Childminder in WolverhamptonOfsted inspection, 13 Feb 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308584 Inspection date 13 February 2006 Inspector Patricia Webb

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband, 3 adult children and a teenage daughter in the Wednesfield area of Wolverhampton. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently caring for 2 children who attend on a part-time basis. The family has a dog, 2 cats and 2 goldfish.

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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 (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health and well-being are satisfactorily addressed as the childminder carries out daily routines to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. She reminds the children about washing their hands especially if they have contact with the animals. Children are learning about dental hygiene as they know that they need to brush their teeth after breakfast eagerly pointing out their individual toothbrushes. All the required parental consents are in place to ensure that emergency medical treatment is sought swiftly if necessary. However, the first aid box is not fully stocked and there are no disposable gloves available, hindering how effectively universal procedures are implemented for the minimising of the risk of infection when attending to accidents and injuries. Children's dietary needs are suitably met as any preferences or specific needs are discussed and recorded clearly. The childminder is aware of the safe storage of

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Helping children to be healthy

foodstuffs and bottle feeds as she hold a current Basic Food Hygiene certificate. Children enjoy the social interaction that takes place as they sit together for meals and snacks. Older toddlers and children make choices about their snacks often asking for their favourite fruit such as bananas and grapes. The childminder encourages this as she is aware of offering a nutritious diet and developing children's understanding of healthy eating from an early age. They enjoy a range of activities that develop their physical skills. She has a sufficient knowledge of child development to offer activities and resources that encourage early crawling and walking skills following discussions with parents. Rattles, shape sorters and puzzles are offered to promote children's development of small muscle skills and dexterity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely family-orientated environment where risks and hazards are appropriately addressed. They are relaxed and settled as they move round the ground floor easily and with confidence. They have easy access to a range of good quality toys and resources as they make choices about their play. The childminder's routine checking and cleaning of equipment and toys results in children being protected from hazards and the risk of the spread of infection, particularly when ensuring baby equipment is carefully cleaned. Children are becoming aware of safety as they are praised when they help to tidy away their toys. The childminder gives attention to carrying out regular checks

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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 around the home to reduce hazards. Clear procedures for emergency evacuation are posted at each door and parents are informed of the other childminder used as emergency cover should it ever be necessary. This helps in reducing any anxiety from the children as they are familiar with the person. Children's welfare is generally promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of the child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are broadly content and settled in the childminder's care. She knows what interests individual children, for example, offering a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD for one child who asks with confidence for his favourite episode to be played. She regularly visits local toddler groups in order for the children to develop their social skills and meet other children in a group situation. Children enjoy close contact and cuddles with her as they relax on the settee and confidently bring her their favourite books to read. They have clear routines and are beginning to participate in activities and play that is suitable to their age and stage of development. For example, the baby is learning to crawl and toys are placed at a distance in the activity ring to encourage movement and develop balance. They have the opportunity to take part in quieter activities and take rest as they need.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Art and craft activities are restricted to being offered occasionally as the childminder believes the children currently cared for are a little young. This aspect tends to be addressed when they attend the toddler groups rather that on a regular basis in the home. This hinders the development of their imagination and creativity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are valued and respected. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of equality issues and encourages all the children in her care to play with a wide range of resources that are presented without gender bias. The selection of resources reflecting positive images of the diversity of society are limited. This hinders how effectively children develop an understanding of the wider world around them and the differing needs of others. Individual needs are identified and met accordingly as the childminder takes time to get to know the children. She recognises when the baby is ready for a nap and what fruit the older child will ask for after lunch. This relaxed relationship is fostered with parents as she discusses individual routines and ensures a positive exchange of information take place daily. There is currently no complaints log format in place to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

keep parents informed of any issues parents may be concerned about. Children's behaviour is appropriately managed as the childminder is aware of the developmental stages of the children. For example, she handles tantrums well as a

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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 result of discussions with the parent and her own experience of remaining calm and speaking quietly to reduce tension. Children's individual efforts and achievements are praised in order to foster their self-esteem such as when a child spills his drink and fetches a cloth to wipe up without the need for prompting. She thanks him and says she will tell mum how helpful he has been. She encourages children to consider the needs of younger children and babies and be gentle when interacting with them. This fosters a caring attitude in the children as they return discarded rattles and baby books to the younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The care and welfare of the children are suitably promoted as a result of the childminder's attention. She takes time to support and interact positively to promote their overall development and enjoys the role she plays in their routines. She is skilled in caring for children of different ages as she encourages caring and sharing, able to give each child adequate time and attention to ensure they are relaxed and content. She is keen to attend courses and workshops to update and develop her knowledge and skills in some areas of child care such as behaviour management and child protection. She is due to attend an appropriate first aid course as this has not yet been completed. Most of the required documentation is maintained with confidentiality keenly addressed. Overall, the needs of the children cared for are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints reported to Ofsted since registration. 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets

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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 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 the first aid box is appropriately stocked • expand opportunities for children to engage in play that promotes their creative and imaginative development • ensure that children have regular access to a range of resources that reflect positive images of society with particular regard to disability • maintain a complaints log record • obtain and maintain a current first aid qualification

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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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