Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY330193 Unique Reference Number 15 September 2006 Inspection date Gyatri Rupal Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and one child aged 13 months, in Baldock, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Children have access to the fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy an appropriate range of activities, which contributes to developing their good health. Everyday, children walk from school, play in the park, and they use a range of play equipment in the garden and in the house which helps develop their physical skills. For example, children are encouraged to do gardening, mow the lawn in the garden with their toy lawnmower and play with balls. Children are protected from the risk of infection, as the childminder encourages children to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to learn the benefit of a healthy diet through childminder's discussions and simple cooking activities. The childminder provides healthy meals and fresh fruits for snacks. Children are offered drinks throughout the day. Children’s well-being is promoted as the childminder makes sure most of the required documentation is in place which promotes children’s well-being. For example, all accidents and medication records are recorded appropriately. The childminder has completed a first-aid course and is waiting for her valid first-aid certificate. However, parents’ consent for giving emergency medical treatment is not in place, which can delay the child receiving urgent medical treatment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment, where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to play with their choice of toys through the childminder’s careful supervision. The childminder makes sure all resources and equipment are safe and appropriate for the children's age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe through the childminder's appropriate guidance. The childminder explains to children about the dangers and safety inside and outside the house. For example, children are aware of having to tidy up their toys first before they engage in their next activity, which increases their everyday safety awareness. Children learn about fire safety by practising the fire drill regularly. They learn to cross the road safely as they learn about the dangers of crossing the road without using the Green Cross Code. Children’s welfare is protected as the childminder understands her duty to protect children in her care. She is confident that she is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Older children are settled well at the childminder’s house. They explore their environment both inside and outside the house. The childminder regularly takes children out to the local parks or to the local library This helps children to create positive relationships with the other children. Children are developing their self-esteem and become independent as they choose between a range of toys and activities, which appeal to them. For example, children enjoy creating their own sign poster for the quiet corner. They have fun playing with Fuzzy pamper creating different

p.3

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 hair styles. They enjoy the role-play and read their favourite books to relax. Children feel confident asking the childminder questions, which enhances their learning. For example, children talked about the sea and the older child asked the childminder, "why is sea water salty?" The childminder interacts well with the children and gives clear explanations to children about their curious questions.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s individual needs are met as they receive one to one attention from the childminder. The childminder plans daily activities appropriately to meet the individual child’s needs. The childminder is confident with planning and providing activities in line with the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework to support children in their earliest years, although no child within that age range currently attends.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happily settled with the childminder as their needs are well met. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure she follows their home routine. The childminder is aware that some children may have learning difficulties and is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified. Children feel a sense of belonging as they independently select their own activities and play resources. Children behave well because they understand the clear boundaries, which are in place. They are confident when they ask for what they require. For example, a child wanted to dress up as a cat and asked the childminder for a cat’s costume. Children learn about the diversity through a range of planned activities, outings to local places of interests and play resources reflecting positive images of culture, although they have limited play resources which reflect positive images of gender and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a positive partnership the childminder has established with the parents. There is a regular chat between parents and childminder to discuss the child's daily activities, which helps build a trusting relationship with parents and children. The childminder explains most of her policies and procedures verbally to parents. However, the parents are not informed about the updated complaints procedure and some required parents’ consents are not in place, which can affect the parents’ partnership with the childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and settled due to the childminder’s appropriate organisation. They are confident enough to initiate their own play and learning. They independently select their activities and play resources. Most required documentation is in place and the majority of policies and procedures are explained to parents verbally, which promotes the welfare, care and learning of children. However, the childminder does not have a valid first aid certificate, the complaints procedure is not updated and daily attendance records are not recorded accurately. Children are protected as the childminder ensures people who have access to the children are suitable and the parents’ permission is in place for the adults who can collect the

p.4

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 child. There are regular discussions with parents, which contributes to the continuity of care for children. Overall, all children’s needs are met.

p.4

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 parents are made aware of update complaint procedure • seek written permission from parents for emergency medical treatment • ensure first aid certificate is valid • ensure that daily attendance records are kept accurately

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5