Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209435 Inspection date 20 February 2006 Inspector Janet Ashcroft

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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 1991. She lives with her 2 children, aged 16 years and 11 years, in Lichfield, Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder only cares for children over 5-years-old and offers an after school and holiday service. She is registered to care for 6 children at any one time; she presently has 4 children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 learning about good hygiene routines through the childminder's good practice. They are encouraged and supported in developing skills of self-reliance with regard to personal hygiene through the equipment provided by the childminder, for example, small size soap and individual towels. Children’s health is safeguarded through the childminder’s policies, procedures and records; these are well-maintained and detailed and generally meet all required standards, although parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and advice has not been obtained from all parents. Children participate in a variety of physical activities, which contribute to their good health and provide opportunities to develop and practise physical skills, for example, general garden play and visits to the local park. Children's nutritional requirements are well met and individual needs are thoroughly

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Helping children to be healthy

accommodated; fruit and vegetables are offered on a daily basis. Mealtimes are a relaxed and social event; the children eat together at the table and are learning about good manners and socially acceptable behaviour. They are able to select their own food from the menu offered, developing their skills of choice and decision making.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move independently around the setting, which is clean and well-maintained. Their sense of belonging is fostered by items of personal equipment and examples of their creative work. Children benefit from access to and the use of a good range of toys, equipment and furniture, which is kept in a good, clean and safe condition and promotes all areas of development. The childminder is very aware of possible risks to children’s safety; she has taken thorough steps to ensure the setting is safe and as a result, the children are able to play and eat in very safe and healthy premises. The childminder has undertaken recent child protection training and the children’s protection from abuse and neglect is promoted through her detailed knowledge of signs and symptoms and of reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a broad and well balanced range of activities, which helps

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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 them make progress in all areas of learning. They are given frequent opportunities to explore and investigate and are learning to make choices as they access toys and equipment freely and independently. The childminder is skilful in using everyday domestic routines as learning opportunities, for example, the children sort and match and predict and count as they set the table at mealtimes. Children benefit from occasional learning and play opportunities outside the home, which further develop their social skills. Their language development is promoted as they are frequently engaged in conversation by the childminder. She listens carefully to their comments and opinions, enhancing their self-confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals and the childminder has a proactive approach to caring for children with special needs. The children are able to access a meaningful range of activities and experiences to develop their understanding of the world and to promote their awareness of others. The children behave very well and show care and concern for one another. They are aware of the goals and boundaries in the setting through frequent gentle reminders and respond appropriately. The childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management and the children's self-esteem is promoted as they are praised frequently for effort and achievement. Children's sense of security is promoted through the consistency of care which is fostered through the strong partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to confidently explore and investigate as a result of the creative use made of the available space. Their sense of security is fostered through effective adult support and a familiar daily routine. The children's welfare and care is effectively promoted through the well-organised policies and procedures, these are confidentially maintained and meet all relevant standards. Children benefit from the childminder's desire to improve her practice through additional training. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to provide smoke alarms on every level of the premises. The children's welfare is now safeguarded as these are now appropriately situated and regularly maintained.

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Improvements 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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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 that all parents provide written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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