Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 223761 Inspection date 15 July 2005 Inspector Kathryn Mary Harding

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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 has been registered since 1992. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes the kitchen, the lounge and dining room, bathroom and two bedrooms upstairs. There is an enclosed rear garden for the children to play in. The childminder can walk to local schools to take and collect children. She takes the children on local outings. The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently caring for four children 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 no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. The childminder states that she will not accept an ill child, so preventing the spread of infection. They are cared for in a warm, clean setting where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks such as fruit and vegetables, that appeal to the children and meet their dietary requirements. Children have access to regular drinks so they do not become thirsty. There are outdoor activities to help children develop control of their bodies, for example children can play on a swing, slides and a trampoline. Children can access a wide range of equipment such as, puzzles, construction sets and threading to help

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their fine control skills. Regular visits to local parks and fun days improve children’s physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Photographs of the children are displayed on the walls making the home more welcoming to children and parents. Consideration has been given to ensuring that the house is safe, identified risks minimised and the childminder always supervises the children. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. Children's choice of toys and resources is monitored to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder has all the required documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has attended a workshop on child protection matters. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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. The children engage in a wide range of activities which promote their overall development well. They are happy, confident and interested to learn. Close and caring relationships between the childminder and the children have formed which increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. The childminder has fun with the children and extends children's learning by challenging them to think by asking open-ended questions. The children enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as cooking activities, painting and imaginary play. The childminder encourages children's mathematical development by counting, and their language development by looking at books and reading stories. The children go on walks and local outings to encourage their interest in the local environment and develop their physical skills. Resources are stored at child height and easily accessible for children. They choose

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and make decisions about their play, encouraging them to be independent learners. The childminder supports the children appropriately in their play. The childminder does not presently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework, but is hoping to access this so she can adapt activities to promote younger children’s learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder sets consistent boundaries for the children which help them learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children's understanding of right and wrong is increased as they are given explanations. They behave well and know what is expected of them. The childminder provides some resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. In order for children’s understanding of others and awareness of diversity to be broadened more toys and resources need to be made available. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest such as Acton Scott farm, Carding Mill Valley, as well as routine outings to the library and the park. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder regularly talks with parents. Relationships with parents are friendly and the childminder keeps parents well informed about how their child has been and what they have been doing and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

where they are planning on going, so ensuring consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The indoor and outdoor areas are organised for children so they are able to freely access a wide range of toys and resources, stored in low level cupboards, so

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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 encouraging their independence. The childminder has not attended any recent training. The childminder works well to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children that attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder obtain a leaflet regarding child protection procedures. The childminder has obtained this, so ensuring procedures are in place to help protect children. The childminder had to conduct a risk assessment to include fire hazards. The childminder undertook a risk assessment and removed the waste paper bin from by the fire, so ensuring children are kept safe. The childminder had to obtain more resources to positively reflect diversity. The childminder is still in the process of doing this, so this has been brought forward as a recommendation at this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised about the childminder's interaction with the children in her care. The complainant was concerned that the childminder spoke to the children in an abrupt manner and that they appeared to be upset. The concern was investigated during an unannounced visit on 05 January 2005. The childminder explained that her previous daily routine had been too tiring for her and the children and this had been changed. During the visit the childminder interacted appropriately with the children and they were suitably involved in activities. The inspector was satisfied with the information provided and the observations made during the visit that no further action was required. No actions were raised and the childminder remains qualified to continue with registration.

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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

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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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 the range of toys and resources that positively reflect diversity • consider using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance practice with the under three's.

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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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