Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY239100 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2006 Inspection date Tina Garner 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 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 registered in 2002. She lives with her family in a semi-detached house in a residential area of Hucknall. Their home is within walking distance of shops, parks and the local primary school. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden which is available for outside play. The family have a pet hamster which is housed upstairs. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for thirteen children all on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, comfortable environment. Good hygiene measures effectively minimise the spread of germs so that children's health and welfare is promoted. For example,

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 when changing nappies disposable gloves are worn, nappies are disposed of straight away and the childminder ensures her hands are washed. This ensures the risk of cross infection is well minimised. Through daily routines children are supported, from an early age, to develop skills in caring for their own health by following good hygiene rules. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop healthy eating habits as they enjoy nutritious foods such as home cooked meals, which include salads, fresh fruit and vegetables. They are provided with healthy snacks and regular drinks according to their individual needs. The childminder takes account of children's preferences and parental wishes regarding meals. Sick children are well cared for, a comprehensive written policy has been devised which gives clear and helpful advice to parents when children should not attend. Children benefit from the consistently high standards of records which are maintained to ensure their welfare. For example all necessary written consents have been obtained to ensure that children's needs can be met in the case of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied range of activities which contribute to their physical health. Regular outings are planned, such as to local activity centres and parks, to encourage children to be active and exercise their bodies. Daily routines encourage children to walk to school or nearby activities. These routines and activities help children develop a positive attitude to exercise.

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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 well-maintained, child friendly and safe environment. The childminder ensures potential hazards are appropriately minimised. For example, electrical sockets are covered and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach. Children are protected from accidental injury due to the priority placed by the childminder on maintaining good overall supervision. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe through the childminders explanations of safe practices, such as why younger children need to hold onto the buggy when out walking on busy roads. Appropriate security procedures ensure doors are locked to ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. The children enjoy a home from home environment where they can explore their surroundings and choose the rooms they wish to play in. Space within the home is organised so that it is child friendly. Some toys

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are presented in the lounge, and dining room, with plentiful floor space so that toddlers can explore them and move safely without risks of trips and falls. All resources are developmentally appropriate so that children are not exposed to items that may cause them harm. However, the majority of equipment is not currently organised effectively to enable children to make clear choices regarding their own learning. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a secure knowledge of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She has well prepared documents for her own reference. There is also written information shared with parents to ensure that they work together to maintain the interests of children at all times.

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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. Children are settled and confident within the environment. Their self-esteem is well promoted through the positive relationships they are developing both with the childminder and one another. They gain from consistent routines and are able to rest and take part in quieter activities. Younger children are beginning to develop early communication skills through the effective interactions of the childminder, for example, as she talks through daily activities and identifies first words. Older children become independent as they choose between resources and activities which appeal to them all. Activities are generally well planned for this age and include baking, painting, collage and tie dying. However, the childminder does not give sufficient thought to extending activities, or providing varied resources, to ensure younger children are suitably challenged. All children enjoy a good range of experiences away from the home,such

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as attending toddler groups and visiting local places of interest such as parks, farms and activity centres.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are effectively met through the daily routine and information which is collated, to ensure suitable activities and meals are provided in accordance with the differing needs of the children who attend. Children have good opportunities for outings to explore the local community. However, they have limited opportunities to learn about diversity, each other and the world around them through insufficient available resources and lack of planned activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's consistent handling in line with their age and stage of development. They behave well and are able to work within the agreed boundaries, respecting both the childminder and one another. They further their knowledge of acceptable ways of behaving because the childminder talks sensitively to them and reinforces behaviour boundaries, which helps them to learn right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's general well-being is suitably promoted through the forming of good partnerships with parents. Carer's views about their children's needs and interests are actively sought and followed well in practice. Children gain from daily ongoing information being shared between the childminder and parents, promoting continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from appropriate adult support, which nurtures their sense of security. Children's welfare is safeguarded due to relevant documentation being successfully maintained and stored securely. A wide range of well written policies have been devised; these offer parents useful advice regarding the childminders practices and procedures. Records collated with parents such as contracts, information sheets and consent forms, enables consistent care to be provided and ensures that parents wishes are respected. Records are well organised so that they are readily available and enable the childminder to demonstrate that she runs her business to meet children's

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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 needs. The care which is offered to children is enhanced because the childminder has attended some additional training to help her further develop the service she provides. The childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last care inspection recommended that the childminder develop a policy regarding the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and obtain parental consent for seeking medical advice. A written policy is now in place regarding the care and exclusion of sick children, this is shared with parents. Written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment has been obtained for all children. The implementing of these recommendations further improve the care and welfare of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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.

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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): • develop the organisation of resources to enable children to freely access a wider range and develop their own play ideas • develop the range of planned activities for younger children to enable them to develop in line with the aspects and approach described in the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure a range of resources and activities are provided to promote children's knowledge of the wider world and learn to value each others differences and simularities.

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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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