Childminder in Dudley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY248638 Inspection date 01 February 2006 Inspector Permjit Tanda

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged 9 years and 5 years. They live in Coseley, Bilston. There are local shops and a school within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. She is currently caring for five children under five years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and nursery 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 She attends a local toddler group with minded children and is a member of the National Child Minding 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 have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills of balance, control and co-ordination through a good and varied range of outdoor equipment such as wheeled toys, and a large and small slide. Children benefit from using smaller equipment such as skittles, bats and balls. Indoors children have daily opportunities to take part in dance and movement to nursery rhymes and their favourite pop music.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Well-established hygiene routines and clear explanations increase children's understanding of the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health. The children’s welfare is promoted because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Children are provided with regular drinks of water and a range of juices throughout the day. Children benefit from a healthy, nutritious lunch and snacks provided by the childminder. She takes account of the parent’s wishes and the children’s special dietary requirements to meet their needs. Children are able to have quiet time for sleep or relaxing throughout the day. They benefit from the childminder's flexible daily routines which ensure that their individual needs are met appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in their environment. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently in the environment. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe; children learn to put toys away and understand that certain rules are in place for their safety for example, children know they must not run indoors. Children benefit from a good range of physical activities outdoors in the garden which are appropriate and safe. Children learn how to cross the road safely and children are beginning to understand about the need to stay safe. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which are appropriate and meet safety standards.

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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 The children's welfare and safety is promoted as the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle quickly at the childminder's house. They confidently select from a good range of activities. Children choose between a wide variety of toys, books and activities, selected by the childminder. They show good levels of concentration during structured and free play activities. Children eagerly sort the play people according to what they are wearing and how they look. They increase their thinking and language through the childminder playing with them, listening and talking to them and building on their interests. For example, children show an interest in counting as they independently count how many people they have. Books are easily accessed by the children their fondness for stories is further developed through daily story sessions. The storage of some toys does not always allow for children to increase their independence in self-selecting. Children spend their time purposefully engaged in a wide range of activities daily.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They increase their imagination through a good variety of role play and small world resources. Children express their creativity through a good range of activities. They have regular opportunities to experience different arts and crafts such as painting, printing and making collage Children use their senses to explore and investigate texture, colour and shape through moulding dough and baking activities. Children enjoy exploring and investigating the natural environment and materials and learn to identify features of living things and objects through planned walks to the local park and use of the garden. Children have been involved in collecting leaves and fir cones. They learn about birds and season change.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase the children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, children celebrate Christmas, Easter and have been involved in learning about Chinese New Year. Children have access to a good range of resources and visual aids depicting other races and cultures. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs well she works closely with parents, in order to identify their likes, dislikes and personalities. Parents are kept up to date about their children's progress through daily discussion. Children have good relationships with each other and learn to show care and concern. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps children learn to understand behaviour boundaries and play

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Helping children make a positive contribution

together harmoniously. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding

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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 what to do. They have time to relax as well as be active. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence through constant praise from the childminder, who has a calm and relaxed approach with the children. Children have a good relationship with the childminder and easily involve her in their play.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The clear structure and routine of the day helps children feel relaxed and confident. Children easily initiate and extend their own play and learning. There are clear written business contracts and a good range of written policies and procedures. Policies are well written and informative therefore keep parent’s well informed about the service. All the required documentation for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children is maintained. The childminder shares information regularly with parents through verbal feedback. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were made which the childminder agreed to address. Both recommendations have been successfully implemented. The parent’s written permission for transporting children is obtained. All electric sockets are fitted with covers and therefore the children’s safety and welfare has improved

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • consider the organisation of toys to further promote the children's independence.

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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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