Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY330003 Unique Reference Number 30 October 2006 Inspection date Adelaide Griffiths 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 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged one year and seven years in Nuneaton within walking distance of schools, a park, soft play facility, a library and shops. The whole of the house except for one bedroom is used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children and is currently minding one child under five all day. The childminder walks or drives to local schools. The childminder attends the local play group for several sessions each week. The family has two guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are clearly learning about hygiene issues as part of the daily routine. They are protected against cross-infection due to effective procedures. The premises are clean throughout and

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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 the childminder complies with environmental health guidelines in regard to the storage of food. Animals do not pose a health risk to children as they are not in contact with pets. Owing to detailed policies and procedures children's health is competently protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are gaining a good understanding of healthy eating due to the provision of balanced meals and the childminder's commitment to providing the daily recommended intake of fruit and vegetables. Effective strategies are used to encourage children to sample all vegetables. Children are served with a balanced diet which is adapted to meet individual dietary requirements and preferences. They have frequent drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities for physical exercise in the garden or the park. They benefit from equipment that develop their large muscles through play. Children sit quietly as they read or watch television for short periods. They experience a balance between vigorous and quiet activities.

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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 welcoming environment with accessible toys and displays of their work. Owing to the effective arrangement of furniture, children have ample space to play. All toys are purchased from reputable suppliers and maintained in a good state of repair. Comprehensive safety measures protect children and their security is promoted due to locked doors and constant supervision. For example, during play the childminder ensures that children hold toys carefully.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a garden which is safe due to stable large play equipment and low plants. They are clearly gaining an understanding of safety issues. For instance, they explain that they are not allowed in the kitchen when the cooker is in use. Owing to participation in fire drills children are consistently learning about fire safety. The childminder's forward thinking is applied to ensure that children remain safe at all times. For example, wrist bands with her telephone number are provided for children to wear on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded due to the childminder's substantial knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is well informed about procedures and supporting documentation is available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are supported in all aspects of their play. They are confident to ask for guidance and have a well developed understanding of taking turns. For example, during a play dough activity they repeatedly state that they are taking turns at rolling the dough and they share cut out shapes with the childminder. They are clearly learning the conventions of conversation as they talk to the childminder and wait for responses to questions. Children express appreciation of the abilities of others. For instance, they compliment the childminder on her achievement in rolling the dough.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence is promoted as they change activities and develop their play with adult support. They remain focussed as they use the sketcher pad to make marks and then move on to creative activities. Children's capability for enjoying imaginative play is encouraged as they pretend to experience a combination of emotions and sensations. They are supported by the

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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 childminder who maintains constant interaction and ensures that a wide range of toys is provided to promote their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and encouraged to play with resources according to their preferences. Children's understanding of other cultures is promoted through discussions and resources. They are consistently learning about the wider community due to attendance at the playgroup which helps their interaction with others and the development of social skills. Children are developing a strong awareness of the environment as they benefit from train rides to interesting places and trips to discovery parks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with additional needs are welcomed in the setting and the childminder is proactive in promoting all children's awareness of disability. For example, a realistic range of resources is provided and children are encouraged to develop caring attitudes toward those with differing abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and they are encouraged to adhere to rules. For example, they are reminded to refrain from throwing objects. Constant praise and positive behaviour management methods support children to behave well. Children are learning socially acceptable behaviour as they consistently say 'please' and 'thank you'. Distraction is used if children are frustrated and time out from activities remind children about sanctions for unacceptable behaviour. They take responsibility for some chores such as tidying away and are developing independent skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good relationship supports the partnership with parents. An introductory visit and a settling in phase are offered to meet children's needs. Parents have access to policies but information regarding the complaints procedures is not readily accessible. Effective emergency collection procedures are agreed and the childminder shares daily information about children's experiences. Children's care benefits from the partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are competently protected due to the childminder's understanding of suitability issues. There is good organisation for the care of children and the childminder's commendable approach to accessing courses demonstrates a commitment to improving practice. A well organised portfolio is available for prospective parents and risk assessments are carried out before children's arrival.

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Organisation

All documentation is consistently maintained and children's individual records are stored securely. These are updated regularly and the childminder is aware of notifying Ofsted of significant changes. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 by 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): • provide parents with clear information about all complaints methods.

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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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