Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209357 Inspection date 03 June 2005 Inspector Christine Myatt

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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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 6 years and 11 years. They live in a house in Cannock. 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 childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll under the age of five. The family have a cat.

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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 attends the local carer and toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association and Approved Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Indoor and outdoor activities help them develop control of their bodies, for example children play ball in the garden and are taken to places of interest. Older child uses the bathroom independently. Younger children have their nappies changed regularly, with hygiene practices being maintained to a good standard. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered drinks throughout the day and a good selection of nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and any special dietary needs. Effective hygiene procedures are in place regarding the family cat.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play happily in a warm, caring environment where they are able to access a range of stimulating toys and equipment. Space and resources are well organised so that children can move around safely, freely and independently. They learn the importance of keeping safe indoors and outdoors as they regularly practice evacuations from the home. Children are closely supervised by the childminder at all times to ensure they are safe. She has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure the children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Good security measures are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle in well at the childminder’s house. They confidently engage in self-chosen play activities. They experience a positive, warm relationship with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and well being. They are well supported by the childminder, who is skilled at encouraging children to extend their learning and listening and talking to them. Children gain good levels of self esteem and confidence through meaningful praise and encouragement. Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their

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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 development, for example drawing, planting seeds, dressing up and outdoor play. They benefit from regular outings to the zoo, park and donkey riding. Older children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. However, not all resources are accessible to younger children. Children listen and respond to the childminder and enjoy story time. There is a good range of well maintained resources which are used to interest children and develop their learning. Children relate well to each other as they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines as agreed with parents. Children benefit from the relationship between parents and childminder, enabling her to obtain relevant information about the children’s likes, dislikes or special needs. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and children learn about other countries and cultures. Children are encouraged to play with all toys and resources regardless of gender. Children behave well as they concentrate enthusiastically with a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities. The childminder has effective and consistent ways of dealing with children’s behaviour. She uses distraction effectively with younger children to promote acceptable behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of all children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about their child’s routine and progress. Most of the procedures are followed by the childminder to protect children from illness and infection. The childminder plans a good range and balance of activities for children of all ages, to facilitate children’s learning and development. She has recently completed a recognised qualification, attends network meetings and training courses to update her knowledge and skills. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to obtain prior written permission from parents to administer medication to children. The childminder has obtained this consent, so that any medication given is clearly done so with parental consent, thus protecting children.

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Complaints 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 There are no complaints to report.

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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): • improve the organisation of the toys for the younger children in order that they have the opportunity to independently self select from a suitable range of resources and activities

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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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