Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221695 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2006 Inspection date Yvonne Layton 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged ten and six. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. At present she is caring for four children under five years. Placements are varied.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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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 good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices which meet children's nutritional, physical and health needs. The strong adult support and guidance helps children gain a clear understanding of hygiene and desire to become increasingly independent. Children are learning from an early age the importance of good hygiene through the childminder's consistent routines that are part of everyday practice, including each child having their own towel. They learn about personal care through the childminder supporting them with hand washing, discussion and activities. Self care is promoted by a series of material books and puppets including, 'Good Night Freckles' based on personal hygiene before getting ready for bed. Nappy changing is undertaken with sensitivity and the established practice and suitable hygienic procedures protect children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is protected as all required medication and accident documentation is in place and maintained. However, emergency treatment consent is not taken on outings which compromises children's safety in an emergency situation. Children's welfare is not protected as the first aid box contents are not as determined by the training course, in relation to the use of plasters.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents, including ongoing discussions about individual needs. They are developing a positive attitude to healthy eating because the childminder offers them a varied healthy diet. She actively promotes the eating of 'five-a-day' fruit and vegetables and provides home-made meals. Children learn about food through discussion and activities. They enjoyed a pea podding activity, some of the peas were eaten raw, some cooked. Regular food tasting sessions are held.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to undertake physical challenges as they undertake daily outings and indoor activities. Daily outings enhance children's physical well-being, including visits to the woods, parks and local walks where they are able to run, balance and climb. The childminder encourages the children to be active by introducing different activities, for example outdoor bubble chasing and puddle walks in wet weather. A range of indoor outings including, local children's groups, and activities in the home such as music and movement and dance, encourage them to develop control of their bodies and keep fit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm, welcoming and in a good state of repair. Children are welcomed by the display of children's work and themed posters. They benefit from free access to the ground floor, where there is allocated space for imaginative play and a reading centre. They use a wide range of resources and equipment which is safe and hygienic, and appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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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 The childminder has safety equipment and detailed procedures in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted, including fire prevention and emergency procedures. Risks of accidental injuries to children are minimised because the childminder is alert to possible risks within the home, she is vigilant and has consistent safety arrangements. Detailed risk assessments are maintained. There are robust safety procedures to ensure children are kept safe away from the home, including road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about keeping safe through planned activities and involvement in procedures including, fire evacuation in the home which is discussed and practised with the children. To reinforce safety, themes are developed using stories, dressing-up, creative activities and a visit to the fire station.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder who has devised a comprehensive child protection policy and has up to date knowledge and information of her role and responsibilities for child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The 'Birth to three matters' framework is evident in the provision and the childminder uses it to plan activities and undertake assessments of children’s development and progress. She has good understanding of its use and purpose.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are motivated and interested in an broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. A good mix of planned and free choice activities enhance children's development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Planned themes are undertaken to enrich children's awareness of the world around them, for example 'butterfly walks' were supported with creative activities, stories and discussion. Their learning is well supported as they are encouraged to explore and experiment. A 'hand jigsaw' is used to learn about colour, counting, matching and size.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are well promoted by the childminder's use of, and encouragement of children to, explore words. The provision of a rich range of books, including a reading centre, and a planned story time promote a love of books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies have the opportunity to access a wide range of quality resources such as activity centres and wooden toys. They investigate texture as they explore the wooden and material toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to use their imaginations with the support of the childminder and by playing alone. They are well informed and their choices are well supported. They become confident and self-assured, working and playing effectively on their own, with others or with the childminder. Close and caring relationships with the childminder increase children's sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. Their individual needs are met as she takes time to ensure activities are adapted to ensure all children gain from the experience.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder's strong awareness of meeting individual needs supported by discussions with parents ensure that children are respected as individuals and are treated with equal concern. They are beginning to develop an understanding of how everyone positively contributes in society. Resources that promote and represent the wider community are freely available and equality of opportunity is promoted well through their effective use. The childminder actively ensures that activities are adapted to meet individual children's specific needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Currently there are no children with learning disabilities or difficulties attending the provision but the childminder has a detailed inclusion policy and has past experience, to support and provide care, which includes them in the life of the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a strong sense of independence and self-worth as they are encouraged to share, take turns, follow rules and resolve their own issues as they progress through the developmental stages. They are settled and they are confident in the setting. Children are beginning to understand the reasons for the rules and they respond to the consistent expectations of the childminder to play harmoniously together and to share. The use of praise, encouragement and positive reinforcement contributes effectively to the children developing good social skills and a sense of belonging to a wider family group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Children's well-being is contributed to by the childminder and parents working well together. Daily discussions are held, parents have access to an information file and a comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures. Information regarding activities the children have been engaged in is provided verbally and by photographs. Continuity of care of the children is ensured by the ongoing sharing of information, including each child has an individual file. Parents are fully involved in their child's learning, and development is promoted as they participate in the completion of assessments.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. The provision is strong, it is successful at making sure that the outcomes for children are positive. The premises are well organised and space is used to maximise play opportunities for children. Children’s care and welfare is enhanced by the childminder's good understanding of children's needs, her efficient and effective organisation skills and her commitment to further develop her skills by accessing training and relevant literature.

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Organisation

Children's safety and well-being benefit from the professional presentation of detailed policies, procedures and information for parents. All required documentation is in place. Documentation is maintained correctly and the childminder has good awareness of confidentiality. Information is regularly exchanged with parents about the setting and their child’s daily activities contributing to continuity in the children’s care.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to seek written parental permission for children to travel in a vehicle and required to ensure all medication, consents and records were in place and appropriately maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's safety and welfare is promoted and parents are kept well informed as the childminder has completed written consents for children to travel in a vehicle and all required medication documentation is in place and completed.

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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 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 children's safety on outings is consistently promoted with regard to the written permission for seeking emergency treatment being immediately available • ensure the contents of the first aid box is as determined by the first aid training course with regards to clarifying the appropriate use of plasters.

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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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