Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309986 Inspection date 10 February 2006 Inspector Olwen Pulker

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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 2005. She lives with her partner, mother and step-father in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Her mother is also a registered childminder. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children, or 8 when working with another childminder. There are currently 11 children being cared for part-time. The childminder takes children to and collects them from a local school by car. She takes younger children to local carer/toddler groups.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean and well-maintained home where they learn to follow appropriate hygiene and care routines, for example washing their hands before eating, after using the lavatory and playing outside. The children are protected from the risk of infection and cross-contamination through the childminder's awareness of children's health care matters and the implementation of related policies and procedures, such as having individual bedding or travel cot for each child and excluding children who are ill or infectious. Children are beginning to have an understanding of a healthy diet. The childminder uses fresh ingredients, including vegetables and fruit, to provide nutritious meals and snacks which meet children's dietary needs. Snacks of various fruits, breadsticks and rice cakes are thoroughly enjoyed by children and they are developing good table

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Helping children to be healthy

manners through consistent routines implemented on a daily basis. There is a diet policy in place which is available to parents and clearly outlines how healthy eating is promoted within the setting. Children access a good range of activities which contribute to their health and well-being. There are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they dig in the sand and ride on wheeled toys. Garden games, regular visits to the local play park and indoor play barns improve children's physical skills. They are able to rest or be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to independently move between the ground floor rooms for various play activities. They freely choose from a wide selection of good quality toys and equipment, carefully monitored and supervised by the childminder to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their ages and stage of development. Children's awareness of safety is developed through daily indoor and outdoor activities; they learn about road safety as they walk to the local play park and sensitive reminders about the appropriate use of play materials help prevent accidents indoors. There are good procedures in place for ensuring children remain safe and secure at all times in the setting. Children know what to do in the event of a fire as they practise the emergency evacuation procedure and all the required fire safety equipment is in place. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

attended training and shows a good understanding of the procedure to follow with any concerns.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a variety of toys, activities and equipment suitable to their ages and stages of development. They are able to initiate their own play and learning ideas, supported by the childminder. She interacts positively with the children in their daily routines and play, encouraging them to explore the natural world as they visit ponies in a nearby field or feed the ducks. A wide range of activities is available to children, which promote creative expression, such as collage design, drawing, painting and baking. Children are developing independence and self-esteem by selecting their activities, helping with household chores and taking responsibility for tidying away toys. Children form positive relationships as they share and play cooperatively together. Younger children extend their social skills further by attending carer and toddler groups. Children become confident communicators; they are well

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

supported by the childminder who enjoys listening and talking to them as she encourages them to recall and share past events. Children are able to broaden their experiences and enjoy outings to places of their choice, for example, museums, play parks and barns. The childminder effectively uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to monitor children's development and plan activities to promote their learning in all areas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are comfortable and confident in the welcoming environment and make themselves at home. Their individual needs are catered for and they build a trusting relationship with the childminder, which fosters their sense of belonging. Children learn about their local community and the natural world as they visit parks and go for walks. Younger children are introduced to different cultures as they celebrate various festivals when they attend group care with the childminder. However, there are few resources and activities within the setting to promote positive images of diversity which limits children's opportunities to understand others. Children behave well. They are able to share toys and play well together. They learn good manners and respect for others as the childminder provides a good role model. Children understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

age appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour. The partnership with parents is very good. Procedures are effective in ensuring that children are cared for according to parents' wishes. Daily diaries and verbal feedback ensure that parents know what their children have been doing whilst in the childminder's care and are aware of any issues.

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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. Paperwork is stored in good order and maintained in line with requirements. Extensive, detailed and regularly reviewed policies and procedures are in place, which outline clearly the care provided for the children and how the childminder ensures that children are safe whilst in her care. Parents have good access to these so that they know about the care provided for their children. The register does not clearly detail which adult cares for the children on a daily basis when both childminders are present or collecting children from different schools. The childminding space is effectively organised so that children have the use of rooms, which are child-orientated and comfortable. They have good access to quieter activities, free play activities and outdoor play. The childminder continues to review

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Organisation

the environment and how the garden can be developed so that children's needs continue to be met effectively. Access to training materials is effective in ensuring that the childminder keeps up-to-date with current childcare issues and good practice guidelines. This allows children to be cared for in an environment which is interesting and stimulating. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made 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 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):

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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 • increase resources and activities to promote equal opportunity issues • detail on the daily register the name(s) of who is providing the care for the minded children.

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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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