Childminder in Wolverhampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 403397 Inspection date 15 February 2006 Inspector Patricia Dawes

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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 has been registered since 2002.She lives with a child of 6 years. They live in a first floor maisonette on the outskirts of Bilston, Wolverhampton close to local shops and schools. All areas of the property are to be used for childminding except the childminder’s bedroom. There is a park close by for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for four children at any one time. She is also registered to provide overnight care. Currently she is minding four children on a part time basis which includes overnight care. She also regularly works with another childminder.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside, using the toilet and before eating to help reduce the risk of cross contamination and germs. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are offered or can request drinking water or a range of juices regularly throughout their stay. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They benefit from regular opportunities to enjoy socialising with their peers outside the home such as trips to Dudley Zoo and Cotwall End nature reserve. They are becoming increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when

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Helping children to be healthy

they need a drink or a rest. Younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder has a good understanding of appropriate types of activities and levels of support needed. She gives them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder assesses and minimises risks for children which ensures they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives considerable priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, children walk and stay close to the pushchair on busy roads, and can run in safe areas such as grass verges in quiet roads. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe both inside and outside of the home due to the childminder developing a strong relationship with them. They are able to play in a safe, clutter free environment where the childminder makes them aware of the safety restrictions within her home. For example, children practice fire evacuation procedures using role play and various scenarios to help prepare them for such an emergency. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Toys are made easily accessible at the children's level. All toys and equipment are checked regularly for safety and cleanliness.

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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 Children are well protected because the childminder is conscious of her responsibilities within child protection procedures. The childminder has the updated summary information. She is fully aware of signs and symptoms, and the appropriate actions to take for referrals or allegations made against her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable in the setting because parents share information about children’s needs, interests and experiences outside the home regularly with the childminder. They enter confidently and quickly make themselves at home. They have a relaxed relationship with the childminder and they relate well to each other. Children are able to choose from a good selection of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all ages. For example painting, baking, writing and drawing. Older children have the use of the computer and internet. Children experience a varied range of activities outside the home as part of their weekly routine which contributes to their development, such as outings to local theme parks and places of interest at the week-end and during the school holidays. Their confidence and self-esteem are boosted by the skilful interaction of the childminder who is positive and respectful to children and values what each child has to offer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They are able to ask questions, and the childminder responds appropriately. She offers the children lots of positive praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made thoroughly welcome and the childminder considers each child's individual needs to ensure their time is spent purposefully. Each child is valued and included in every aspect of the daily routine and activities are meaningful, stimulating and fun. Children are interested in what they do, however resources offered are gender biased, and do not provide equality of opportunity. Children are increasing their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others through a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, the children talk about differences and similarities in each other. They learn about their local community as they the visit the toy library and local parks on routine outings. Children show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They behave very well, and are aware of rules and boundaries. The childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensures that she is consistent to enable children to know what is expected of them, and shares her strategies with parents. A positive partnership with parents is developing which enables children to make good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder has appropriate systems in place for sharing information with parents to meet their child's individual

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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 needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is proficient in her understanding of the National Standards and ensures all household members are vetted and the regulator is informed of any changes in the household. This means children are well-protected in her home Children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning, they feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. The effective organisation of space and the childminders competent management of time ensure children’s play opportunities are maximised and their individual needs are consistently met. Most documentation which contributes to children’s health and safety is maintained appropriately and is up to date, and reviewed regularly. Parents are made aware of the complaints procedure; however the childminder was unaware of the changes in regulation regarding maintaining a complaints log. This has a negative impact on

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Organisation

forming a positive relationship with parents to promote children’s care learning and play. Overall the needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous care inspection the childminder has taken steps to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, and maintain an accurate record of children’s attendance. The childminder was also asked to ensure all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times. With the exception of the complaints log, this has been partially addressed, however one recommendation has not been sufficiently well addressed, namely that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity. Therefore development and learning opportunities for children are incomplete.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • ensure that children have access to an appropriate range of resources that promote equality of opportunity • update knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure for recording complaints.

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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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