Childminder in Wolverhampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY269997 Inspection date 29 July 2005 Inspector Jasvinder Kaur

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom is an adult and the other is 14 years old. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house and a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group.

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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 an approved childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children stay healthy because the childminder takes positive steps to promote good hygiene through well organised activities and a healthy lifestyle. They are protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illnesses. The childminder holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. Accident and medication records are well maintained and shared with parents who countersign all entries. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which cater for individual needs. A selection of drinks including fresh drinking water is always available. The children enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes. The childminder is well aware of children's dietary requirements and preferences through consultation with parents. Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities on a regular basis. They

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their physical skills as they play with a wide range of outdoor equipment in the garden. They enjoy walking to the library and playing in the local park. There are generally suitable arrangements for rest and sleep. The exception is that the childminder has no monitor for when babies are left in the bedroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children feel secure and safe as the childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment. They are encouraged to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. The good organisation of toys and equipment enables children and babies to move around safely in the house and garden. They develop a good awareness of safety measures through emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis. However, there are some hazards regarding a low level glass panel and the drain in the back garden. This means the children are not sufficiently safe. Children benefit from good use of the space available in the house, which is entirely at their disposal, and space in the garden. They have easy access to a wide range of toys and equipment which enables them to develop their learning skills. The resources are well organised to provide free choice to encourage children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

independence. The children are well protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She has attended the relevant training. She is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary and to keep

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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 relevant records of her observations.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children show interest and happily take part in a wide range of good quality activities and play opportunities. They are confident in the setting and positively interact with the childminder. She responds well to their individual needs including those of babies who express their feelings and needs without the use of language. They make good progress through a variety of learning experiences which develop their language, mathematical thinking and imagination. Children explore and enjoy physical activities regularly and make good use of local facilities. They develop their self-esteem by trying new activities and facing challenges in a safe environment. They develop social skills and enjoy being with other children through regular attendance at the local toddler group. The children continually develop their communication and learning skills through singing, using colours, textures, light, sounds, movement and other such activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is acknowledged and valued. They have a sense of belonging. They are involved in decision making when selecting activities, snacks, drinks etc. They are encouraged to take part in suitable activities and any special needs are met appropriately. They develop their knowledge and understanding of diversity and wider world through toys, books, role play, dressing up, videos and cooking activities. Children benefit from the childminder’s positive relationship with parents. Settling in procedures work well, which mean that children’s needs are met effectively. The children are happy and confident. The childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour which takes into account children’s level of understanding and maturity. They are encouraged to share with and respect others through her positive role model and example. Behaviour management is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discussed with parents through verbal communication and well documented policies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised. She attends relevant courses and is currently attending an NVQ level 3 course to develop her knowledge of child care issues. Children benefit from a welcoming environment where they feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. They are settled in a well organised environment which helps promote their independence. The childminder has suitable arrangements to protect children and has undertaken relevant vetting procedures.

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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 All the childminder’s documents are clear, well maintained and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. They are readily available for inspection and shared with parents. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the childminder's qualifications and training, and information about the service provided. However, the attendance record is not completed on a daily basis. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved the service overall. She has provided a good range of resources that promote equality of opportunity for all children, completed a first aid course, and provided safety catches on kitchen cupboards and drawers to improve safety for children. Currently she is attending an NVQ level 3 course to improve her knowledge of childcare issues and particularly to improve the planning of activities to ensure that all children take part in suitable play. This means children are protected and their needs are met effectively.

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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): • Improve safety by addressing issues regarding low level glass panel and drain in the back garden, and provide a sleep monitor for when babies are left in the bedroom. • Complete the attendance record on a daily basis including accurate times of arrival and departure of 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:

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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 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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