Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY270048 Unique Reference Number 08 June 2006 Inspection date Lynn Rodgers 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 2003. She lives with her partner and three children aged three, eight and 11, in a semi-detached house in a suburb of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five part time and three children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a large dog.

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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 good. Children benefit from a healthy diet with good examples of variation to encourage children to eat healthily. Parents' wishes are respected and the childminder records children's allergies and dietary requirements. Children's preferences are taken into account and they are encouraged to try new foods during baking sessions and food tasting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of energetic activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They are able to rest or be active according to their needs. The childminder helps children to develop self-confidence in their physical skills with the provision of a wide range of indoor and outdoor equipment and toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder encourages children to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well organised activities and daily routines. Older children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet. Younger children's hands are wiped by the childminder after nappy changing and before they partake in any foods. Children are protected from infection because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of health related matters. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has obtained the necessary consent from parents to administer emergency first aid or treatment. She has clear, effective procedures for dealing with sick children, thereby limiting the possibility of cross-infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a high level of awareness of current information regarding child protection, which ensures that she can act in the best interests of the children. She has recently attended child protection training and this enables her to act upon any concerns she may have about a child in her care. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, such as safety gates, socket covers, firefighting equipment and a fully secure outdoor play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are happy and settled in the setting which is warm and welcoming. They contribute to the development of safety routines; for example, tidying away the toys that they have finished with and following the childminder's good examples. The childminder is knowledgeable and takes all reasonable steps to keep children safe and promote their well-being. Children know when to ask for help because they are familiar with the routines. The childminder ensures the children are fully supervised and has the ability to intervene when necessary. They are well protected and have appropriate adult support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Resources and equipment are organised and used well. This means children have access to exciting, stimulating, age appropriate activities to enhance their overall development. They are motivated to learn and explore. Resources provide interest to the children and good levels of

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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 challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. For example, the childminder encourages children's creativity through the provision of good materials and varied stimuli, such as dough. They experience creative activities by using tactile materials and producing different shapes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The Birth to three matters framework is used effectively to enhance the provision and ensure children develop naturally. The childminder uses the guidance to help her to plan appropriate activities for the younger children to help them grow and develop naturally.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged through lots of praise and enjoy a warm, loving relationship with the childminder and show increasing confidence as they communicate with others. They become creative as they explore, discover, and use drawings, paintings and imaginative play to express their feelings. Children enjoy using the good selection of outdoor equipment for jumping, skipping and climbing which develops their gross motor skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding of appropriate behaviour through constant praise and encouragement. They are highly valued as individuals and learn to take turns and share. Appropriate strategies for behaviour are effective and children are familiar with the rules of the house. The individual needs of all of the children who attend are well met. Children behave well through clear guidance and good examples set by the childminder and her family. They begin to understand right from wrong through consistent boundaries and explanations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good awareness of promoting equality of opportunity with the provision of toys and resources reflecting diversity. Activities are available to all children and non-stereotyped play is encouraged. Children are given the same chances, treated as individuals and with equal concern. Children with specific needs are welcomed into the environment. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding the care of such children, to enable her to meet their individual needs well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. Daily communication and shared information ensures they are fully conversant with the provision and what their child has been doing. The childminder takes time to explain things thoroughly and makes sure she is available to discuss any worries or queries with a parent. Parents are fully informed of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint. She is committed to promoting quality care for children where they can thrive and develop naturally.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Documents are stored safely out of reach and relevant information is shared with parents. The childminder is very organised and has her documentation up to date and available for inspection. She has a comprehensive parents' file to show new parents and evidence of relevant policies

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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 and procedures. Parents are aware of the procedure to follow if they wish to make a complaint. There are effective arrangements in place for keeping a record of any complaints.

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Organisation

Daily routines are in place which can be re-arranged to meet the changing needs of the children cared for and are flexible enough to allow diversity and time for children to input their ideas and preferences. The childminder organises and effectively plans activities to ensure children are stimulated and have lots of fun. Clear policies and procedures enhance her provision. She has attended and completed many relevant courses conducive to good childminding practices.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe and secure through careful supervision and appropriate safety measures. The home is welcoming, friendly and suitable precautions are taken to prevent accidents. However, the exact times of children's arrival and departure and not clearly recorded. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to address the following issues. Children now have access to a good range of appropriate resources that promote equal opportunity, such as games, books, jigsaws, role play, small world and home corner equipment. Television programmes are used to enhance children's knowledge of the wide world and reference books to aid discussions. This means they are learning about other countries and people and have a sense of belonging.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The Local Safeguarding Children Board's requirements are addressed through up to date training, information and keeping parents updated on any new legislation regarding protecting their children. Parents are familiar with the procedure for making complaints and have been given relevant information for this issue.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children have access to the family pet under the childminder's supervision. She has obtained written parental permission for this to ensure children are safe and free from harm.

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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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Complaints 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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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): • ensure the exact times of children's arrival and departure are clearly documented.

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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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