Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 223756 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Kathryn Mary Harding

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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 1989. She lives with her one daughter in the Albrighton area of Shropshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She is currently caring for four children under five years and two children over five years on a part time basis. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and meets

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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 with other local childminders on a regular basis. She has completed the NVQ Level III in Early Years Childcare and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder's good understanding and implementation of good hygiene practices, such as using disposable gloves when changing nappies, means that children are protected from the spread of infection. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and talk about what foods are healthy to eat. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious snacks, such as fruit, that appeal to the children and meet their dietary requirements. Children are offered regular drinks such as sugar free juice and water so that they do not become thirsty. Children enjoy and experience a wide range of activities both indoor and outdoor that enable them to develop their physical skills. They take part in obstacle courses and go for walks to the park and the duck pond which all contribute to their physical

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Helping children to be healthy

development. They paint and do craft activities which help their fine control skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is warm and where there is sufficient space for the children to play in. Children's own pictures and paintings are displayed on walls in the playroom making the room more welcoming to parents and children. In order to help keep children safe the childminder checks the rooms prior to the children arriving. Safety precautions such as socket covers and stair gates are in place to help keep children safe. However a smoke alarm is not in place in the play room. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards and are regularly checked. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. She supervises the children at all times to ensure their safety. Children are encouraged to keep

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves safe as they talk about road safety when outside the home and are on reins or strapped in the pushchair. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures which means that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage in a wide range of activities which promote their overall development very well. They are happy, settled and interested to learn. Close and caring relationships between the childminder and the children have formed, which increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Children are encouraged to move towards the toys and select one for themselves building on their natural curiosity as learners. The childminder has written plans of activities showing what it is intended that the child will learn from each activity. Photographs and observations are recorded for discussion with parents. Children learn about the environment as they help re-cycle their rubbish. The childminder ensures that children have good opportunities to develop social skills by taking them to toddler groups and to meet other minded children. In the play room resources are stored at child height and are easily accessible for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children. They choose and make decisions about their play, encouraging them to be independent learners. The childminder supports the children appropriately in their play. The childminder does not presently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework, but does adapt activities to promote younger children’s learning such as a cooking activity where all children are given the opportunity to take part.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is extended as the childminder has a range of toys and resources to positively reflect diversity. Children taste food from different countries to make them aware of the wider world. The childminder has high expectations and sets consistent boundaries for the children which help them learn to take responsibility for their own behaviour. The childminder, for example, explains to the children why they should not throw the toys as it may hurt someone and they are encouraged to care for each other. Children’s understanding of right and wrong is increased as they are encouraged to share the toys. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Partnership with parents is good and parents are kept well informed about their child, through daily written notes about what they have eaten and if they have slept, if the parents request this. Their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individual needs are met well as the childminder regularly talks with parents about what they have done and if there have been any problems. This ensures consistency of care.

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Organisation

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 organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a high regard for children's well-being and offers them a good level of support. The childminder is keen to enhance her practice and has completed the NVQ level III in Early Years Child Care and Education. The children are at home in the well organised environment and are confident to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder works well to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure that children are cared for consistently. However, all members of the household have not been cleared. Confidentiality is maintained as all paperwork is stored in a locked filing cabinet. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children that attend

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure access to local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. She now has a leaflet available explaining the procedures to be followed should there be a problem, so safeguarding children's welfare.

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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 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 all members of the household have clearances in place • ensure that a smoke alarm is in place in the playroom.

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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 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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