Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 204755 Inspection date 07 February 2006 Inspector Donna Stevens

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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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters. They live in Kidderminster. The whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom are used while childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The property is within walking distance of local schools and amenities. The family have two cats. The childminder attends carer and toddler groups in the area.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-planned daily routines. They know, for example, that they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after eating to make sure that their hands are clean and do not have germs on them. Children are able to use the toilet independently and there are good arrangements in place for nappy changing. Children's welfare is ensured because there are clear arrangements if children become unwell or need to be given medication. The childminder has a good understanding of nutrition and ensures that food provided by the parents is heated and served correctly and healthy options are offered. Children are able to choose from a variety of nutritious and filling snacks and become involved in food preparation during cooking activities such as making cakes and decorating biscuits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are making good physical progress and get plenty of opportunity for exercise. They make daily walks to the local school and nursery and in fine weather visit the park and take walks in the surrounding fields. In the garden children are able to use a selection of ride on toys and enjoy playing in the sandpit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe as a result of the childminders good awareness of health and safety and all reasonable steps are taken to minimise risks. Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained and safe home. Toys and equipment are of a good standard and are regularly checked to ensure that children can play safely and independently with a suitable range of resources. Children are well supervised both at home and at regular outings and visits. Their safety is paramount and they are encouraged to understand the need to cross the road safely when out with the childminder. In the home children are encouraged to be safe by tidying up toys and being careful near the younger children when playing on the floor. However, the childminder has a limited awareness of child protection issues and would benefit from increasing her knowledge in this area to ensure that children are always well protected from possible abuse or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a suitable range of toys. The childminder sits with the

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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 children, engaging them in conversation and encouraging their play but does not organise activities to allow children to expand their creativity and imagination. Older children spend much of their time watching television. Children are secure within the setting and separate happily from parents and carers. Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder. They have opportunities to meet regularly with other children to enable them to socialise and play in larger groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals but the childminder sometimes finds it difficult to balance the needs of all the children attending. There are some resources available reflecting positive images of culture, ethnicity and gender but there are few opportunities for children to gain an understanding about the wider world and community around them. Children behave well. They are encouraged to understand right from wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and age appropriate methods which are used to manage behaviour. These include explanations, distraction and the use of time out. The childminder encourages the children to share and take turns and to be kind to each other. Children benefit from close communication between the parents and the childminder. Time is taken at the end of each day to share how their children have spent their time.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit because the play space is well laid out to allow children to choose toys and activities independently. However there is a lack of organised planning of the day to allow children to reach their full potential and experience a wider range of activities. Not all children have their own individual records to enable their welfare, care and learning needs to be met. Other documentation currently kept is accurately completed and stored confidentially. Overall the range of children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder kept a record of any existing injuries to a child and any medication given. These records are now being kept and as a result there has been an improvements in the way children's welfare is

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Improvements 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 safeguarded.

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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues including what to do in the event of an allegation against the childminder • plan and provide a suitable range of activities and play opportunities to develop the children's creativity and imagination • ensure all children have their own individual records • extend the range of resources and activities that positively represent diversity in society.

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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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