Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY332734 Unique Reference Number 17 October 2006 Inspection date Judith Rayner 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and young toddler in a semi-detached house in an area close to Sutton-in-Ashfield. Minded children have access to all rooms on the ground floor and occasional use of bedrooms on the first floor. Toilet and sleep facilities are provided on each level. The home is close to all local facilities including parks, schools and shops. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years of age at any one time. There is currently one child on roll who attends one day a week. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends a local toddler group.

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 good. The good health of children is generally promoted well. The childminder is positive in her role and this encourages children to learn about good practise. For example, everyone washes their hands after using the toilet and before and after eating. Children are sufficiently protected from germs spreading. This is because the childminder adheres to clearly written policies relating to the admission of sick or ill children and wipes surfaces down before children use the areas or food is prepared. However, the method used to clean the nappy changing mat is not so effective. Consequently, children may be exposed to cross-infection. There are good systems in place to deal with accidents should they occur. For example, records are undertaken and parents signatures are obtained for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment and they are also kept up to date with their child's condition. Appropriate measures are in place to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

ensure that the needs of children who are ill or require medication are met well. Records are undertaken and written consent is obtained before any medication is given. Children are cared for with sensitivity and in a calm way enabling children to feel secure and safe.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular drinks and food with sufficient quantities for their needs. This is because the childminder finds out if the child has any dietary needs, likes and dislikes and adheres to the information provided by parents. Children are offered a range of healthy and well-balanced meals from snacks to cooked meals. They can choose drinks from water to fruit juices and these are easily accessible for children, developing their independence skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Opportunities for children to play outside is part of their routine. They visit the park on a regular basis where they develop their larger muscles through climbing and using the swings. The childminder understands the importance for children to experience play outside in all weathers as they experience fresh air and learn to socialise with other children. For example, taking turns going down the slide.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is warm and welcoming to parents and children. Good use of the areas of the house and the effective organisation of resources provide opportunities and support for children to feel confident and secure. Hence, children are developing their all round skills in an environment that is suitable for its purpose. Children are familiar with the rooms and their purpose. For example, they know that the kitchen is used for snacks and lunch time.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The good range of resources, toys and furniture provide children with the opportunity to develop their skills and have their needs met well. For example, a portable step is used to help young children reach the sink so that they can independently wash their hands. The childminder is mindful and acknowledges the importance of what toys she provides for children. She carefully takes into consideration, the age and ability of the child, how accessible they are to children and whether the toy is suitable and safe for its purpose. Consequently, children's varying

p.3

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 development and welfare needs are met effectively because they are provided with appropriate toys and resources within a stimulating environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for within a secure and generally safe environment. The childminder is aware of the constant developing abilities of children and makes sure that appropriate safety measures are in place to protect them. For example, electrical sockets are covered and locks are provided on kitchen cupboards preventing children from accessing hazardous items. However, the system in place to monitor the accessibility of the premises is less effective as children may be able to leave the premises unsupervised. Children are monitored well and the childminder is quick to ensure that they learn about their own personal safety and dangerous situations. For example, the childminder responds quickly to a child putting a drum stick in its mouth and encourages the child to take it out and explains why this practice is not suitable and dangerous.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The protection of children is the childminder's first priority. This is because the childminder clearly understands her role and responsibilities in child protection. She has sound knowledge of the different types of child abuse and has the skills to recognise the possible signs and symptoms that a child may be at risk. Clearly written procedures guide the childminder in being proactive in seeking advice and support should she have any concerns. Therefore, children are effectively safeguarded.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's development is promoted well because they are offered a good varied range of toys and activities, both inside and outside the home. For example, they spend time at a local 'Sure Start' centre interacting with children of similar ages whilst engaging in painting and sticking, and spend time in the childminder's home playing with bricks and dolls. Their skills are developing well. This is because the childminder is mindful of the age and ability of individual children and flexibly plans play around the routine of the day and the needs of each child.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of children's development and provides a range of experiences and opportunities for them to increase their skills. They learn about different shapes and colours when playing with bricks and shape sorters. Children particularly enjoy role play and happily act out going to the shops with their dolls in the pushchair or by carrying them. They enjoy the company of the childminder and their peers. For example, children happily sit together on the bottom step of the stairs confidently turning the pages of a book and then spending time sharing the book with the childminder listening to the story. Children are learning to communicate through good conversations with the childminder. For example, when playing with the dolls they learn about different sizes of clothes because the childminder explains about big and small and which clothes fit which size doll.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The independence skills of children is developing well. They are given good opportunities to make decisions and choices. They confidently and excitedly select toys that they particular enjoy. For example, a balloon which they spend time patting it to each other and adults in the room expressing their enjoyment. Children are confident and happy. This is because the childminder builds up their self-esteem and values their company. For example, she praises children on their achievements by saying, 'well done' and 'clever girl' and acknowledges good

p.4

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 behaviour. Hence, children are learning to feel secure and are receptive to new and challenging activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and valued as individuals. This is because the childminder is sensitive to meeting their needs as she finds out as much as she can, enabling her to support each child so they can reach their best potential. They have access to a varied range of toys and resources which promotes an anti discriminatory environment. For example, children can choose toys from a local toy library that reflect positive images of children from around the world and with disabilities. However, there are less opportunities for children to learn about different religious and cultural festivals.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are included in activities including those with special needs. There are sufficient systems in place to support children with additional needs should they be in the care of the childminder. Positive steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of each child.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The behaviour of children is good. They are learning to understand what is acceptable and what is not. This is because they are given clear and consistent messages from the childminder. She praises children's achievements and good behaviour. Consequently, children are encouraged to feel secure and learn what is expected of them. For example, children are encouraged to be respectful and polite and say 'please' and 'thank you'.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective procedures are in place for keeping parents informed about their child's day and what the childminder offers ensuring that children's needs are met well. Information is shared in a variety of ways including written and verbal forms of communication. This promotes a positive service where parents and cares are able to trust the good working relationship with the childminder.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Good systems in place ensure that children are cared for by adults who are suitable to do so. For example, the childminder is mindful of who the children come in to contact with and does not leave the children with anyone. All expected training including First Aid and the Introductory to Childminding Practice have been completed, thus demonstrating the commitment to childminding and being up to date and proactive in delivering a good service to families and children.

p.5

Organisation

Children's needs are met well because the space and resources allow children to play and learn. This is because the childminder promotes a consistent routine that enables children to feel secure and access toys and recourses easily to encourage their independence skills. For example, children arrive at the childminder's home, they take their shoes off on the bottom step, kiss goodbye to their parent and carry on with the regular routine of the day.

p.5

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 Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, are maintained effectively. This is because the childminder understands and values the importance of such records enabling her to contribute to meeting the needs of the children. For example, records are kept up to date, a portfolio informs parents of her service and policies. Procedures inform parents of the guidelines used for good practise. Confidentiality is maintained as the childminder ensures that any records are only shared with the child's parents and carers. Overall, the provision is meeting the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

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. 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • improve the systems used to prevent the spread of infection when changing children's nappies • improve the systems for ensuring the premises are secure at all times and that children can not leave it unsupervised • improve knowledge on differing religious and cultural festivals.

p.6

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.6

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.6