Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY216804 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2006 Inspection date Diane Mary O'Neill 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and their daughter aged 14 in Wellingborough Northamptonshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, this incorporates sleeping and toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two under fives during and term time and school holidays and two under eights and two over eights during term time only. The childminder is within walking distant of local amenities, playgroup and schools. The family has some pet fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained home, where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through well-planned daily routines. They understand the importance of washing their hands prior to meals and snacks and after using the toilet to keep themselves safe. Younger children develop their understanding through watching others.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet of well presented nutritious snacks. They bring their own pack lunches which are stored appropriately to maintain health and safety practices. Children have access to drinks of water and squash on request.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed a recognised first aid course and has suitable knowledge to support any practices she may undertake in the care and welfare of the children. All relevant documentation was in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have suitable opportunities to participate in a range of physical activities on a daily basis. They either play in the garden or go on visits to local recreational facilities. This contributes to the promotion of their good health and encourages them to develop and explore their physical skills and gain control of their bodies. For example, playing basket ball together, riding scooters and bikes in the garden, sometimes these are taken to the park. Children develop their finer physical skills through, activities that take place indoors such as, construction, using crayons and making crafts.

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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 welcoming and reasonably safe environment. The childminder has identified and minimised most of the risk to children by regularly checking equipment, toys and premises to ensure the children have fun in a safe environment. However, more vigilance is required when checking the storage of hazardous liquids in the toilet area. The children regularly take part in emergency evacuation procedures, so they develop their knowledge and understanding of what takes place to keep them safe. The opportunities for children to take part in indoor and outdoor activities and use equipment to develop their motor skills and physical abilities are appropriate for the ages of the children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and suitably safeguarded as the childminder promotes their welfare and safety in an acceptable manner. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect children in her care and has the local authority guidance and Department of Health booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused '- summary, so is fully up-to-date with practices and procedures which may compromise children’s safety and well-being.

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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 happy, contented and secure within the childminder's home. They confidently access the range of activities and are forming secure relationships with the childminder and other children attending. They enjoy the various activities on offer such as, playing basket ball, ball games and using the bikes and trikes in the garden. They also enjoy building, pretend play , watching some television, looking at books, doing puzzles indoors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's art work is attractively displayed in the play room which gives the children pride in their work. Children are receptive to the constant praise and encouragement that is provided by the childminder, which again helps with the building of their self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently talk about their needs and interests, likes and dislikes. They communicate and interact well with the childminder and the other children in attendance. For example, reading a story to a younger child, as well as having a laugh and a joke together, which is developing the children’s humour. They Interact well together in pretend play of having cups of tea and pieces of cake, this helps them develop their communication and social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals because the childminder makes sure that she is aware of their individual needs and is able to meet these. For example, there is a daily routine which allows time for them to play, rest and interact. The children’s behaviour is acceptable and they are learning to play together, sharing and taking turns. Children have consistent boundaries so they know what is expected of them. The childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour management and uses age-appropriate strategies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about the diversity of the world through a suitable selection of toys and resources that the childminder has available. They also learn about special needs, such as being disabled, through a play hospital the childminder has, as well as asking questions and seeing programmes on television.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s care is enhanced through the childminder’s positive working partnership with parents and carers. This impacts on the confidence and security of each child. Each parent and carer has sufficient time to discuss their child’s progress on a daily basis, which helps to keep them informed about their child’s day. The childminder has an awareness for the recording of any complaints raised by a parent.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the overall organisation and dedication to the well-being of their needs which are carried out by the childminder. Indoor and outdoor space is set out and used extremely well by the children, who are very at home within this provision. Some care and attention is required to ensure all areas used by the children are safe.

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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 The childminder is well organised with her documentation in relation to her childminding practice. She has good forms of communications with parents and carers so they know about their children's day. Overall, the needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to ensure that sufficient arts and crafts equipment is available to meet the needs of children. The children now have access to a drawer unit which enables them to feely access materials in which they can create their own work and ideas. She was also requested to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder now has a system in place for the recoding of parental consent for many of the services she provides. This ensures children's safety and welfare is maintained.

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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): • ensure hazardous liquids are inaccessible to children (cleaning material).

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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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