Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231687 Unique Reference Number 10 October 2006 Inspection date Suman Willis 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and five years. They live in a residential area close to local schools, shops and a park. The whole of the ground floor, except the lounge, is used for childminding and the main bedroom is used for providing undisturbed sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years. She is currently minding two siblings, one under five years and one aged five, on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to the park.

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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 offered opportunities to develop their physical skills. They have the use of a variety of resources, such as bikes, swings, a scooter and balls which encourage their large motor skills. Children visit the park and play ball games. Therefore, children remain healthy as they have access to regular exercise and fresh air. Children sleep according to their individual routines which enables them to play an active part in the setting when awake, as they are fully rested.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because of the procedures the childminder has in place. For example the childminder has completed training in first aid and seeks written permission to administer medication. However, permission to administer emergency aid is not in place which could compromise their health and safety. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practice because the childminder promotes herself as a good role model and provides a very clean environment including procedures such as wiping down the cot mattress with disinfectant. Children have independent access to the toilet and younger children are supported and have their hands washed for them. Wet wipes are at hand during play to ensure children learn to manage their own hygiene. Therefore, cross infection is effectively minimised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished. They enjoy a healthy balanced diet, for example children were offered freshly cooked chicken, rice, green beans and carrots followed by plums for lunch. Children have independent access to regular drinks and younger children are reminded to have drinks especially on hot days.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The house is safety checked daily and any concerns addressed immediately. All resources to promote safety, such as socket covers and cupboard locks, are in place. The areas are well organised to ensure that children are able to participate in a wide range of age appropriate activities. Children have independent access to free play in the playroom. More organised activities are appropriately supervised and carried out in the kitchen. Resources are hygienically well maintained, checked for safety, and are age appropriate to provide challenge and promote development for all children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe and avoid accidental injury because the childminder uses her observational skills to ensure their safety. Children have clear boundaries which promote their safety and these are verbally shared with parents. Children are safeguarded by a childminder who has a sound understanding of child protection and all adults in the house are suitably vetted.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in their environment. They have opportunities to participate in a wide range of age appropriate and interesting activities which promote their all round development. Children make good progress because the childminder is able to put into practice her years of childcare experience and knowledge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested in what they do and their interest is sustained as they engage in their role play making birthday cakes. They use their imagination effectively to develop and extend their learning. For example a child packs her bag and says 'I'm going on holiday'. They are challenged because the childminder is at hand to ask extending questions. Children develop a good understanding of plants as they grown their own carrots and sweet corn. Older children enjoy playing more challenging games and extending their role play to digging and building in the garden. They are all offered a good range of organised activities such as baking, junk modelling and making collages with a variety of materials. Their language skills are constantly developing as the childminder talks to them and they have access to a wide range of books. Consequently children are motivated to learn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn right from wrong as they are reminded to tidy up after their play and are encouraged to say please and thank you.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home. They develop a positive attitude towards themselves and others because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Children's knowledge of the wider world is extended. They all have equal access to a wide range of resources which promote positive images. Children learn about their local community as they are taken out for walks to the park and the local shops. Therefore, children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is reinforced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, and have developed a good relationship with the childminder and her family. Clear behaviour boundaries are shared with parents which the children are familiar with. Children are offered praise and encouragement to help them achieve. They are learning to share as they play with the resources in the playroom. Consequently, children develop a positive attitude and want to achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the secure relationship developed between the childminder and parents. All information about the children's day and routine is shared informally daily. Parents are verbally made aware of the childminders complaints procedure and Ofsted details are displayed in the play room.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's development and their well-being is promoted by a childminder who has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure that they are safeguarded. Children benefit from the childminder's organisational skills because she is able to provide a routine around their needs which they are familiar with. The childminder's home is effectively organised to enable children to be independent. Therefore, the childminder contributes to children's good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and ability to take an active part in the setting. Most required documents are in place and generally promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make cleaning agents inaccessible to children. Children are now able to play and explore in a safe environment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parent, 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): • ensure written parental permission is requested, at the time of placement, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

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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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