Childminder in Walsall

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 255419 Inspection date 23 June 2005 Inspector Ann Winifred Harrison

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband and two children aged 8 and 12 years. They live in a house close to the centre of Walsall. All local amenities are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is currently minding four children under five on a part time basis and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and she attends the local parent and toddler group.

p.2

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 and has a recognised childcare qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Indoor and outdoor activities help them develop physical skills, for example children play in the garden on bikes and sit and ride toys. They also attend the local parent and toddler group and visit the local park where they play on climbing equip. Children learn the importance of appropriate personal hygiene through daily routines. They know for example, that they must wash their hands before eating food and after toileting. They use the bathroom independently and are learning about their personal care such as putting on sun cream before going out side. Children benefit from a diet which is healthy and nutritious. They are offered drinks throughout the day and a good selection of healthy snacks which include fresh fruit and toast. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents to ensure that all

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

children's dietary needs are met. Children are beginning to develop their self help and social skills as they are encouraged to eat at the table during meal times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well supervised which helps to keep them safe. They move freely in and outdoors making good use of available space and activities. Children are cared for in a warm, caring environment where they can access a good range of stimulating toys and equipment. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised due to the comprehensive risk assessments that the childminder has in place, she is constantly reviewing her practice to ensure children are kept safe. Children learn about safe practices such as crossing the road and staying safe when on outings. Good security measures are in place and children are aware of emergency evacuation of the building through discussion and regular practices. The childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure that children are protected and well cared for. She holds a current first aid certificate and she has a good understanding of child protection procedures, she is aware of signs and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

symptoms of abuse and appropriate responses. She has some understanding of the response to allegation of abuse made against the childminder but is not fully aware of relevant procedures.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play happily together. Their routines are well established and children know what happens at certain times of the day, for example, after lunch children know its time to walk to school. Children are using resources and equipment that are stimulating and fun to maintain their interest. They are able to develop their imagination and independence by selecting their own activities and initiating their own play. For example playing 'picnics' with kitchen equipment and playing 'clinics' with baby equipment. Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their mathematical development, for example counting during everyday activities such as laying the table and counting up to twenty to time how long it takes to tidy away toys. Children experience a positive warm relationship with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and well being. They are well supported by the

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder who is skilled at encouraging children to extend their leaning and at listening and talking to them. Children enjoy listening to stories and singing songs and rhymes. They play humming games with the childminder to recognise their favourite songs. Children benefit from regular outings to the park and music and story sessions at the local children's centre. The childminder has a good understanding of child development. This means that children's personal, social emotional and intellectual development is well supported.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminders home. They are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with parents. The childminder is aware of their likes, dislikes and any special needs. Children benefit from the effective working relationship the childminder has established with their parents. Verbal information about their welfare, activities and behaviour is exchanged on a daily basis. Any suggestions by parents to improve the childminder's practice are welcomed. Children play well together and are learning to show respect for others in the setting. Their behaviour is good in response to clear boundaries set by the childminder. Good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder helps build children's self esteem and confidence and promotes good behaviour. Children are involved in

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

making choices about their play and choosing resources. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and children learn about other countries and cultures through planned activities and taking part in community projects at the local school.

p.4

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. Children benefit from a well organised environment. Activities and resources are arranged at appropriate heights and levels to enable children to initiate their own play. The childminder organises her time sufficiently well to be able to give children individual attention. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures is maintained and shared with parents, they are kept well informed abut their child's routines and activities. Documentation contributing to the children's well being, health, safety and care are in place and are regularly reviewed. For example accident and medication consent procedures. The childminder plans a good range and balance of activities for children of all ages, to enhance children's learning and development in all areas. There are good

p.4

Organisation

arrangements in place to meet the needs of all children and the childminder has good understanding of caring for children with special needs. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification and attends training courses to update her knowledge and skills. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. To address this the childminder has purchased some resources and also uses the local toy library for resources that reflect positive images of other cultures, gender roles and disabilities. She now also plans and provides activities to reflect other cultures, including celebrating festivals such as Eid and Diwali. Children have also completed topics about other countries and their cultures. This means that children develop a good understanding of the wider community.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase understanding of procedures where an allegation of abuse is made against the childminder

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6