Childminder in Stoke-on-TrentOfsted inspection, 18 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 224479 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Lesley Jane Bott

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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. She lives with her husband and three children, two adults and one aged ten years. They live in a house in Milton, close to local shops and play areas. The whole of the ground floor of the property and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children, three under five part-time and four children

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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 over five before and after school. The childminder attends a local toddler group on a regular basis. The family have a guinea pig. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder's home is clean and tidy. Good hygiene practices are promoted well. Children are learning about the importance of good health and hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing before meals and after handling the guinea pig. Established routines are followed and children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. The childminder mostly ensures that the best interests of the children are met if they are unwell, but does not have in place written consent from parents for emergency treatment for all children. Healthy eating is encouraged. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy varied meals from a three week menu prepared by the childminder. Dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that preferences are respected and special needs catered for by the childminder.

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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 and secure environment where risks are adequately minimised. The childminder has mostly identified and minimised hazards within the home, although written consent has not been gained for all children in respect of outings. Home safety equipment such as a stair gate is used to ensure that children can play safely in the lounge. Children are able to choose from toys that are clean, safe and suitable for their purpose. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is able to put necessary procedures into practice if needed and acts in the best interests of the children at all times to ensure they are protected from harm and neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and comfortable at the childminder's house. They respond well to each other and interact with other children during regular visits to a local toddler group. Children develop their independence as they choose between a large

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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 assortment of toys, books and activities that are interesting and appealing. Children enjoy listening to tapes and songs. They enjoy regular creative experiences, for example gloop, bubbles and play dough. Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder. They play well together, and with adults, using resources such as books, music and outdoor equipment, appropriate to their age and ability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder supplies a good variety of activities and resources to encourage a positive outlook on the wider world and raise children's knowledge of diversity and their understanding of others. The children have wide ranging opportunities to find out about themselves and each other and to gain knowledge of the wider world through planned activities such as visits to the playgroup and outings to local places of interest. Children are appreciated as individuals, the childminder meets the children's needs well. Children take turns and demonstrate care and concern for each other. Clear behaviour management methods implemented by the childminder help children to develop their understanding of what is right and wrong and they respond well to the boundaries set. Children make themselves at home, confidently choosing activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and feel secure in the well ordered surroundings. Indoor and outdoor space is organised well to provide extensive play opportunities for children. This enables them to instigate and expand their own play and learning. The childminder successfully uses policies and procedures to support the wellbeing, care and learning of children. She shares information with parents on a daily basis to keep them up to date about her services and their child's activities. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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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 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 that written permission from parents is gained for emergency treatment • ensure that written consent for outings is gained for all children

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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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