Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 224480 Inspection date 06 January 2006 Inspector Rosemary Linda Tomkins

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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 1993. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder walks children to local schools and attends local pre-school groups. The family has two dogs.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable home where they learn the importance of good health practice and personal care. The childminder ensures the children wash their hands before and after food. She gives high priority to making sure the procedures for nappy changing and disposal are followed. There are good arrangements for protecting children from infection however, written permission for seeking emergency treatment or advice has not been obtained. This means that children will not receive prompt medical treatment in an emergency. Procedures for accident and medication are very good and clearly explained to parents. The childminder is well qualified to meet children's medical needs in the event of an accident. Children are provided with a varied range of activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy clear play space inside and outside in the garden. They walk to

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Helping children to be healthy

and from school to take older children and have frequent walks in the surrounding area. Children are encouraged to enjoy being outside in fresh air which ensures children enjoy exercise and helps them to develop physical skills and control of their bodies. The childminder ensures children are provided with food prepared from fresh ingredients. This helps them to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are offered water, milk or diluted juice throughout the day and eat a variety of fresh fruit for snacks. The childminder takes account of parents' wishes through discussions and children's individual records to ensure she meets their dietary needs well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder undertakes risk assessments of her property to ensure children are not exposed to hazard or injury. This ensures children are safe both inside and outside the home. The childminder has an emergency plan and practises emergency evacuations with the children on a regular basis. This means that children will be safe in an emergency situation. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are very well maintained and presented. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choices to make sure they are appropriate for their age and

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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 stage of development. The childminder has all the required procedures and equipment in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted for example, she regularly checks and maintains the pushchairs and uses reins to ensure children are secure whilst out walking. The childminder is aware of her duty to protect children in her care and has procedures for ensuring children are well protected. This means that concerns about the protection of children will remain confidential. The childminder has a good understanding of the Area Child Protection Committee's procedures. This means that prompt appropriate action will be taken to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in the childminder's home. They select their own activities and communicate their needs to the childminder. Children relate very well to the childminder and are developing independence and physical skills. Children are able to choose and initiate their own activities inside the home. They enjoy selecting toys, such as puppets and the shop in the secure play areas. Children discover the natural world as they visit the park and experiment with growing plants. The childminder ensures children are provided with regular opportunities for fresh air as they walk to various pre-school groups and occasionally attend swimming classes at 'Water Babies'. The childminder constantly talks to the children during activities to promote their development and understanding for example, repeating words and familiar phrases and using daily routines to enhance their play opportunities and understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children regularly attend pre-school groups where they meet other children and experience new activities. This means that children's social and communication skills are developing well. Children are very settled at the childminder's house and with her family. They eagerly communicate to make their needs known and show pleasure and pride in their achievements with a show of hand clapping and wide smiles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have an interesting range of activities that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. The childminder and children play together and use books, role play and dolls with positive images of race and gender to increase awareness of various cultures and festivals. Children enjoy comparing historical pictures of their local area and discovering the new buildings. This creates a sense of belonging in their community. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They have individual attention and conversation with the childminder who ensures children's needs are met as they

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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 follow their daily routines. Children behave well and make themselves at home. Children are confident and have a good level of self-esteem and well-being. They have time to relax, be active and respond well to the spoken word and communicate opinions on their likes and dislikes. Although the childminder is not currently caring for children with special needs and language requirements there are good arrangements in place to ensure they are fully supported and included in all activities to enhance their development and progress Parents are provided with good quality detailed written information on policies and procedures. The childminder provides examples of planned activities and types of food and shares a detailed diary with parents on a daily basis. This ensures parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are involved and contribute to the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is qualified and enthusiastic about attending further training to enhance her skills and provide further exciting opportunities for children. Children are secure and relaxed in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own learning and play. Good policies and procedures are used effectively to promote welfare, care and learning of the children in her care. All required records are up to date, stored confidentially and available for parents. Parents are regularly informed on their children's progress and activities. In addition, the childminder keeps a daily record on the children's activities and development for parents. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure the behaviour management policy reflected the methods used by the childminder. The childminder has reviewed her written policy which clearly states that inappropriate behaviour will be managed with distraction, explanation and methods suited to ages and level of understanding of the children. Good behaviour is rewarded by stickers. She has also attended training by completing the National Childminding Association's 'Quality First' port-folio. Children are well-behaved and aware of the behaviour boundaries.

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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

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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 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): • ensure written parental permission is obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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