Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY258698 Unique Reference Number 11 September 2006 Inspection date Emma Bright 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 four children aged nine, 12, 13, and 14 in a village close to March. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and 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 a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, two of whom attend on a full-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a cat and a hamster.

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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. All children learn to lead a healthy lifestyle and enjoy lots of regular exercise, in the garden or on outings to the local park. The childminder ensures there are plenty of indoor physical activities, such as dancing, music and movement. This ensures children develop their physical skills in an interesting way and they have fun whilst exercising. Children understand how exercise contributes to their good health and they benefit from the fresh air on their daily walks to local amenities. The childminder has developed good routines so that all children can sleep when they need to and this ensures that they are content and well rested.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met as clear information is gathered from parents about allergies or special dietary requirements and this ensures children can eat safely. They benefit from the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of childhood nutrition and their dietary needs are well met. Children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks prepared by the childminder and parents provide their child's packed lunch, which is stored in the fridge so that food remains fresh. Children learn about food that is good for them because the childminder talks to them about the food they eat. For example, children talk about drinking milk and they know it is good for them. In addition, they have access to fresh drinking water so that they remain well hydrated throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is promoted because the childminder has an effective approach to health and hygiene; she reduces the risk of cross-infection by ensuring that her home is clean and well maintained at all times. They learn about the importance of staying healthy through the childminder's support and guidance, for example the childminder ensures young children wash their hands after using the toilet and explains to them about why it is important to make their hands clean. Clear procedures and records are in place to ensure that appropriate medical care is given if children are unwell whilst they are in the care of the childminder and this ensures that children's individual needs are met. However, the wording for emergency medical consent is unclear and therefore compromises children's health in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children independently select activities from a very good range of quality toys and resources, which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Resources have been carefully chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. The good organisation of toys and activities means that children can follow their own interests and develop their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All children play in a safe home where risks are identified and minimised, which means they can move around freely under the childminder’s constant supervision. The childminder is particularly vigilant in her supervision, which ensures children safely develop their independence in a secure environment. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder explains about the dangers, both indoors and on outings. They discuss why they should not

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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 climb on the sofa and know that it is because "you could fall off and hurt yourself". Children's safety in case of fire is priority. For example, smoke alarms are checked regularly to ensure they are in good working order and the childminder has a written emergency escape plan. However, children do not yet practise this regularly so that they all know what to do in an emergency and are familiar with the routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All required documents and procedures are in place and are very well maintained to safeguard children's welfare. For example, clear documents are in place to record any existing injuries or concerns. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, which are in line with those set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She attends regular training to ensure her knowledge is kept up-to-date, which means that children are protected and kept safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the consistent daily routines, which help them to settle and feel secure. They enjoy lots of positive interaction with the childminder, who offers them very good support during their activities and this encourages them to develop and extend their skills. For example, all children develop their language skills because the childminder involves them in lots of conversation and sensitively refines their attempts to pronounce difficult words, without discouraging their efforts so that they can use new vocabulary effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and independent in the childminder's care. They eagerly pursue their own interests because the childminder prepares a very good range of stimulating toys and activities before children arrive, which they access easily. Children enjoy the range of creative activities so that they can make their own pictures. For example, children enjoy 'sticker' books and sit comfortably with the childminder, who carefully explains how to match the numbers on the page with the stickers. This gives children confidence to try for themselves and they demonstrate pride in their achievements. Children develop their social skills and make friends with others through attendance at local groups and explore their local environment on visits to the shops or library.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and have established warm and affectionate relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of belonging. She is sensitive to children's needs and offers lots of praise and encouragement, which promotes their self-esteem. The childminder has a very good understanding of child development and uses the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework as a reference tool, which enables her to provide good quality care for children under three.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children form firm relationships with each other and understand each other's needs. They play happily together with the doll's house, contentedly sharing space and resources. Children behave well and learn what is expected of them because the childminder gives careful

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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 explanations in a way that they can understand; children know that they must not climb on the furniture and they help to tidy away the toys and resources. Children settle readily, making decisions about what they want to play with and help themselves to toys and resources. The childminder enables them to initiate their own activities and pursue their own interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals; their needs are understood by the childminder, who gathers good information from parents to ensure these needs are well met. They play with small world figures and look at books that present positive images of all members of society, helping them to learn about the world they live in. The childminder helps children to become confident and develop their self-esteem through lots of positive interaction and she listens to their views so that they feel respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder and their parents, which contributes to their care and well-being, ensuring their changing needs continue to be met. Parents know about the childminder's practice as good written and verbal information is shared with them. The good settling-in procedures help children to move confidently home and the childminder setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are well met as the childminder has a sound and secure knowledge of child development and of her legal duties. This enables her to provide good quality care and promote positive outcomes for children. The effective organisation of time, space and resources contribute to children's high levels of independence and enables them to develop their growing skills in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the good adult:child ratios, and they from the individual care and attention offered by the childminder. Well-established routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and are secure. Children's general well-being is promoted by clear policies and procedures; their individual records are well organised and easy to access in an emergency. Records are shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her systems for recording children’s attendance and improve resources promoting equal opportunities. The childminder now records accurately the children’s times of arrival and departure, which promotes their safety in the event of an emergency. A good range of resources are in place, which children access easily and this helps them to learn about their differences and similarities, and the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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

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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 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 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): • improve the wording to the written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment to ensure it is clear • ensure the emergency escape plan is practised regularly.

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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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