Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209923 Inspection date 24 February 2006 Inspector Shirley Amanda Wilkes

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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 1990. She lives with her husband. There are shops, schools, pre-school groups and leisure centre within walking distance. All downstairs areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family has a pet cat. There are currently 7 children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She walks to the local school to take and collect 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home, where they are learning about the importance of good hygiene to promote good health. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet, before meals and after stroking the cat. Children are well protected from illness and cross infection by the good procedures the childminder has in place. The childminder has good procedures in place for the care of children who are sick. Procedures for accidents and medication are good and clearly explained to parents. This ensures children's needs are met. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and children are able to choose from a range of healthy snacks and drinks, for example, fruit and low sugar drinks. Children's individual dietary needs are met effectively, these are discussed in detail

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Helping children to be healthy

with parents, and specific dietary needs are recorded. Children's physical skills are developing well, they enjoy outdoor play as part of their routine, for example, games in the garden and daily walks to the local school and park. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. This contributes to their good health and physical well-being.

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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 home where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently within the home. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, discussing road safety before trips outside of the home. The childminder talks to the children about tidying toys away so no-one trips over them. There are good procedures in place for the safe arrival and collection of children, main doors are kept secure. Fire safety and emergency procedures are practised with the children to ensure they understand what to do in an emergency. Children's independence is encouraged as they are able to self-select from a wide range of toys which are clean and safe . The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder having all the required procedures and documents in place. Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is able to put appropriate procedures into place where necessary, to safeguard their welfare.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy and well-settled in the childminder's home. Children are involved in a range of activities both inside and outside of the home that promotes all areas of their development, for example, visits to the local library and carer and toddler groups. Children are encouraged to make decisions about their play and are able to self-select from the good range of age-appropriate toys and resources promoting their confidence and independence. Children's self-esteem is being built upon through the childminder offering support when needed and the acknowledgment of their individual achievements. The children are able to access a range of outdoor play equipment which is helping to develop their physical skills, for example, large play equipment when visiting the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

local park. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a range of activities which contribute to their creativity such as model making, baking and decorating cakes

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder works with the parents. Parents are shown written copies of relevant policies and procedures at the registration visit. The childminder takes time to find out about children's specific needs through the use of contracts and through the recording of individual likes and dislikes. A good knowledge of how children develop is used effectively to enable the childminder to plan and provide an interesting and varied time for the children. Information is shared with the parents daily about how children have spent their time with the childminder. Children's self-esteem is developing well. They play together and behave well, learning to share and take turns and to show care for others, for example, older children help younger children in their play. This is due to the childminder using praise and encouragement throughout the daily routine to encourage positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour. Strategies to manage challenging behaviour which are appropriate to each child’s age and level of understanding are in place. All children are well supported, they are valued and respected as individuals. Children are able to make decisions and initiate their own play, which enhances their time spent with the childminder. Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is increased by the childminder providing a range of toys and resources that promote positive images of the wider world. Children are developing an awareness of their local community through outings into the local environment, for example, visits to the library.

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Organisation

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 organisation is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder’s care where they initiate and extend their own play and learning. They feel at home and at ease within the well-organised environment. The effective organisation of space and the childminder's competent management of time ensure children’s play opportunities are maximised. Children's individual needs are consistently met due to the childminder's good recording of their individual needs. Partnerships with parents are good, daily discussions take place and policies and procedures are shared with them at the registration visit. Children's safety, health and well-being is safeguarded by the childminder having all policies, procedures and documentation in place. Children’s records and parental contracts are stored

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Organisation

confidentially and updated on a regular basis. 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 agreed to provide a fire guard for the fire in the lounge. And to ensure that the available space is sufficient for the number of children present. She also agreed to ensure written permission is obtained from parents for each prescription. The childminder has since changed the fire used in the lounge so this is no longer a hazard to the children, she uses a bumper to ensure children are protected from the hearth. Children now use the lounge for quiet activities, this has increased the space available for the children Consent is now obtained for all medication that is to be administered to the children, this ensures children's well-being is met.

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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 any 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'

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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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