Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY276492 Inspection date 12 July 2005 Inspector Maxine Williams

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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 2003. She lives with her two children aged four years and aged eight months. They live in a house in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, which is within walking distance of local shops, schools and a park. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Children discover, use and increase their physical control in exciting daily indoor and outdoor experiences. The childminder's good understanding of each child’s stage of development means the youngest children are confident to try out new skills, ask for help when needed and set their own limits within the safe environment. For example, two-year-olds are thrilled as they successfully use the slide to land in the ball pit, scattering the balls all over the floor. Garden games and regular visits to local playgrounds and attractions help to progress children’s physical abilities. They develop knowledge of the way activity has an effect on their bodies and all are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after

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Helping children to be healthy

outside and creative play sessions and before snack time promotes increasing independence in their personal care. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and making healthy choices. Children are offered a choice of drinks throughout the day, and show their awareness of healthy choices by choosing milk and sugar free juice. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide healthy snacks that appeal to the children and meet their nutritional needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Hazards to children are reduced because the childminder is very attentive to safety issues and has installed numerous safety measures to reduce possible risks. For example, children's safety indoors is protected by numerous safety gates and extensive fire prevention equipment, and outside the garden is fenced into separate areas with protective rubber matting on the steps and a non-slip barked play area. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to promoting children’s understanding of how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. Children select activities from a wide range of good quality developmentally appropriate resources which meet safety standards. These are organised effectively in a dedicated store room at an accessible height to encourage independent access. The childminder protects and supports children’s welfare and has most of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

necessary policies and procedures in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 outstanding. 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 are enthusiastic and motivated by a wide range of inspiring, appropriate activities related to their needs. They develop their independence as they choose from an extensive choice of suitable resources which support their play, learning, development and enjoyment. Children are self-assured in their play and confident to try new experiences. They enjoy listening and responding to the childminder reading stories and singing rhymes and songs, joining in with favourites such as 'the wheels on the bus'. Early communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality adult-child interactions. All children arrive happy and eager to participate, time is spent purposefully. They delight in the creative experience of making handprint pictures with paint and in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

developing their skills on the outdoor play equipment. The effective techniques used by the childminder encourage the children to negotiate well with each other in their play. Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder. They play joyfully together, and with adults, using resources such as books, dolls, music, paint and outdoor equipment, appropriate to their age and ability. The childminder has an excellent awareness of the array of experiences which facilitate children to make better use of their intellectual and imaginative capabilities. For example, the childminder uses the fine weather to provide a wealth of outdoor experiences to promote children's interest and enjoyment. The youngest children make very good progress because the childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child. Secure and considerate relationships provide children with a healthy dependence on the childminder, while enabling them to take risks and try new things, within safe

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

boundaries. Children begin to make sense of the world and express their ideas as they participate in a wide range of creative and sensory experiences. For example, learning about colours through books, paint, clothing and food.

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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 to 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, visits to the playgroup and outings to local places of interest. For example, the children regularly participate in the local Sure Start fun days and trips to the swimming baths. Children are cherished and appreciated as individuals; the childminder meets the children’s needs well. Children take turns and demonstrate care and concern for each other, playing together amicably. Clear behaviour management methods

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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 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, requesting drinks and snacks when they want them, and independently washing their hands. For example, when a child realised that their hands were covered in paint they used the shower on the doll's bath to rinse their hands, persistently pressing the little plastic shower button to carefully wash away the paint. Children increase self-esteem and confidence as they present their views and make choices and decisions. They have time to relax as well as be active. Children respond well in creative and intellectual activities, representing what they see, hear, smell, taste and feel.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being in the childminder's home. Parent’s views about their child’s needs and interests are actively sought before the child starts at the setting, and on a regular basis throughout their time there. The childminder ensures that all parents know how their children are progressing and developing. Children benefit greatly from the good relationship between the childminder and their parents, which contribute to their good health, safety, development and enjoyment.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is dedicated to providing good quality care for children and is committed to increasing her knowledge and understanding of childcare and child development through accessing appropriate courses. However, she neglected to inform Ofsted of a significant event, the birth of her child, which resulted in her breaching her conditions of registration. The children are comfortable and feel secure in the well-ordered surroundings. Indoor and outdoor space is organised to maximise play opportunities for children. This enables them to initiate and expand their own play and learning. Good support from the childminder aids children's development and helps them feel secure. The extensive policies devised by the childminder are used successfully to support the wellbeing, care and learning of children. Although most required parental documentation is in place the childminder has not obtained written parental

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Organisation

permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for the children in her care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children being cared for.

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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

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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): • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • ensure that Ofsted is kept informed of all significant changes.

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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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