Childminder in Wolverhampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 251858 Inspection date 17 January 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 1988. She lives with her husband and adult child. They live in a house on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, close to local shops and schools. All areas of the property downstairs, and upstairs bathroom, are to be used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have two dogs and two cats as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children

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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 on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminders use of good, effective and consistent hygiene procedures. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through well planned daily routines such as washing hands before lunch, and after playing in the garden. Children are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet. Their choices and wishes are taken into account because the childminder has full discussions with parents. Snacks offered are appealing to children, and meet their specific dietary needs. Younger children are offered regular drinks; older children can access drinks independently. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and welcoming environment where their individual needs are well met. Children experience good routines which increase their awareness of the way activity affects their bodies, such as allowing time for rest and sleep in line with parents' wishes. All children benefit from regular play outside, walks

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Helping children to be healthy

to and from school, and visits to the local park and carer and toddler group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because of the high priority the childminder places on keeping children safe, however all risks are not identified and minimised when caring for children’s arrival, such as the bathroom contains hazardous items accessible to children, and sleeping babies are not sufficiently well monitored. This means some children’s welfare and safety is not adequately promoted. Children have ample space to move around safely in a clutter free environment, to practice what they can do and learn some sense of danger. Toys are made easily accessible, and at the children's level, so they can self-select resources. All toys and equipment are checked regularly for safety and cleanliness. 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 children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the current safeguarding children procedures. She is aware of her role and responsibilities within those procedures. This means children’s welfare is safeguarded.

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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 outstanding. All children settle well at the childminder’s house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. For example an older child arriving from nursery who knew his routine. Babies are beginning to learn and develop their early communication skills because they receive lots of cuddles, and stimulating interaction from the childminder. The childminder is in the process of introducing the ‘Birth to three matters‘ framework into her practice. Children are becoming increasingly independent through the childminder’s consistent support and praise. She provides frequent opportunities that allow them to learn what they can do and know when to ask for help. They thoroughly enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as dancing, listening and moving to music, painting, and other art and craft activities. They experience a varied range of activities outside the home as part of their weekly routine which contributes

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to their development, such as outings to the park, carer and toddler groups and the local farm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made thoroughly welcome and the childminder has a high regard for each child's individual needs to ensure their time is spent purposefully. Children have choices in their play which ensures that they are interested in what they do. They are able to choose activities which promote their independence. Each child is valued and included in every aspect of the daily routine and activities are meaningful, stimulating and fun. Children have a wide range of opportunities to learn about themselves and others in the wider community. Imaginatively planned activities and visits to local places of interest help children gain a very good understanding of their environment. Children's behaviour is well managed due to the clear boundaries and positive role model set by the childminder. She has a written no smacking policy, and discusses strategies about child's behaviour management with parents to promote consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand the difference between right and wrong and this is continually reinforced through daily routines and practices such as showing care and consideration for others, and helping to tidy away toys after use. Child's individual needs are well met because the childminder has very good systems in place for sharing information with parents, and she actively encourages a positive, professional and friendly relationship with parents. Monthly written reports and daily verbal feedback compliment this partnership which ensures the needs of children cared for appropriately addressed.

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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 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 childminder's competent management of time ensure children’s play opportunities are maximised and their individual needs are consistently met. All documentation which contributes to children’s health and safety is maintained appropriately and is up to date, and reviewed regularly. Children’s records and parental contracts are stored confidentially and updated on a regular basis. This

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Organisation

helps to form 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 gain a recognised first aid qualification, and update her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The children’s attendance record is maintained appropriately, and resources are now available for children which reflect diversity and equality of opportunity. One recommendation has not been sufficiently well addressed namely hazardous items stored in the bathroom are still accessible to the children. Therefore as a result the care and welfare of children, their well being and safety are still compromised.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted. 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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): • review the risk assessments for the bathroom and take appropriate steps to ensure children's safety at all times • conduct a risk assessment for sleeping babies and take appropriate steps to ensure children's safety at all times.

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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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