Childminder in ShropshireOfsted inspection, 14 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY277941 Inspection date 14 November 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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children, aged two and four. She lives in the Rednal area of North Shropshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five part-time. The childminder drives to the local nursery and carer/toddler group. The family has a dog and a cat as pets.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, comfortable home where they are protected from infection through the implementation of effective hygiene procedures and as a result babies are able to crawl and explore the environment safely. Children are learning about personal hygiene and know that they wash their hands " to stop getting germs " but they do not always follow appropriate hygiene routines, for example washing their hands before meals or handling freshly-laid hens eggs. Therefore, children's personal hygiene is not always effectively promoted. Children enjoy an adequate range of activities which contribute to their good health. Good use is made of the garden for outdoor play opportunities as children engage in activities to help develop their physical skills, for example as they play with balls, ride on wheeled toys and dig in the sandpit. They are encouraged to develop a healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

lifestyle as they walk to the local farm to see the animals. Children are able to rest or be active according to their needs. Children are beginning to have an understanding of a healthy diet. The childminder uses fresh ingredients, including fruit and home-grown vegetables, to provide nutritious meals and snacks which meet children's dietary needs in accordance with their parent's wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an appropriate environment, where they are offered enough space to ensure that they can play comfortably. There are adequate arrangements made to meet children's needs within the home and to provide facilities for rest, relaxation and active play. There is a suitable range of toys and equipment, which is appropriate for the age of children attending and is maintained in a safe condition. Toys are easily accessible, to enable children to make choices about the activities they take part in. Children's safety is appropriately promoted through the childminder's ability to implement necessary precautions both inside and outside the home. Most risks have been identified and minimised to allow children the freedom to move around the property in safety. The childminder has considered emergency cover arrangements to promote continuity of care in the event of an emergency. However, the emergency

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation procedure is not clearly defined and children do not have opportunities to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's appropriate knowledge of child protection issues and of the local Area Child Protection Committee's

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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 procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a variety of toys, activities and equipment suitable to their ages and stages of development. They are able to initiate their own play and learning ideas, supported by the childminder. The childminder interacts positively with the children in their daily routines and play, encouraging them to explore the natural world as they visit the local farm and lakes at Ellesmere. Children are able to broaden their experiences and enjoy outings to such places as Chester zoo. A wide range of activities is available to children, which promote creative expression, such as drawing, painting and play dough. Children are developing independence and self-esteem by selecting their activities and taking responsibility for tidying away toys. Children form positive relationships as they share and play cooperatively together. Younger children extend their social skills further by attending carer and toddler

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

groups. Children become confident communicators; they are well supported by the childminder who enjoys listening and talking to them as she encourages them to recall and share past events.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to choose from a range of toys regardless of gender, however, they do not have access to resources and activities that promote a positive view of the wider world. The childminder ensures that children are treated as individuals and meets their specific needs effectively, according to parent's wishes. Daily discussions keep parents effectively informed about the service provided and promote children's well-being. Children are aware of the need to be kind to one another and to share as they play together. Good manners are encouraged and clear routines and boundaries promote children's understanding of acceptable behaviour. Appropriate methods to manage behaviour are discussed and agreed with parents to ensure consistency of care and consequently add to children's security.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at home within the relaxed environment. They are confident to choose their own activities and are effectively supported by the childminder who organises the play environment appropriately. The provision is adequately organised, which helps to safeguard children's welfare. Some documentation is effectively maintained to ensure safe management of the care service, for instance, children's accidents and times of attendance are

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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 appropriately recorded. However, there is no written consent for giving medication nor for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and consequently children's well-being is not always effectively promoted. Significant events such as changes to areas of the property being used have not been notified to Ofsted in line with regulations. The use of the garden is a breech of the conditions of registration and consequently children's well-being is not effectively protected. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

When the childminder became registered in 2004 the garden was not suitable for children and consequently it's non-use was included as a condition of registration. Since then the garden has been fully fenced and now provides a safe and secure outside play area for the children.

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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

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): • ensure health and hygiene routines are promoted by consistently encouraging children to wash their hands before eating and playing outside • practise the emergency evacuation procedure to ensure children can be evacuated safely and older children develop an understanding of safety procedures

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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 • improve resources that enable children to learn about diversity • improve documentation, to ensure that all required parental consents have been secured in order to effectively promote children's well-being • ensure that Ofsted is kept informed of all significant changes.

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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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