Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331693 Unique Reference Number 06 September 2006 Inspection date Pauline Garfield 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 was registered in 2006. The childminder works with another registered childminder and minds from her co-childminder's house. The co-childminder's husband lives at the property in Kimberworth, in Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the co-childminder's house is used for minding, except for the lounge. 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 care for a maximum of six children and has 11 children on roll on a full and part-time basis. She minds with a co-childminder, and together they may care for a maximum of eight children. Currently they are caring for 11 children between them. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children on walks around the local environment and to the local park. 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 clean, well-maintained home and this contributes to their good health. They learn about simple hygiene practice as they are gently reminded by the childminder to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children dry their hands on a hand towel which is changed on a daily basis. However, they do not have access to individual towels. The childminder has written records of medicines administered to children with parents' signatures to acknowledge the entry. However, written permission is not obtained prior to administration.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has attended a healthy eating course and works closely with her co-childminder to ensure a good healthy and nutritious menu is available for children. Parents' wishes are respected regarding food offered to children and all details are recorded and agreed prior to childminding. Children have access to drinks throughout the day. These comply with all special dietary requirements and parents' wishes to ensure children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical activities and have access to a spacious environment where they can explore and use a variety of equipment, such as bicycles. The childminder takes children on walks around the local environment and to the local park. This promotes their health and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's toys and equipment are of good quality and conform to safety standards. The childminder checks toys before offering them to the children and works with her co-childminder to ensure that play provision is suitable and presents no hazards. Toys are stored appropriately to allow children freedom to access them safely and independently. A good range of child-size furniture further enhances children's opportunities to access provision and play independently, or cooperatively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder talks to children about safety issues and supervises them appropriately in consultation with her co-childminder. For example, children understand why they must not crash toys into other children, so they do not hurt others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a balanced range of activities and experiences which include daily opportunities for them to relax, be creative and enjoy active playtimes. They are confident in their relationship with the childminder, and her co-childminder, both of whom work effectively together to meet

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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 the needs of individual children. The childminder sits on the floor with young children on her knee and supports them whilst they play with an alphabet tray. This makes them feel secure and content.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended 'Birth to three matters' framework training and has a good understanding of the activities required to enhance children's development. For example, children sit down at child-size tables with play dough, rollers and cutters. The children sing nursery rhymes as they play and the childminder encourages them. This helps children to become competent learners and develops communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested in and enjoy the suitable range of activities provided. Appropriate activities and experiences include creative collage, role-play, musical instruments, rhymes and stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Parents are very happy with the care provided and the way that the childminder works with her co-childminder to meet the needs of their children. Children benefit from appropriate information sharing with parents through contracts and daily conversations. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are met as they follow their daily routines. The childminder treats children with equal concern, and they are provided with an acceptable range of resources which promote equal opportunities in a positive manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are praised and encouraged for their achievements. They are reassured with a soft tone and soothing voice when they accidentally spill a drink. Children understand right from wrong through consistent and achievable boundaries. They are learning to develop a positive attitude towards each other and are well behaved.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder takes overall responsibility for maintaining appropriate records. Most documentation is in place and is appropriately maintained; however, the childminder does not have written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good commitment to training to further develop her knowledge of childcare practice. For example, the childminder has attended various training courses including 'Keeping up with children in the Foundation Stage'. However, the childminder has not completed a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children. This is a breach of regulations. Information is shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their children's activities. This contributes to the continuity of children's care.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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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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 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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure children have access to individual towels • seek prior written permission from parents to administer medication.

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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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