Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209384 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Lesley Jane Bott

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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 1995. She lives with her partner and their 2 children aged 8 years and 5 years. They live in a house on the outskirts of Stafford within walking distance of shops and a park. The childminder uses the whole of the downstairs of the property for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a total of 5 children under the age of 8 years, and is currently looking after 4 children, all on a part-time basis. 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning about the importance of good health and hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing before and after meals. Established routines are followed and children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. A written policy for sick children ensures that the best interests of all children are met if they are unwell. Children's medical needs in an emergency are not being met as no written consent for emergency medical treatment is in place. Healthy eating is encouraged and children enjoy fruit as a morning snack. The childminder discusses the children's dietary needs with their parents and works together with them to ensure that any special dietary needs and wishes are met. Currently, parents bring the children's lunches and these are stored appropriately until lunch time. Children's independence is developing as they are confident to help themselves to

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Helping children to be healthy

their own drink that is kept available to them at all times. Children know and have their own individual drinking cups. Opportunities for children to be outdoors and experience physical exercise is good and children have the opportunity to walk every day as the childminder does not drive.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is well maintained and offers sufficient space and a welcoming environment to the children and parents. Children are learning the importance of staying safe as they move to play in both the front and back room safely. The childminder has mostly identified and minimised hazards, although she has no fire evacuation procedure in place and has not practised fire drills with children to help safeguard them in an emergency. Home safety equipment such as a stair gate and fire guard are used to ensure that children can play safely in the house. Children have access to toys and resources which are clean and appropriate for the age of the children. The children enjoy washing the toys with the childminder as part of an activity, using their aprons to ensure that they keep dry. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. She is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

aware of who to contact if necessary, although she was unaware of where and how to record any incidents.

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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 childminder provides a good range of activities for the children to experience and choose from. For example, she regularly visits mother and toddler groups and bounce and rhyme time at the local library. Children are developing independence and self-assurance as they choose activities themselves within the home. The children were happy to move from both front and back rooms with toys and resources. They are confident and enjoy exploring the easily accessible toys and equipment, building towers on the Lego table and getting new toys out of the brightly coloured tubs stored in the back room. The childminder interacts well with the children. She is interested in what they say and do and has a good relationship with them. This helps children to be settled, secure and confident within the home. When the second child arrived at the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder's house the two children hugged each other and were very excited and happy to be there.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are sufficiently learning about diversity of the world as the childminder promotes positive images through books and resources. The childminder has appropriate strategies in place for managing behaviour and children are developing an understanding of right and wrong. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged and children behave well in the setting. The childminder works in partnership with parents and promotes positive relationships with them. Her good communication with parents contributes effectively to the continuity of the children's care. Parents' wishes are respected and there are good systems in place to keep them informed about the provision and their children's day. For example, the childminder will give parents verbal feedback at the end of the day and also complete a daily diary for the younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's self confidence is promoted well through indoor space being used appropriately to offer children an environment in which they can play freely as well as quiet areas for rest and sleep. The childminder ensures that routines are in place to support young children's development. The childminder organises her time effectively to enable her to offer sufficient adult support in which children can be settled and secure. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has taken a first aid course, this positive step helps to improve the health and safety of the children.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • seek permission from parents for emergency medical treatment • further improve safety by ensuring that fire drills are practised, and further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection.

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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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