Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY260016 Unique Reference Number 22 June 2006 Inspection date Marianne Gascoyne Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her father and two children aged 15 and 11 years in the village of Holbeach near Spalding. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to the local school and pre-school to take and collect children and takes children to the local park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently minding seven children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also cares for children over the age of eight years. The family has a cat.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted soundly in the childminder's home where an appropriate standard of hygiene and cleanliness is maintained in order to prevent the spread of infection. Children are generally aware of the need to wash hands and are given time to do so properly. Consent is obtained to administer medicines, however, a record is not maintained and shared with parents when medicine has been administered and consequently children's welfare is not fully protected. The policy with regard to sick children is discussed and the childminder ensures children are not exposed to the risk of infection without first consulting parents, for example, making a decision to expose them to the risk of Chicken Pox. Children's well-being is safeguarded by consent given to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency and administer sun cream or plasters. The childminder's first aid qualification is being updated shortly to ensure she can

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

respond to accidents appropriately, the first aid box is easily accessible and accidents are clearly reported and shared with parents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide lunch boxes for their children which are stored appropriately and generally healthy snacks are given to ensure children are adequately nourished. Procedures in place at lunch time help them to learn to eat their meal healthily. Information obtained from parents on registration ensures there is no risk of an allergic reaction to any food provided and children's likes and dislikes are respected. Fresh drinking water is available at all times to ensure children do not become dehydrated.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a positive attitude to fresh air and exercise as they walk to school on a daily basis and have regular opportunities to play in the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A very welcoming child-centred environment is created in the well equipped playroom which means children are eager to attend. Children have access to a comprehensive range of developmentally appropriate toys and equipment which maintain their interest. Storage is well organised to enable children to choose the activities they wish to undertake. They learn to tidy away toys to prevent injury as they are told 'you will hurt your bottom if you sit on them'. Children are able to sit and play or rest and sleep using equipment suited to the purpose.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised closely at all times to ensure they are able to play in safety and the premises are secure. Direct access to the garden is not currently possible due to building work being undertaken and the childminder has assessed the risk and made alternative arrangements to ensure children are able to use the garden safely. However, risks have not been fully assessed and appropriate measures taken to ensure children can use the trampoline with all potential dangers minimised. Fire safety equipment is in place and a fire evacuation procedure has been devised. The procedure is not practised frequently enough to ensure all the children are aware of the need to leave the premises quickly and safely in an emergency. Children are learning

p.3

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 about road safety as they walk to and from school and appropriate restraints are in place to ensure they can travel safely in the car.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately protected because the childminder has an understanding of her role in child protection. However, the necessary information to enable her to report any concerns is not easily accessible and parents have not been advised of her responsibility.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and use their initiative to choose activities which they enjoy and maintain their interest. They explore toys that are all easily accessible to them and the childminder helps develop their play and ensures equipment provides challenges. The children are relaxed and enjoy conversations with the childminder who links the play to their real life experiences, developing and extending their knowledge and understanding. She encourages children to reflect and recall activities they have undertaken, for example, a trip to the zoo and uses these experiences to develop their imagination when playing with small world play figures. The easily available equipment and activities offered, together with the childminder's interaction with the children, is helping ensure they achieve in all areas of their development. Children attending after school are able to access a wide range of appropriate toys and games to help them relax

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes children out to widen their experiences and they enjoy trips to the fun farm and park. They help to make playdough and enjoying exploring with paint and sand. Equipment in the garden provides opportunities to learn and practise physical skills. Activities are provided to promote their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Children respond well to the praise and encouragement given and learn right from wrong by explanations given.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She is beginning to use it to help her meet the needs of children under three who have just started to be minded.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a strong sense of belonging and good relationships are in place with the childminder and other children. The childminder works with the parents and obtains meaningful information to enable her to meet individual children's needs well. Children are developing a positive attitude towards differences in people by having the opportunity to play with children from different cultures or disabilities and explanations given by the childminder. They are able to play with resources which promote equality of opportunity. They are developing an understanding of the wider society as, for example, they visit an elderly disabled neighbour with the childminder and offer to undertake shopping for her. The childminder has a proactive attitude towards caring for children with special needs and would work closely with parents to enable her to care for a child with additional needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 A positive behaviour management policy is shared with parents to ensure children receive consistent messages regarding the behaviour to be encouraged. Children are well behaved responding to the calm, positive role model provided by the childminder. She creates an environment which encourages children to behave well. Children are given clear boundaries to help their understanding.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with clear information about the childminding service and asked to provide all the information necessary for the childminder to care for their children effectively such as routines, eating likes and dislikes and special comfort toys, when they start to be minded. The effective relationship with parents and information shared on a daily basis means children's well-being is promoted.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the care given by the childminder who has a high regard for their welfare. She has created an environment in her home where children feel comfortable and secure, have easy access to toys and equipment enabling them to take part in an appropriate range of activities. The childminder ensures children are only alone in the company of adults who have been vetted. She has made appropriate arrangements, which have been agreed with parents, in the event of an emergency situation arising. Emergency contact names and telephone numbers are easily accessible.

p.5

Organisation

The majority of documentation is well maintained and stored confidentially. Policies have been developed for some areas of the childminding service which reflect practice and provide guidelines for parents.

p.5

Organisation

Overall the needs of the children are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made that the childminder consider how to improve the planning of activities to help children develop. The childminder plans activities for the children each day depending on the children who will be attending and the weather conditions

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 1 April 2004.

p.5

Complaints 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.

p.5

Complaints 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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 written records are kept of medicines administered to children and the parent is informed • improve the risk assessment with regard to the use of the trampoline and ensure fire drills are practised regularly • make sure the information necessary to enable child protection concerns to be reported without delay is easily accessible

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6