Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 208424 Inspection date 13 June 2005 Inspector Olwen Pulker

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and their adult daughter. The husband is also a registered childminder and helps care for the children periodically during the day. The couple also employ an assistant occasionally. The family lives in a suburb of Telford, Shropshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The

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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 childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local carer/toddler and childminder groups. The family has a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and also of the local accredited childminder network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they dig in the sand or thread cotton reels. Garden games, walks and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children’s physical skills. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework. Her good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives them confidence to try out new skills and set their own limits, for example learning to negotiate steps in the garden. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before preparing and eating food, and after using the toilet reduces the

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Helping children to be healthy

risk of cross contamination. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, both childminders hold a current first aid certificate and have a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. However, details of children’s existing injuries are not always recorded.

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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 settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. Children benefit from the childminder making good use of the Birth to three matters framework to introduce a range of home-made toys and natural materials that promote younger children’s learning. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as dancing, listening and moving to music, playing instruments, painting, baking and model making.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children meet and spend time with physically disabled adults and paint pictures holding the brushes between their toes. Children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest such as a Technology Centre and animal farms as well as routine outings to local parks. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs well; they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They behave very well. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do, helping themselves to drinks and independently visiting the toilet. They have time to relax as well as be active.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their children's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The childminders sometimes work with an assistant but no record is kept of her details. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements 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 Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved children’s safety. She has covered low level glass with safety film; gained written parental consent for transporting children in a vehicle and keeps the front door secure to prevent children leaving the home unsupervised.

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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): • keep a record of any assistant's details. • maintain a written record of children's existing injuries.

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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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