Home Childcarer in Dudley

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 504865 Inspection date 20 June 2005 Inspector Jackie Nation

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged eleven and nine. They live in a house in the Hasbury area of Halesowen, close to the town centre. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Upstairs rooms are not used. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She runs the local toddler group and takes children to the park and library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is accredited with the Dudley Childminding Network. She is registered to care for six

p.2

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 children from birth to eight years at any one time and is currently minding nine children who attend for varied sessions and days.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate health and hygiene guidelines. Children are cared for in a clean, comfortable environment, which contributes to their general good health. Children are learning about the importance of good hygiene through well established routines and regular discussion. The childminder has good hygiene practices which reduce the risk of cross infection, for example, children have their own hand towels and bed linen. Children are well nourished because the childminder provides healthy and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks. Individual dietary needs are met effectively, because the childminder works well with the parents and details of specific dietary needs are recorded. Children's understanding of healthy eating is developed through discussion for example, the 'five a day' sticker chart records what fruit and vegetables the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

children have eaten. Children benefit from flexible daily routines which allows them to have a quiet time or sleep that reflects their individual requirements. Children are developing positive attitudes to physical exercise. This is because the childminder recognises the importance of physical activity and how it contributes to the children's good health and development. There are regular outdoor activities such as visits to local parks, walking to school and good opportunities for children to play in the garden. They benefit from being able to use a wide variety of good quality outdoor play equipment which promotes their physical development, for example, playing football, tennis and riding bikes. Effective procedures are in place to protect children from infection and written policies and procedures support the childminders good practice.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are increasing their knowledge about staying safe because the childminder has a very good understanding of health and safety issues. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. High priority is given to children's safety; the childminder assesses potential risks to children, ensures appropriate safety measures are in place, she is vigilant and supervises children well. The childminder gives good priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example by setting safe limits while outdoors, looking for safe places to cross the road, and regular discussions about safety indoors, for example keeping the safety gate closed. Children are aware of emergency evacuation in the event of a fire and they discuss and practice the evacuation routine. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. They select

p.3

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 activities from a wide range of good quality toys and resources which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the use of toys to make sure they are safe and used appropriately by the children. Children are well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures. She has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, settled and play well together. Children develop their play and learning because the childminder plans and provides a range of interesting activities. She has knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this to provide the baby opportunities to explore their senses and develop language. She has completed training for 'makaton' signing and uses this to encourage positive interactions with younger children and to develop their language skills. The childminder responds to children's individual needs and adapts the daily routine to meet each child's needs. Children enjoy the activities which contribute to their creativity, such as painting, dressing up, role play and craft activities. The childminder uses everyday activities to promote children's play and learning; they explore change through cooking activities, they talk about numbers, counting, colour and shape

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

names. Children benefit from regular visits to the local park, library and toddler groups. Older children who attend after school are able to make decisions about their play, select their activities and develop their interests. The organisation of the playroom and resources helps younger children become increasingly independent. Children's self esteem and confidence is promoted because the childminder encourages children to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. Children are well supported because the childminder’s interaction with them is very good; she is sensitive, caring, gives praise, listens carefully to what they are saying, and shows interest in what they are doing. This helps children extend their language and vocabulary and make positive relationships. Children’s activities and achievements are shared with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's welfare and development is promoted because children are welcomed, respected as individuals and are treated with equal concern. Children develop a positive view of the wider world because the childminder uses resources which reflect positive images, and she presents a varied range of activities effectively. For example, planned activities to raise children's awareness of different celebrations and festivals. Very good partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's well

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 being. Children's records contain relevant information and this enables the childminder to provide good care and support to each child in her care. Good settling in procedures help children feel confident and secure. Daily feedback is provided to parents about their child's day, their care and activities. Information is displayed on a notice board in the playroom and information about policies and procedures are shared with parents. Children's sense of right and wrong is developed through the childminder’s good understanding of behaviour management. Children's behaviour is managed positively, and children respond to the childminder's clear and consistent expectations. Good behaviour is valued, and consideration has been given to setting boundaries, praise, setting a good example, and respecting others. Children’s sense

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

of right and wrong is developed through methods which are sensitive and take into account the child’s age and stage of development and maturity.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced through the effective organisation of space and resources. She makes good use of space to ensure all children have the opportunity to complete activities or for older children to have a quiet time after school or use the computer. Children are confident to initiate and develop their own play and learning, because they feel at home and at ease with the well organised family environment. Children's good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement are promoted through the use of policies and procedures which work in practice. However, there are no written records detailing children’s progress and attainment. The childminder shows a commitment to improvement and continues to develop her knowledge, understanding and skills by completing relevant training. For example, the 'extending childminding practice' course. She reviews policy and procedure documents to ensure the

p.5

Organisation

consistency of care for children. All documentation is stored securely and organised to maintain children’s confidentiality. Overall, the needs of the range of the children in her care are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to review her recording procedures for accidents and significant incidents to ensure confidentiality is maintained. The childminder has improved documentation and has successfully devised a recording system for accidents and incidents which ensures confidentiality for children and parents effectively.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • develop children’s progress and attainment records and share this information with parents.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6