and playing with paint. There is an appropriate selection of resources and materials available for their use. The childminder organises art and craft activities for the children but allows these to be completed to the child’s own satisfaction. As a result, children’s interest is maintained, social skills developed and self-esteem raised. The childminder selects suitable resources and provides some activities to enable children to learn. Through a range of play opportunities and daily routines, such as walking to school, children develop skills and concepts, such as an awareness of colour, comparison of size and an awareness of letters and numbers. However, the childminder does not plan for children’s learning and as a result the children’s

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of the care needs of children with special needs. She has a generally good understanding of the importance of building positive relationships to ensure that all children are cared for according to the wishes of their parents. Relevant information is shared verbally with parents to ensure consistency of care. The childminder uses some different strategies to manage the behaviour of the children. The children in her care are lively and boisterous and their exuberance sometimes spills over into their play resulting in squabbles. Children are not always aware or reminded of the impact of their behaviour on others. Equally, they are not always clear about the behaviour expected of them. Although verbal praise is used to encourage positive behaviour, the childminder does not employ other methods to further encourage the children to behave well. Consequently, children do not always

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behave appropriately. The childminder has a limited awareness and understanding of her role in promoting equality of opportunity and currently does not provide activities for the children to learn about other people and the wider world. Equally, children have limited opportunity to adequate resources to learn and explore independently.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s care needs are met as the childminder has an adequate understanding of her role and responsibilities and an overall satisfactory awareness of the National Standards. The childminder does follow some routines in respect of eating and sleep

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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 but time is also flexibly planned to meet the children’s changing care needs to ensure that all needs are accommodated and met. Children have adequate levels of support and supervision to enable them to feel secure. Most documents are in place to support the appropriate care of each child. The children’s needs and routines are discussed on a regular basis with parents thus contributing to the continuity of the children’s care. However, the children’s health is compromised as the childminder does not seek written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. Documents are stored securely and safely in order to ensure children’s privacy. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted. There are no complaints to report.

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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): • plan and further provide activities and play opportunities to develop children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities • provide a variety of toys and equipment and adequately plan a varied range of activities to develop children’s awareness and understanding of the wider world • ensure that written parental permission is gained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. • increase and develop knowledge of methods used to appropriately manage

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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 children’s behaviour

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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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