Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY247944 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2006 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 2002. She lives with her husband and child aged thirteen in a Fenland town. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where they stay healthy because the childminder implements appropriate hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. They learn about personal hygiene as part of daily routines, such as washing their hands after playing in the garden and

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 prior to meals. Records of accidents, incidents and medication are completed to safeguard children's well-being. Appropriate procedures are followed by the childminder when children are unwell ensuring their individual needs are met. The childminder has failed to maintain a current first aid qualification as this has recently lapsed. However, she is in the process of helping to organise a course for herself, and other local childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy their meals which are generally provided by the parents. They are offered snacks of biscuits and some fruit, together with appropriate access to drinks. Meal times are a social occasion where children sit with the childminder who offers support as necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a range of physical activities on a daily basis which contributes to their good health. They develop large and small motor skills as they make use of indoor and outdoor activities and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a welcoming and generally safe indoor and outdoor environment. Space is used appropriately and children are able to move around the setting independently. The childminder is aware of most possible hazards and reduces risks to children, for example, she ensures that cleaning products are stored out of children’s reach and protects electrical sockets with safety guards. However, the pond, which is a recent addition to the garden, is not adequately protected and the accessibility of some sharp knives in the kitchen drawer are a potential danger to children. Fire safety equipment and evacuation procedures are in place and practiced with the children, helping to protect them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to play with toys that are safe and suitable for their age and stage of development. Toys are clean and comply with safety regulations; minimising risks to children. Young children are further protected as the childminder ensures that older children are aware that toys with small parts must be kept away from the younger children for example, they keep the Lego on the table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare appropriately. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures and has the required written information to refer to. Children are further protected because the childminder ensures that they are not left alone with anyone who is not vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures she provides a balanced day taking into account the needs of the children. Children have opportunities to play indoors and outside and take part in regular exercise as they play in the park and socialise with other childminders and their children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children settle well and are confident in the childminder's home. She makes it welcoming for them by providing a broad range of developmentally appropriate activities and resources. The

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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 children benefit from attending a range of toddler groups where they have opportunities to socialise and take part in a further range of activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have appropriate relationships with the childminder; they are warm and affectionate together and enjoy each other's company. Children's language and thinking is developed and meaningful praise and encouragement helps children to develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has information relating to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However, she does not use this to support the outcomes for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Parents are kept informed about the care the childminder provides; she shares most of the necessary records and information with parents. New parents are encouraged to visit the home prior to the child being looked after, ensuring the childminder knows the child's daily routine and children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows the children well. She treats the children as individuals and with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. They gain a basic awareness of diversity through some of the activities that are provided. Children are beginning to develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings around the local environment such as nature walks to collect leaves. However, she does not have written permission for these outings from all of the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They learn right from wrong, about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. They receive regular praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder, who acts as a good role model, as she says ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to them.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable, settled and at ease with the childminder in her home. As a result they are confident to move around the premises and initiate their own play.

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Organisation

The children's needs are met through generally effective organisation. Toys are accessible in the lounge so that children can choose resources easily, promoting their independence and ability to make choices in their play. Children benefit from routines which help them feel secure and relaxed; they play, eat and rest as they need to. A variety of activities are available which provide children with a full range of play opportunities.

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Organisation

Documentation, although mostly in place, is generally disorganised, making it hard for the childminder to find some of the relevant documents. This does not help to under-pin the care offered.

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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 The childminder attends many relevant workshops and training courses such as, child protection to enhance her knowledge of current child care practice. However, she has not maintained her first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This is partially in place for some parents but remains a recommendation from this inspection. She also agreed to further develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. The childminder has made good progress in this area. She has attended training, obtained all of the relevant guidelines so that she can refer to them and has shared with parents a child protection policy. By acquiring this knowledge she has further enhanced the care offered to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • refer to the 'Birth to three matters' framework to improve outcomes for the younger children • conduct a risk assessment and take action to minimise risks to children relating to the new pond in the garden and the accessibility of the sharp knives in the kitchen drawer • ensure that all parents or carers are asked to give permission to seek medical advice and or treatment. Obtain any other written permissions as required in the National Standards

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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 • record the actual times children are present rather than the contracted hours. Obtain, and refer to, the Addendum to the National Standards for under eights day care and childminding October 2006 • ensure an approved first aid qualification, which has recently lapsed, is undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

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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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