Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY232890 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2006 Inspection date Susan Parker Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 in a two bedroom terraced house in a quiet street close to Shephallbury Park. The childminder may care for no more than 6 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Local amenities include toddler and childminding groups, playgroups, schools, parks, shops and there is regular access to mobile library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The sitting/dining room is the main area used for childminding. Bedrooms are used for rest and there is an upstairs bathroom. There is a compact, fully enclosed rear garden for play. The childminder also uses local parks to provide the children in her care with safe outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

It is a non smoking household. The family has no pets.

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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 local Childminding Group and the Chair of the local Toddler Group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They are well nourished and their health is promoted due to the childminder's good understanding of healthy eating. They are offered nutritious meals which the childminder prepares using a balanced range of fresh ingredients. The childminder promotes healthy options such as fruit and explains to the children the reason why some foods are not good for them. The childminder discusses individual dietary requirements with parents and keeps an accurate record of these so that the needs of all children can be met. Children participate in a wide range of physical activities, contributing to their good health. The childminder ensures that there are daily opportunities for outdoor activities. There is a small enclosed garden, or children use local parks and play areas to play on the climbing frame, slide and other equipment. This helps children develop control of their bodies and improve

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Helping children to be healthy

their physical and spatial skills. The younger children are beginning to understand their own physical needs, for example, they know when they need a drink or a rest. They are able to fully participate in the activities because the childminder has a good knowledge of child development. She provides appropriate activities and supports the children well so that they have confidence to try out new skills and experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and safe environment and are therefore able to move around independently and freely. The childminder is extremely vigilant and will supervise the children at all times. She is aware of possible risks and hazards, both in and out of the house, and has taken steps to minimise these. She ensures that the children are made aware of the boundaries of what they can touch and what is out of bounds. However, the children's safety could be compromised by not having barriers to prevent access to possible hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to independently select activities from a good range of quality toys and equipment. They use safe play resources and equipment and the childminder makes sure that these are interesting and appropriate for the age and developmental stage of the children. The children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has all of the required procedures and documents in place. She holds a current first aid certificate and has an effective understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled. They happily choose activities and resources. They have built good relationships with the childminder who uses her knowledge of child development

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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 to adapt activities so that they are appropriate and promote children’s learning, ensuring that all children spend their time purposefully. The childminder is particularly good at responding to all the children's questions. The children are therefore given clear reasons and explanations, increasing their understanding of their environment and the wider world. The children's independence is fostered as they freely make choices about toys, books and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy a varied, stimulating range of activities including craft work, construction, puzzles, imaginative play such as dressing up and role play. Their overall development is promoted and they are encouraged to explore and extend their knowledge because the childminder has a good understanding of the different stages of development. This enables her to carefully consider and plan a range of activities which meets the interests and hobbies of the children, such as using a bird table to feed the birds and watch them nest in the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder makes sure that she is aware of their individual needs and is able to meet these. She has a clear understanding of children's particular needs and works hard at keeping parents informed of their child's progress through daily dialogue. She ensures that the daily routine allows time for the children to play, relax and interact with each other. The children's behaviour is good and they are learning about playing together, sharing and taking turns. For example, when using jigsaws, the children learn about the importance of putting one away before getting another out as the pieces may get mixed up. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries so that the children know what is expected of them. The childminder has a good understanding of behaviour management and appropriate methods to use. She uses verbal reminders rather than physical boundaries to help

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the children learn what is safe and what is not.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's awareness of society and the wider world is actively promoted. The childminder appreciates the importance of providing a range of activities and play resources to promote positive images of our society and increase children’s understanding of this through reference books and school activities. The children learn about their local community on routine outings to local parks, mobile library, and visits to friends and groups.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Organisation

The childminder organises all aspects of her work effectively, helping the children to feel comfortable, relaxed and at home. They are confident and can therefore initiate their own play and learning. The childminder ensures that the space available is well managed providing areas for the children to play, rest and exercise. The individual needs of the children are met by the childminder through her procedures to ensure that she has relevant and detailed information on them. She regularly discusses and reviews this with the parents.

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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 children's emotional and physical development is well promoted through the childminder's knowledge and understanding of the children who are present. She plans and organises her daily work which ensures that children are offered a range of interesting activities and opportunities and that all are able to participate.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has devised and practised an emergency escape plan. The children have practised this and know what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder has also ensured that she has written permission from all parents for the children to be transported in a car belonging to specifically named childminders and the childminder's husband. She has ensured that each person is named and their insurance is valid. She has devised individual registration records for each of the children which records the days and times of their attendance in a confidential and secure manner. The childminder has taken precautions to ensure the children can play safely in her garden by the use of very close supervision and by reinforcing children's understanding of their boundaries.

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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 certain 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): • Ensure that reasonable steps are taken to ensure that hazards to children on the premises, both inside and outside, are minimised. This mainly relates to the safety of plants.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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