Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY283933 Inspection date 27 January 2006 Inspector Christine Holmes

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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 2004. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children under 8 years for a variety of sessions before and after school and during the day. The childminder walks children to school and also attends the local playgroup. She uses her car to take children on outings to the local park.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through well planned daily routines. Younger children are supported to learn the skills of toileting and hand washing, independence is encouraged using appropriate resources such as a 'step up' to the wash hand basin. Children benefit from a healthy, clean environment. There are effective procedures in place to record and inform of individual children's physical needs for rest and play. These are incorporated into the routine which is clearly displayed for parents. The childminder has a good understanding of medication and accident recording. Records are in place and well maintained. Procedures in case of illness and who to contact in case of emergencies are fully detailed. A written policy is produced to parents and discussed at the initial interview. This information helps to ensure appropriate action is taken to care for children who become ill or sustain injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy well organised mealtimes with a choice of regular drinks and snacks. Food is stored, prepared and cooked safely. They enjoy varied, well presented nutritious meals. These are planned with children's dietary requirements and choices in mind with the menu displayed. The childminder has a flexible approach to routines and as a result she is able to prioritise the children's needs to ensure they are settled and secure. Children make good use of the space within the house and freely move between the two rooms available. Children do not currently have access to the rear garden until it is refurbished. However, opportunity for more vigorous outdoor play is arranged via outings to the local park and playgrounds, this improves children's physical skills.

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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 welcoming, secure and friendly environment. The space is used creatively to give children free access to a variety of play opportunities. The emergency escape plan is clearly documented and health and safety policies are available for each parent. Priority is given to the security of the premises and fire safety. The good condition and efficient use of safety equipment, such as ensuring the safety gate is in place when using the cooker, reduces potential hazards to children. Children use a sufficient range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate resources. These are well organised in child-height furniture to encourage independent access. A risk assessment procedure is in place, such as use of the rear garden is currently restricted to children until it is made safe. However, checks have

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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 not been made to ensure low level glass is safe. Children are taken on outings to the local park by car. They are transported safely on outings with each child having their individual seat belt and appropriate car seats. All the necessary car documentation, consents and insurance are in place. Children’s awareness of safety is promoted through their every day activities within the home and while on outings. Children are encouraged to tidy up their toys to prevent them falling and hurting themselves. This helps children to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. The children are well protected. Children’s records are maintained and parents are made aware of the childminder’s responsibility in regards to child protection within the written policy statement. The childminder supervises the children well ensuring they are always within her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

sight and hearing indoors and on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their relationships with the childminder. They play happily enjoying a variety of activities such as painting, collage, inset puzzles, matching games and small world play. Further resources are available for school age children. Toys and equipment are rotated from a store upstairs at each session; they are of good quality and suitable for their age and stage of development. Children make choices in their play and activities. They have good opportunities to be engaged in both free-play and set activities exploring their environment and experimenting with paint, shapes and texture. Children are encouraged to achieve and develop their imaginative thinking and language skills by trying new activities in a supportive environment. Children have the opportunity to meet and socialise with other children at toddler group. Good use is made of local facilities and parks to enable children to explore

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and enjoy physical play regularly. Children gain security through a well planned routine that takes into account all children's needs. Detailed information is recorded from parents and used to plan out the children's activities, which are clearly displayed for parents. The childminder is flexible in her approach, taking into account children's choices and differing age ranges which stimulates children's initiative and enthusiasm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are taken into account and all children are treated with equal concern. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues. Children have equal access to toys and equipment with a range of resources reflecting diversity, culture and disability. They take part in activities, such as

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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 celebrating Chinese new year which facilitates children's ability to develop their awareness and value differences. Children behave well and benefit from clear boundaries and expectations set by the childminder. They learn to play and work with others, share popular equipment and take turn in games. Children's self-esteem is developed by praise, simple rewards with encouragement from the childminder for their achievements and increasing responsibility. Partnership with parents is well fostered and children's records are detailed which enables the childminder to provide appropriate care and support to meet the children's physical needs. The childminder recognises the need to work in partnership with parents. She keeps the parents well informed about their child's care and development through regular daily discussions and records of achievements to

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has much experience of caring for children. She has developed a secure knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and regulations. This enables her to keep children safe and protect their well-being. She has undertaken training to update and develop her knowledge of care for children under three and first aid. Her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. All policies, records and procedures, in place, are used well in practice. This promotes the welfare, care and learning of all children, according to the wishes of their parents. All documentation is shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This benefits the children in the continuity of their care. Documents are kept up-to-date and stored securely.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend very well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her documentation and understanding of the National Standards and regulations. She has obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment and she has completed an appropriate first aid course. She has also Informed Ofsted of significant events and taken effective steps to ensure that the child ratio is met at all times. Consequently, children’s health, safety and well-being is safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was raised that the childminder did not comply with the complainant's wishes in relation to the care provided. These concerns relate to National Standard

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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 12 - Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers, National Standard 1 - Suitable Person, National Standard 6 - Safety, National Standard 7 - Health and National Standard 8 - Food and Drink. In order to investigate the concerns, Ofsted asked the Registered Person to conduct a thorough internal investigation and provide Ofsted with a copy. Copies of the Registered Person's references, the completed incident and accident forms and details of how information is shared with parents were provided. In addition, Ofsted asked the Registered Person to detail how parental wishes are discussed and actioned and how policies in place were adapted to meet the needs of individual children. Ofsted also requested clarification on how the Registered Person supervises children at all times and ensures the risk of accidents is minimised.

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Complaints since the last inspection

All information requested was received within the timescale set and a Childcare Inspector Team Manager reviewed the information submitted. The Team Manager was satisfied that appropriate policies are in place and that the National Standards have been met. Ofsted can confirm that the Registered Person remains qualified for registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • make checks to ensure low level glass is safe.

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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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