Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293368 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Jane Elizabeth Roberts

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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 2004 and works with another registered childminder. She lives with her husband and their children aged 2, 6 and 8 years. They live in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The house is close to the local shops and schools. The childminders use their car to collect children from schools in their area. The whole house is used for childminding. There is a playroom, lounge and dining room with direct access to a kitchen, hall and bathroom. There is a fenced garden area at the rear of the property used by children under supervision. The family have no pets.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 4 children at any one time when working on her own and when working with another childminder they can care for 10 children. Currently they are minding 16 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a warm, clean and well-maintained home where they follow appropriate hygiene and care routines. Children understand simple hygiene practices which reduce the risk of cross contamination, such as washing their hands before eating food or after playing outside. There is an effective nappy changing procedure and parents are kept informed about their younger children's personal routine in an informative daily diary. Children's health is positively promoted through regular informal chats with parents and carers to ensure the childminder has up to date details. Children have plenty of opportunities to rest and there are good facilities for younger children to sleep, which are carefully monitored and recorded in their daily diary. All children are involved in a wide range of activities which are appropriate to their ages and contribute to their good health. Each day there are sufficiently challenging

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Helping children to be healthy

outdoor and indoor activities to help them become aware of the changes to their body. Younger children enjoy playing in the garden and have fun using the varied play equipment which develops their large muscle skills. All the children enjoy visiting their 'mini-wood' to go for walks in the country side. Children are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet. The childminder involves them in planning, preparing and cooking, for example they all enjoy the banana cake and making their own sandwiches from a selection of nutritious fillings. The childminder talks about what is good to eat and the children learn about other cultures through looking at different foods.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well-organised, welcoming home which is arranged to meet their physical needs, for example older children are able to move freely between the activity rooms and access toys and resources with ease to promote their independent learning. Their safety is generally well considered however, regular risk assessments of both the indoor and outdoor environment to minimise the hazards to children are not always thought through and monitored. Toys and resources are well maintained, of good quality and meet safety standards. Children choose from the easily accessed range which is suitable for the varying ages of children attending and their individual needs.

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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 Children's awareness of safety issues is continuously developed through everyday activities and outings, for example pre-school children talk about crossing the road with the 'lollypop lady' and how they look and listen. The children's welfare is protected through a secure understanding of child protection issues and well maintained records and documentation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy to be in the childminder's care and are helped to settle and have a sense of belonging by both childminders working closely together. They provide a caring relationship with the under two-year-olds. Younger children respond well to the stimulating range of toys and activities provided for them and children feel secure in the daily routine which parents are aware of. However further development of the knowledge and understanding of the framework 'Birth to three matters' would improve outcomes for children under three years. Older children refer to the prominently displayed plans for their activities and enjoy helping choose things to prepare and cook. Pre-school children's need for quiet times as well as stimulating play are creatively provided. For example, after a busy morning at nursery the children relax with soothing water play in the kitchen, watched eagerly by the baby. They enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

looking at books and there are opportunities for the children to visit the local library to listen to story-time. Children play cooperatively together and relate well to the childminders. They have access to a variety of toys, activities and creative materials, including a good range of tactile materials. There are daily outings for fresh air and exercise. Younger children are developing good social interaction through visits to local toddler groups and older children look forward to special trips in the school holidays to an activity centre.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's comfortable home and her caring attention and that of her co-childminder. There is an appropriate range of resources and activities which promote a positive view of the wider world and social diversity. Children learn about their local community on walks to the park and visits to the local children's groups. The childminder uses food as a means of exploring the world through taste and discussion about where it comes from. Children have opportunities to explore other cultures through an imaginative range of play props and creative materials. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are understood and they follow daily routines which are discussed with parents and carers. Children benefit from spending individual time with both childminders. Babies respond well to both childminders' animated interaction and being included in activities with other

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children. The childminder has high expectations, for example older children understand the 'sticker chart' which rewards them for being polite, kindness to others

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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 and being helpful. Children benefit from the pro-active view of the childminder for the inclusion of all children and her ability to adapt to the child's individual needs. The childminder has developed a good partnership with parents and carers. Children's individual needs are met because each day the childminder takes time to talk to the parents about their children's activities and progress. Parents appreciate knowing what their child has been doing and the flexible approach the two childminders have working together.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who understands her responsibility to maintain accurate records and documentation. Additional useful policies and procedures have been produced which she shares with parents and carers; these contribute to the children's welfare, care and development. Documentation reflects the October 2005 revised code of practice and the childminder has a proactive approach to training by organising worthwhile child care courses to attend. Overall the children's needs are met. Children's well-being is promoted through well planned daily routines which enables the childminder to spend individual time talking to the children and making them feel at home. She understands their needs and they confidently becomes involved in activities and try out new skills in a comfortable environment where their interests are taken into account.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure Ofsted was notified of any changes; have effective procedures for checking staff working with the childminder to ensure they were suitable and that the requirements and conditions of registration are met. The childminder was also asked to improve documentation, to include the daily attendance record and the written information about each child. These have been all been implemented and children benefit from appropriate procedures and required documentation to keep them safe and secure.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration/last registration 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

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 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): • ensure regular risk assessments are carried out of both the indoor and outdoor environment to minimise the hazards to children • further develop knowledge and understanding of the framework 'Birth to three matters' to improve outcomes for children under three years.

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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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