Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 259036 Inspection date 09 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 2001. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and three children. They live in the town of Oswestry. The downstairs rooms are available for childminding and there is a garden available for outside play. The childminder can walk to local schools and nurseries. He is currently caring for five children under the age of five years. The childminder is a member of The National Childminding Association and has completed the Introducing Childminding Practice and the Developing Childminding Practice courses.

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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 are cared for in a very warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminders' good understanding and implementation of good hygiene practices 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 meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary requirements such as fruit, cheese and vegetables. 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 go swimming and for walks to the park which all contribute to their physical development. They use scissors and play

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Helping children to be healthy

dough which help their fine control 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 homely, child-orientated environment. Children's own pictures, posters and paintings are displayed on walls making the rooms more welcoming to parents and children. The childminder takes time each day to identify and minimise potential risks to children both indoors and outdoors. Children are kept safe by the childminder having safety precautions such as socket covers and stair gates in place and a television monitor, so children can be supervised if the childminder has to go into the kitchen. Children have good opportunities to select from a broad range of good quality toys and resources, which are stored in labelled containers, so encouraging the children to make decisions about their play. They learn about keeping themselves safe, as the childminder encourages them not to climb on the furniture and talks about road safety when on outings. Areas of the house are labelled so children know which

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

areas require adult supervision. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder has all the required documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has attended a workshop on child protection matters. 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 are happy, settled, confident and interested to learn. They are able to concentrate and persevere for sustained periods of time, when they are playing with the play dough. 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 and the childminder has fun with the children. Children's learning is extended, as the childminder encourages them to think, by asking open-ended questions, when talking about what they can see in their book. Children engage in a wide range of activities which promote their overall development very well, such as baking, gardening and watching how their bulbs grow and creative activities. They go on walks and outings, to encourage their interest in the world around them, to places such as the library and the park. The childminder ensures that children have good opportunities to develop social skills by taking them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to toddler groups and to meet other minded children. Resources are stored at child height and are easily accessible for children in the large playroom. They choose and make decisions about their play, encouraging them to be independent learners. The childminder supports the children appropriately in their play and asks them if they need any help when completing a puzzle. The childminder does not presently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework, but does adapt activities to promote younger children’s learning.

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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 sound range of activities and resources to positively reflect diversity. Children look at different festivals and take part in activities linked in with the festival such as food tasting. The childminder has house rules and a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. As a result children understand what is expected of them, so they know they have to take turns with the toys. Children are encouraged to behave well as the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement to the children for their efforts and rewards them with certificates. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as the childminder regularly talks with parents and tailors his service to suit the child. Relationships with parents are very good. Prospective parents can view a prospectus

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and policies outlining the service offered. A book containing photographs showing what activities the children take part in and newsletters keep parents well informed about their child's day and future activities and outings. This ensures consistency of care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a high regard for children's well-being and offers them a good level of support. This is enhanced as the children have two carers, as the childminder works with a co-minder. The childminder is keen to enhance his practice and is prepared to attend training and workshops. 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, specific written parental permission regarding the administration of medication is not in place. The certificate of registration is not displayed. Parents are therefore not aware of the conditions of registration. Confidentiality is maintained as all paperwork is stored in a locked cupboard.

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Organisation

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 that accidents were recorded confidentially and obtain specific written permission regarding the administration of medication. Accidents are now recorded separately so ensuring confidentiality but specific written permission regarding the administration is not in place. This is therefore brought forward as a recommendation at this inspection.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that written consent regarding administration of medication is obtained.

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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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