Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276581 Unique Reference Number 17 August 2006 Inspection date Sally Ann 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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five years in Tamworth. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding along with the upstairs bathroom. There is a paved area of the garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently cares for seven children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends parent and toddler group and takes children to the shops and local parks.

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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's understanding and awareness of appropriate hygiene procedures is reinforced through routines. Children know that they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children know that germs are invisible and 'that's why we must wash our hands even if they don't look dirty'. Children recognise some television adverts about germs and the various cleaning products that eliminate these. The childminder ensures there are plenty of clean towels which are changed daily. The childminder has a written sick child policy which is shared with parents to reduce infections spreading. Appropriate procedures are in place for recording accidents and administering medication. Whilst information regarding infectious diseases is discussed with parents , the childminder is not familiar with notifiable and communicable diseases and the relevant procedures, therefore compromising children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat a range of fresh fruit to include pineapple, bananas, pears, grapes, melon and strawberries to develop their taste buds. They are able to help themselves to fruit throughout the day and often walk to the local shop in order to replenish the fruit bowl. They particularly enjoy cooking activities which take place every Tuesday. Children select what they want to cook in advance so that the childminder can purchase the ingredients. Whilst the childminder encourages healthy options, chocolate is a favourite cooking product. However, the children make rock cakes, Victoria sponges and pizzas. Cooking is a popular activity and children are reluctant to go home if cakes are still in the oven! Children can access drinks throughout the session, each child having their own recognisable cup. Children drink sugar free squash, fruit juices and milk and the childminder is gradually encouraging children to drink more water.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children go out on a daily basis for physical exercise and fresh air. They look forward to their visits to the local park where they can play on different climbing equipment. They enjoy the swings, sliding down poles and riding the static play motorbikes to visit 'the shops'. Children fold paper to make aeroplanes and see whose can fly the furthest. Many children enjoy dancing, action rhymes and playing musical statues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very welcoming environment where space, although limited, is effectively utilised to meet the needs of all children and provide them with a variety of play opportunities. Resources are generally stored within children's reach so that they can direct and initiate their own play. Children are well supervised and the childminder ensures that they are within her sight or hearing at all times. A daily register accurately records children's arrival and departure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children regularly learn about safety aspects and how to keep themselves safe. They discuss road safety with the childminder and older children lead by example. For example, when children walk to and from school, to the shops or the local park, the older children walk at the front to show the younger children what to do. They know that they must not walk close to the edge

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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 of the kerb and to wait for the childminder before crossing the road. When feeding the ducks, children know that they must not stand close to the waters edge. Younger children are appropriately restrained in pushchairs and reins and wrist straps are available for toddlers. The childminder talks to the children about the danger of being approached by strangers and what to do if they are lost.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and her responsibility to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play in a very happy and relaxed environment where all their needs are met well. Children play exceedingly well together with older and younger children participating in activities together. Children play games of 'schools' where the older children are the 'teachers'. They hold up numbers, shapes and letters for the younger children to recognise. Older children particularly enjoy reading and will often share books and read to the younger children. Young children also like to share books with the childminder and ask for their favourite 'We're going on a bear hunt' to be read over and over again. Children's imagination is nurtured and encouraged as they initiate their own play. For example, children make up their own game of table football using lego and a piece of paper for the ball. A good range of activities are available to include various board games, small world, cooking, art and craft and regular physical play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident to ask questions and chat to each other, talking about what they are doing. They relate well to the childminder who takes an interest in all that they do and ensures that she spends time with all the children in turn. The childminder has begun to plan activities and observe young children using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance their play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's behaviour is good due to the clear routines and boundaries established by the childminder. For example, children know that they must tidy up before eating their lunch. Children play together learning to take turns and sharing the resources available. Older children willingly help the younger children, reading stories, helping to reach toys and resources and providing positive role models particularly when on outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a busy and industrious environment where they are all actively involved and engrossed in their play. This minimises disruptive behaviour as children are not bored. Clear explanations are given to older children why their behaviour is inappropriate whilst distraction and diversion is used for younger children to encourage them to behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are met as the childminder listens and takes account of their requests. For example, she allows children to have choices and initiate their play. She also liaises closely with parents and carers to establish children's likes, dislikes and preferences. Children play with

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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 resources which reflect cultural diversity such as books, puzzles and play people. However, as yet their knowledge and understanding of different festivals and cultures is limited as activities are not planned to promote their awareness of these.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents is appropriately fostered as information about the children's care is shared regularly. Parents have access to some written procedures which are displayed on the wall for their perusal. Children's records are detailed to ensure that they receive good quality care and support to meet their individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a relaxed yet well organised environment and a variety of play opportunities are available. The childminder organises her time effectively around the needs of the children with regard to eating, sleeping, play and collecting children from school. The childminder generally has a good knowledge of the National Standards to ensure children are safe and well cared for, although she is not fully conversant with the Addendum and the necessary changes. The childminder has some written policies and procedures which are shared with parents and all the required documentation is in place to promote the care, welfare and learning of the children. Contracts are regularly reviewed with parents to ensure that they and the childminder are happy with the arrangements and to ensure children are cared for in accordance with parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The childminder is keen to access training and has completed courses in child protection, 'Birth to three matters', Makaton and Developing Childminding Practice (DCP). This helps to improve practice and benefit children's care.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was required to make low level glass safe or inaccessible and increase knowledge and understanding in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against the childminder. The provider has now removed the glass shelf in the lounge in order to make the room safe. Since the last inspection, the childminder has attended a child protection course to improve her knowledge and understanding. As a result children's safety is appropriately fostered.

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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 copy 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): • increase knowledge and understanding of notifiable and communicable diseases and the relevant procedures • increase the range of activities to develop children's awareness of different cultures, festivals and celebrations.

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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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