Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 204622 Inspection date 07 February 2006 Inspector Rachel Wyatt

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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 registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and 4 teenage sons. They live in the village of South Littleton 6 miles from Evesham close to local schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Children are taken on local walks and outings. The childminder regularly works with another childminder. The childminder is registered for up to 6 children under 8 years. Currently there are 6 children on roll who all attend on a part-time basis. Children over 8 years may be

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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 cared for. Support is provided for children with special needs. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the local childminding group. She has recently achieved a National Vocational Qualification level 3 in early years, care and education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and comfortable home. The childminder has effective regular routines for ensuring all areas and equipment used by children are cleaned. Effective storage arrangements also help to keep toys and equipment in good condition. Children understand the importance of good hygiene. Babies' and toddlers' hands are wiped regularly. Children who can use the toilet independently have access to liquid soap and a fresh towel every day. Young children enjoy an entertaining story focussing on the importance of effective hand washing and good hygiene. Babies' and toddlers' comfort is assured through regular, well-organised nappy change routines. Children are introduced sensitively to toilet training. Children's medical history and health needs are well known to the childminder. Effective procedures ensure children receive prompt treatment in the event of an

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Helping children to be healthy

accident or if they become unwell. From the outset parents are made aware of the childminder's health and hygiene arrangements. They are consistently asked to sign accident and medication dosage records. Children's physical development is fostered well. They go on regular walks, for example, to meet older children from the school bus or to visit a nearby park. In the garden they use plenty of age-appropriate physical play equipment shared between the childminder and her childminding colleague who often works with her. Children confidently handle wheeled toys, trikes and scooters. They can develop their balance, climb and slide and practise their ball skills. Good opportunities for gardening promote children's coordination and dexterity. On visits to nearby parks children use adventure play equipment which gives them greater challenges and especially encourages their confidence in balancing. Babies benefit from regular opportunities to lie on the floor where they can roll over

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Helping children to be healthy

and reach out for strategically placed toys. Those who can sit are supported and enjoy playing with toys placed around them. Babies who are standing and beginning to walk develop confidence as they play at an activity table or stand in a baby walker fitted with toys they can push, pull or grasp. Children are well nourished. They have a good breakfast, choosing from various cereals and toast plus a drink. Children regularly enjoy pieces of fruit and vegetables

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 as part of their snacks and lunches. The childminder ensures portions are manageable and food is presented invitingly. As a result children eat well. Babies also enjoy their food, safely seated in low-level chairs and assisted by the childminder. Feeds are relaxed and unhurried. Children are offered regular drinks of water, milk or additive-free squash.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is assured as they are looked after in a well-maintained, secure setting. Hazards are minimised through effective use of safety gates, socket covers, cupboard locks and keeping circulation areas clear. The garden is fully enclosed and free from hazards so children can enjoy safe outside play. Children are effectively supervised but learn to take some responsibility for their own safety. They are encouraged to use equipment and toys correctly and to be aware of safe playing especially when near to babies. They help to tidy away toys when they have finished with them. Accidents rarely occur. Children use age-appropriate good quality toys and equipment. They are encouraged to look after toys and handle them correctly. From an early age they know to put toys back where they found them in the safe low-level storage. Equipment is in good condition and suitable for the ages of the children looked after. Items, such as

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

low-level chairs, are adjustable, provided with straps and have a moulded shape so they are appropriate for both babies and toddlers. The variety of equipment provided also assists in maintaining comfort and safety. A sturdy travel cot securely fitted with an adult-height nappy change mat assists in promoting both the child's and the adult's comfort. The childminder and her colleague share several different types of buggies so that they can safely transport up to three children together when out walking. Children's welfare has been given priority in the event of an emergency. Children and the childminder regularly take part in practice fire evacuations. The childminder has exemplary reciprocal emergency arrangements in place with her childminding colleague. Both of them keep all minded children's parents' contact details and parental consents with them at all times. Parents are fully aware of these arrangements, which ensure children are well looked after and parents contacted

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

promptly in the event of something untoward happening to the childminder. Children are kept safe on outings. The childminder ensures her arrangements for outings are well known to parents. She obtains their written consent and shows them relevant vehicle documents. Appropriate seating and restraints are in place to ensure children can travel safely in her car. When out walking children demonstrate they understand road safety rules. They know to walk beside or just in front of the childminder, keeping away from the road-side edge. Sensitive use of reins means that younger children can also become more independent. The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibility for safeguarding children. This is reflected in her clear child protection policy which is given to parents. She also ensures that parents are shown evidence of her and her

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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 husband's checks as part of her settling-in arrangements. The childminder's effective road safety procedures introduce children to sensible strategies which can minimise the risk of personal harm when they are out. Suitable books and games help children to discuss emotions and what makes them feel good or uncomfortable. Effective collection arrangements mean that the children only leave with persons nominated by their parents and who are known to the childminder. Children being collected from the school bus know what to do if the childminder is unavoidably delayed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very contented and settled. They enjoy a rewarding range of toys and activities set out in an inviting environment. Sessions focussing on art and craft or a specific event enrich their play. Children can help themselves to many books and toys which promotes their independence and choice. The quality and variety of toys and equipment provided sustains their involvement and enjoyment. Children's personal interests are very much accommodated. Older children complete a questionnaire regarding their preferred activities for the holidays. Younger children benefit from toys being changed regularly. Babies who are beginning to be mobile enjoy playing in different positions whether lying on the floor, sitting supported or standing in a baby walker or at an activity table. Outside play is popular with the children. They are physically active, enjoying the different wheeled toys and trikes, climbing and balancing equipment and physical

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

games provided. They are interested in gardening; planting seeds, caring for plants and comparing their growth. Children's love of dressing up, role play, dancing and music is followed up indoors and outside. Children have a warm rapport with the childminder and her colleague. Babies are cuddled and positively included in activities and play. The childminder joins in children's play, chatting to them, encouraging their conversation. As a result the atmosphere is fun and relaxed and children play well together. Their understanding of new words, numbers and counting, colour and shape is naturally promoted during play and routines. Children love books, stories and rhymes. Enthusiastic singing involves everyone, sometimes with the accompaniment of musical instruments and babies' rattles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well known to the childminder as she ensures relevant information is discussed with parents and recorded from the outset. She takes prompt action to discuss any concerns about a child's health or development with parents and to help them access advice. As a result children are well cared for and effectively supported to make good progress.

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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 Children enjoy looking at books and playing with toys which promote their awareness of diversity. Their appreciation of special celebrations in their own and other people's lives is fostered through stories and appropriate cookery and craft activities. Children are well behaved. Their positive behaviour is fostered in line with the childminder's equal opportunities policy and realistic behaviour management policy. From an early age children are encouraged to be polite, kind and helpful. Children talk about feelings and are encouraged to be caring towards others. Children of differing ages relate and play well together. Children share books and toys and take turns. They help to look after their possessions, hanging up their coats and bags and putting away toys or books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents appreciate the quality of care for their children and the childminder's willingness to accommodate varying work patterns. Parents are well informed about the provision from the start. Good settling-in arrangements help parents and children to get to know the childminder and what she provides. Parents receive a comprehensive welcome pack, including easy to understand polices. Effective communication is maintained via daily feedback about children's activities, routines and achievements plus occasional letters and newsletters.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Parents and carers are reassured as the childminder ensures they see evidence of her suitability, experience and training as part of her settling-in arrangements. Children's care and play benefit from the ideas and procedures she has introduced as a result of ongoing training, such as her recently achieved National Vocational Qualification level 3 in early years, care and education. Parents and children enter a comfortable and welcoming home. Children immediately settle in the inviting dining area which is the main play and care area. Toys and equipment are set out ready for babies and children's use. Children also like being able to help themselves to books and toys. This leads to their self-initiated play and encourages confidence and independence. Other aspects of children's play is enriched through the childminder's commitment to finding out about the lives and culture of others. Ideas from training sessions and from information she has collated

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Organisation

about different festivals contribute to children's appreciation of activities linked to these, such as Chinese New Year. The childminder is keen to develop the provision for children under 3, currently exploring ways to further apply the ethos of 'Birth to three matters' to her work. Already babies and toddlers benefit from calm, well-organised and rewarding play sessions. Along with their older peers they have good support from the childminder and her colleague who ensure sessions run smoothly and routines are unhurried. As a result babies and children are relaxed and settled. Resources and toys are stimulating, good quality and regularly changed round. This means babies and children experience plenty of variety. Toys and resources also reflect children's different abilities and interests. Opportunities to use equipment on

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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 outings and to access items belonging to her childminding colleague or a local resource centre create new challenges for children. Documents support the children's care. Relevant personal details and consents are ready to hand but the childminder ensures information is securely stored to maintain confidentiality. Helpful, recently updated policies are available to parents. Whilst the complaints policy explains to parents whom to complain to, there are a few omissions so parents are not fully aware of their rights regarding written replies or access to a record of complaints. The childminder is able to draw on valuable additional information collated by herself and her colleague. Such information is used to enrich children's play, to assist in maintaining safety of equipment and to provide guidance

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Organisation

on different aspects of childcare. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain parents' written consent before administering medication. This is now consistently done and parents sign both the consent and dosage sections of the medication form. Parents are also given a sample of the medication consent and dosage form as part of their welcome pack when their child first attends. These procedures support children's welfare as parents understand the information they must discuss and record before the childminder can agree to give medication.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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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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):

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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 • update relevant procedures to ensure these fully reflect the changes to the National Standards in particular with regard to complaints, and ensure parents are aware of these.

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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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