Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311089 Inspection date 17 February 2006 Inspector Kathryn Mary Harding

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and school aged children, in the Newport area of Shropshire. The property is situated within walking distance of the local school, pre-schools and local amenities. The downstairs rooms are used for childminding purposes and consist of a kitchen area, dining room and lounge. The bathroom is on the first floor and one bedroom is used. There is an enclosed garden area available for outside play. The childminder is registered for four children under eight years and is currently caring for four children under five years and four children over five years.

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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 family has two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm clean setting where they learn the importance of appropriate personal hygiene and personal care through the daily routines. They talk about the importance of hand washing and germs. Children's food is provided by parents. The childminder does, however, provide healthy and nutritious snacks such as fruit and bread sticks and takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to meet their dietary requirements. Children are offered regular drinks such as juice and water so that they do not become thirsty. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Children learn about healthy living as they talk about healthy food to eat. There are outdoor activities to help children develop control of their bodies, for example trikes and skipping ropes. Children can access a range of equipment such as lacing and

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Helping children to be healthy

threading to help develop their fine control skills. Regular visits to the park and walks improve children’s physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is warm and where there is sufficient space for the children to play in. In order to help keep children safe the childminder checks the rooms prior to the children arriving. Most safety precautions such as socket covers and stair gates are in place to help keep children safe, but there is a possible hazard from noxious substances in the bathroom. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards and are regularly checked. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. She supervises the children at all times to ensure their safety. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as they talk about road safety when outside the home and the childminder encourages children to walk and not run. The childminder uses the car,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

but business use on the car documentation was not documented. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection matters and has a leaflet available regarding what to do if there is a concern.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder supports the children appropriately in their play. A variety of play opportunities are provided for them to ensure that they enjoy their time in the childminder's care. The childminder has a loose plan of weekly activities for the children to take part in. They have frequent opportunities to develop their social skills as they meet with others at toddler groups. Children regularly make good use of the park for more energetic play. They confidently express their preferences when choosing activities, in the home, from the resources available. The children are settled and relate well to the childminder. The childminder extends children's learning by asking open-ended questions when talking about the different colours and shapes of the threading items. The childminder finds out what the children enjoy doing and provides activities to engage their interest. The childminder does not presently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework, but

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

does adapt activities to promote younger children’s learning, such as offering glue pens and paint balls so all children can part take in the activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to choose from the range of toys regardless of gender. In order to promote children's understanding and awareness of the wider world the children look at different festivals such as Chinese New Year and look at Chinese writing linked in with this theme. The childminder ensures that children are treated as individuals and meets their specific needs effectively. Children learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour, as the childminder has clear strategies in place to deal with unwanted behaviour. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased as they are given explanations and, for example, if they are arguing over a toy they are encouraged to share. Good manners are also encouraged so children learn to be considerate to each other. Partnership with parents is good and the childminder keeps parents well informed about how their child has been and what they have been doing and where they are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

planning on going. This ensures consistency of care. Younger children have daily diaries and the childminder is flexible with parents' requests.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at home within the relaxed environment. They are confident to choose their own activities and are effectively supported by the childminder who organises the play environment appropriately. The childminder is keen to enhance her practice and has completed workshops on child protection and 'Birth to three matters'

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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 childminder works appropriately to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. Confidentiality is maintained as all paperwork is stored securely. Overall the children's needs are met.

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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 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): • ensure that all noxious substances are inaccessible to children • ensure business use is included in the car insurance.

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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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