Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221879 Unique Reference Number 29 June 2006 Inspection date Cheryl Wilson 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 10 years in Killamarsh in Derbyshire. The family keep a pet cat and fish. Most areas of the home are used for childminding purposes. Bathroom facilities are provided on the ground floor of the home. 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 six children at any one time and is currently caring for 11 children from two to 10 years on a part-time basis, or before and after school. The childminder takes children to and from school. She visits local amenities such as toddler groups, childminding groups, activity centres, play parks, shops and the library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are beginning to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet. They enjoy regular opportunities to be active outside in the fresh air. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She visits local parks and indoor activity centres so children have good opportunities to use challenging climbing and balancing equipment. Children play organised ball games and use equipment such as skipping ropes, tricycles, hoops and an obstacle course in the garden to develop their coordination, balance and agility. The childminder discusses the way children's bodies feel after exercise so they gain an understanding of the positive effects of physical activity on their well-being. Children stay well protected in summer weather as they wear sun hats and cream to protect their sensitive skin. The childminder uses a marquee in the garden to provide shade in hot weather to ensure children stay healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children recognise the need to have regular drinks as they access these through the daily routine. This ensures children stay well hydrated and alert during their play. All the minded children learn about healthy eating as they discuss foods that are good to eat. They also enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables as part of the daily snack and meal menu.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the importance of good hygiene through the daily routines. They wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet to ensure they stay healthy. Children dry their hands on individual clean flannels to prevent cross infection. Children's good health is further protected as they are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. All children are appropriately cared for if they become ill as parents are fully informed of the sickness exclusion policy. Most parents give their written permission for the childminder to seek medical advice or treatment for children in the event of an emergency. Detailed records are maintained regarding accidents and medication and these are shared with parents to ensure they are fully informed of children's health. The childminder attends training in first aid to ensure children's needs can be fully met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure, well-maintained and clean home. They stay safe as the childminder follows clear health and safety procedures to ensure that any potential risks to children's safety are removed or addressed. Children receive close supervision both indoors, outside and during outings to protect their well-being. They learn to keep themselves safe as they hold the childminder's hand when out on walks and follow the simple rules of looking and listening when crossing roads. Children follow clear procedures and know what do in the event of a fire or emergency as they practise the escape plan. As a result, they begin to take personal responsibility for their own safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm as the childminder has a secure knowledge of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She has developed suitable information in regard

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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 to current procedures to enable her to follow these if necessary. The documentation is shared with parents to build an effective partnership and maintain the interest of children at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have comfortable places to play, rest and eat as areas used for childminding are effectively organised to meet their needs. They confidently choose where to play and children enjoy being independent as they make choices from the accessible toys. The childminder rotates the play materials available for children to ensure they are safe, clean and appropriate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They are keen to get involved with activities because the childminder knows what they are interested in and ensures it is available for them when they first arrive. She has a solid understanding about providing a broad range of activities that help children to develop and learn. The 'Birth to three matters' framework is used to ensure the provision for the youngest children is appropriate and the childminder provides plenty of messy play for them that helps to stimulate their senses such as play dough, baking, painting and craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children regularly participate in singing, dancing and stories to help them develop an interest in music and language. The childminder asks lots of questions to encourage children's vocabulary and speaking skills. She skilfully draws to their attention to letter shapes and sounds whilst they draw to nurture their knowledge. This also increases their enthusiasm to make marks and they begin to know how to write recognisable letters. The childminder organises lots of imaginative play using equipment such as a puppet theatre, tea set, dolls, soft toys and dressing-up clothes to help children to make sense of the world around them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures that children get as much as possible out of activities by involving herself in their play and encouraging them to think by prompting and questioning them appropriately. For example, as toddlers play with a jigsaw, the childminder talks about the different shapes and numbers. When older children bake they learn about numbers, ways to measure and the changes that occur through mixing and cooking ingredients. The older children use learning games on the computer to extend their knowledge and interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled as a result of the good regard given to their individual needs. These are effectively established through clear, initial records and ongoing dialogues with parents to ensure that consistent care is provided. Children's welfare is supported as the childminder shares a complaints procedure with parents and knows to record any concerns to meet current requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are made to feel welcome and part of the family because the childminder organises her home to provide a child-centred environment that is warm and inviting. Children remain content and happy because of the stimulating environment and the positive behaviour management strategies that foster their awareness of right and wrong. Through positive praise,

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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 stickers, stamps and clear explanations, children understand what is expected of them, how they can get along with others and the consequences of their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a practical knowledge of including and meeting the needs of children with a disability or learning difficulty. Children have good opportunities to develop an awareness of the lives of others through the planned activities and resources available to them. They share books and toys that reflect positive images of boys, girls, men and women from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varying needs. Children take part in craft activities around festivals such as Christmas, Easter and Diwali. The childminder has purchased a special persona doll; in liaison with other local childminders; to provide an effective, non-threatening and enjoyable way to raise equality issues and counter stereotypical and discriminatory thinking with their minded children. These experiences help children to express their feelings and ideas, think critically, challenge unfair treatment and develop empathy with people who are different

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have good levels of support and supervision to enable them to feel secure in the setting. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's developmental needs are addressed well as the childminder has a good knowledge of how young children learn. She continually looks for ways to improve her practice and regularly attends training such as short courses in child protection, managing children's behaviour, first aid, additional needs and play. As a result, children engage in stimulating and challenging activities related to their current needs and interests.

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Organisation

Space within the home is organised well to give children areas to be active and places to rest or sleep in peace. Children benefit from having continuity in their care as the childminder collates relevant information to meet their needs. She supports written information by arranging regular discussions with parents to promote children's ongoing welfare. Parents are kept fully informed of the childminding service as they have access to an informative portfolio of policies and procedures. Most of the required parental consents are gained at children's placement. This ensures children are cared for according to parental wishes and their individual needs. Confidentiality is maintained to protect children's privacy and dignity. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder received actions and recommendations to improve the childminding practice. These were in regard to managing children's behaviour, recording incidents, supervision of young children, resources that reflect positive images of diversity and child protection knowledge. The childminder has made good progress in addressing all of these areas. Children stay safe and well protected as the childminder has attended courses and developed her knowledge of child protection and behaviour management along with the procedures to follow if she has any concerns. She has improved her documentation to ensure detailed records are kept of any accidents and incidents resulting in injuries to children and these are always shared with parents. This promotes children's welfare and ensures positive

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Improvements 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 relationships are developed. Children access activities and play materials that reflect diversity to help them to appreciate and value each others' similarities and differences. The childminder offers good supervision to young children to enhance their care and learning.

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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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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): • continue to develop the records required to promote the welfare, care and learning of 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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