Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209843 Inspection date 30 January 2006 Inspector Sharon Waterfall

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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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and two children, in a house in the Stonnall area of Walsall. Local shops and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog and a guinea pig. The childminder is registered to care for 3 children under 8 years of age, she currently cares for 3 children aged 3, 5 and 7 years and 2 children over 8 years of age.

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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 She attends a local carer and toddler group for minded children on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are learning about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle from a childminder who encourages them to engage in gentle exercise and develop good personal hygiene. The children take control of their bodies and improve coordination as they climb, balance and twist on large play equipment in local parks and soft play areas. The children have regular exercise as they walk within the local environment. Meals are provided for the children by their parents. The childminder provides snacks and drinks that help them to make healthy choices. The children's preferences and individual routines are catered for. Policies and procedures are adequately implemented to support children's welfare and hygiene. Children are protected from the spread of infection as the childminder understands simple, good health and hygiene procedures. She encourages the children to understand and learn about the importance of personal hygiene through

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are confident in accessing the available play space. They are supported well in their play and are secure and confident in the daily routines. Many resources are within their reach and enable them to make independent choices and initiate aspects of their own play. The children's safety is a priority and they are protected by a conscientious childminder. Though she has minimised many hazards within the home some do remain, such as a bathroom lock that cannot be opened from the outside. The front garden is not secure and therefore affects children's overall safety if this area is used. The children are safeguarded from abuse and neglect by the childminder's basic knowledge of child protection issues. She is aware of the procedures to follow if she had concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children engage in a range of interesting activities both within the home and through outings. These ensure that all areas of the children's development needs are met in fun and sociable ways. Outings provide new experiences and enable children to socialise with their peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 develop as the childminder introduces activities that include mark making skills, learning about colours, looking at books and counting stairs to learn about numbers. Older children are encouraged to complete homework but are enabled to enjoy the activities provided. More age appropriate activities such as computer games, basic cooking and construction are favourites with the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are becoming aware of wider society as they access a range of resources that promote positive images of diversity. They are respected and valued as individuals themselves and their own sense of identity is encouraged. Warm relationships have been built as the childminder shows great affection for the children. The children behave very well. They are occupied and busy at all times with a range of activities that meet their development needs and interests. This positive attitude and excellent cooperation is due in part to the childminder’s full understanding of raising children's self-esteem and confidence through positive praise and encouragement. Consistency of care for the children is developed through the sound working partnership of the parents and childminder. Parents receive verbal communication regarding the service and their children's progress. Their opinions have been sought

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Policies and procedures are organised to sufficiently support children's overall care, safety and welfare. In the main they are well implemented, though vetting procedures need to be completed within minimum time frames. The environment is warm and caring. Children make decisions about their play and access many resources independently. They benefit from the childminder’s direct support throughout their care and the attention she gives to providing a range of appropriate activities. The warm care, sense of belonging and effective support ensures that overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection four recommendations were raised to improve children's care. These were to improve knowledge of equal opportunities and child protection issues, obtain a list of notifiable illnesses and ensure children can explore, make decisions and investigate when playing.

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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 The recommendations have been sufficiently met to support children's care, learning and play. The childminder discussed with parents specific details regarding children's self-identity and individual’s preferences for self-image. The childminder is awaiting a child protection course but has increased her knowledge by reading literature on the subject, her knowledge is sufficient to report concerns and support children's welfare. She has a list of notifiable illnesses. Children have independent choices in their play and the range of activities offered supports children's learning.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received by 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 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 the front garden is secured before use by children • make the bathroom lock safe • ensure relevant vetting procedures are completed without delay.

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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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