Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY241001 Unique Reference Number 20 July 2006 Inspection date Melanie Cullen 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 was registered in 1990. She has been jointly registered with another childminder since 1993 and works at the other childminder's home in Weldon. This is within walking distance of parks, nursery, library and a local primary school. The conservatory, quiet area/living room, kitchen, bathroom and messy area are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder who owns the premises has a dog and some rabbits. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding eighteen children, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to learn the importance and benefits of effective personal hygiene. The risk of cross infection is minimised because the childminder employs effective nappy changing procedures. For example, disposable gloves are changed between babies and the mat is wiped thoroughly with antibacterial spray and dried. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate. However, she is due to attend a renewal course in the near future. Children have access to a dedicated bathroom which is well equipped with wipes, wash mitts, paper towels, steps and small seats which promote and encourage children to be independent when using the toilet and washing their hands. They have their own toothbrushes which are used after lunch.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and to practise physical skills. They play in the spacious garden which has some fixed equipment that encourages their climbing, running and football skills. They walk to school and around the local area, feed the ducks, use a netball court, bikes, bats and balls and ride on toys. Babies are encouraged to crawl around and to explore their environment. Children's individual requirements for rest and sleep are respected. They have access to cushions and regularly have a rest in the afternoon during hot weather.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children bring packed lunches and parents are advised of nutritious choices for their children which promotes their enjoyment of savoury tastes and fruit. Children sit together and enjoy social meal and snack times. Their snacks are provided by the childminder and include fruit and rice cakes. Children make choices about the fruit they have and become involved in activities where they taste new and familiar foods, some of which are cooked and some are raw which introduces children to food textures. Drinks are available for children at all times. They have water in appropriate cups or sports bottles labelled with their names and are regularly reminded to have drinks throughout the day and particularly after periods of physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently because the childminder is proactive in identifying and minimising risks to children. For example, safety gates prevent children having access to un-registered areas of the house and smoke detectors and fire doors have been installed. Children benefit from the two childminders working together. They can supervise different activities or age groups which maintains safety and children's choice of activities. Children enjoy choosing from the wide range of play materials and activities which are safe and suitable. Toys are stored in boxes which are easy for them to access and to assist with tidying away at the end of each session. Safety for children is maintained because items are checked and replaced regularly. Children's safety when out walking is given high priority. For example, children wear fluorescent jackets when walking to and from school which ensures

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

they are visible to traffic. They begin to learn about safe practices when crossing roads such as looking, listening and waiting for the green man.

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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 Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to record and report any child protection concerns and to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. The necessary documents are in place and parents are aware of the childminder's obligation regarding child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and confident in the setting. They are provided with a range of activities which are interesting, fun and appropriate for their ages which keep them actively engaged. They are encouraged to select themselves from boxes of play materials. For example, two children enjoy exploring a box of action figures and move on to a box of construction bricks, working together to make tall vehicles which tow other trucks. Children's development is promoted through the balance of organised activities and free play. They enjoy preparing and acting out games of quiz shows seen on the television which helps them to learn about numbers, taking turns and sharing. They learn about road safety and enjoy an activity where they make a zebra crossing from a large cardboard box and set up a road using cones, bikes and ride on toys. Children take turns to be pedestrians and drivers and learn about safety through discussion

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to be creative and have regular opportunities to take part in various art and craft and messy activities. Their work is displayed on the wall and they proudly describe their pictures. Children enjoy outdoor activities such as running games, climbing and bats and balls. Children's self-esteem and confidence is promoted because they enjoy playing football with the childminder who takes on the role of goal keeper and encourages them to try and score goals. they receive the same praise and celebrations whether they are successful or not at beating the 'goalie'. Therefore, the needs of varying ages and abilities of all children are met regarding outside play. Children enjoy books which they choose themselves and are read enthusiastically and animatedly by the childminder who sits on the floor with them to enhance their enjoyment and involvement in the story.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and with respect. They begin to learn about the wider world and diversity through play materials, activities and discussion with the childminder. Their individual needs are met and are accommodated effectively within the daily routine. Currently there are no children attending who have disabilities or learning difficulties but the childminder has past experience and ensures that they work with parents and other professionals to meet each child's needs. Children behave well. They enjoy their activities and have a clear understanding of the appropriate boundaries which are in place to ensure children's well-being and safety. Therefore, behaviour management issues are minimised. Children respond to the childminder's positive, consistent approach and appropriate strategies such as explanation and distraction are used to manage children's behaviour as required.

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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 Partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the close working relationship that has been built by the childminder which ensures that parents are kept fully informed about their child's progress and involved in the childminder's activities with the children. For example, children are involved in a 'colour of the month' activity and their parents are encouraged to help them find an object at home in the relevant colour which they can bring to the setting. Parents receive written information about the children's activities and have access to a monthly routine which has been devised with the help of the children to inform them of forthcoming events and activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care, safety, development and welfare are promoted in this professional, organised setting. The childminder works extremely well with her colleague. She works in partnership with the other childminder and takes on all aspects of the children's individual arrangements. All the required documentation is in place and is kept up to date accurately and consistently. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate which impacts on children's safety and well-being. However, she has secured a place on an appropriate course in the near future. Each child has an individual file which contains all their details. Younger children's activities are linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework which has a positive impact on their development. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's progress and the effective working relationship enhances the continuity of care. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to a number of recommendations. She agreed to increase her awareness of child protection procedures. The Department of Health and local guidelines are in place. She agreed to establish written agreements with parents regarding the care of the children and to gain written permission to administer medication and ensure parents sign on the day medication is administered. Contracts and signed permission for medication is now in place for each of the minded children. The childminder also agreed to devise a procedure for parents explaining how complaints will be managed. This is now in place. The action taken ensures that children's welfare, safety and health is promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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): • Complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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