Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY244170 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2006 Inspection date Jill Scargall 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children in a suburb of Immingham. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding, with the exception of the ground floor bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools, the park, the library and parents and toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a childminder who protects them from illness and infection. Very young children have opportunities to learn about personal hygiene during the daily routines

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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 of hand washing and nappy changing. They have individual flannels, towels and toothbrushes to minimise cross infection and the childminder also has regular cleaning routines for the home. Children who are sick are expected to stay at home and parents are made aware of this so that other children are protected from illness and infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks of juice at all times and the childminder supports their dietary needs by offering them healthy snacks, for example, fruit and toast. Parents provide other main meals. However, she is able to provide any special dietary requirements for children, for example, a vegetarian menu. Children have regular fresh air and exercise, either in the garden or walking around the town. They can also rest comfortably according to parents' wishes, either in the travel cot or in their buggy.

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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 home where there is a high level of awareness of the risks to children and the childminder has identified and assessed these. Children's safety is very well promoted by the childminder's knowledge of hazards in the home and by her attention to reducing these and to safeguarding children. There is a good range of safety measures in place, for example, cupboard catches and a written fire evacuation procedure, and equipment is regularly cleaned and checked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are welcomed into a well-maintained, clean and pleasant environment. Effective measures are in place to keep the children safe whilst outside the home and there are written agreements in place with regard to outings and other consents, for example, for emergency treatment. Children are protected from harm by the childminder's comprehensive knowledge of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have an interesting and happy time in the childminder's care. She plans a variety of experiences for them and they can choose from other toys as they wish. Toddlers experience different textures and sounds when they play with a treasure basket of shells and other objects and a box of musical instruments. They admire their distorted reflections in a large, shiny silver ball. The childminder encourages them to communicate by asking who they can see and they respond by babbling and trying to say their names.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toddlers are encouraged to explore their environment and respond to conversation and praise from the childminder, for example, when they are crawling to fetch toys or attempting to walk around the furniture she praises their efforts. She gives cuddles and comfort if they fall over. Activities are placed near to them on the floor and they explore toys, the childminder, and each other by touch and taste. Children use the garden regularly and help with gardening activities; they investigate planting and growing and have grown their own sunflowers.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have varied and positive experiences of the wider world. Toddlers' understanding of their own community is promoted by their visits to the local school, park and to story telling sessions at the local library. They also meet other children and adults at the parent and toddler group. They are provided with resources that promote cultural diversity and disability, for example, a very good range of dolls, small world toys, books and jigsaws. The childminder has some experience of working with children with learning difficulties, however, she makes it clear to parents that she may not always be fully able to meet all children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and responsive to the childminder. Her experience as a minder and with her own family contributes to the calm atmosphere and the way she speaks to children in a quiet and reassuring manner. Every effort is made to provide a welcoming atmosphere for children and parents. The childminder works closely with parents and shares information with them on a daily basis. She keeps a diary record of babies' activities and routines, for example, nappy changes, rest periods and their diet. Parents can also access a portfolio of information about the childminding service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease in a well-organised home. Policies and procedures are accurately kept and enhance children's welfare, for example, procedures for the safe collection of children. The childminder is constantly updating her knowledge of childcare and relevant developments through training in order to offer quality experiences for children, which helps them develop in all areas. Documentation is all in place and accurately used to support the provision. Overall 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 childminder was required to make a number of improvements for the safety of children in the home. For example, she was asked to make sure that low-level glass was made safe for children and that they could not access the ground floor bedroom. A lock has been placed on the bedroom door and there is no low-level glass in the house. Children benefit from these increased safety measures and from the childminder's increased awareness of equal opportunities, behaviour management and child protection. Policies and documentation have been revised and these are available for parents to see in the childminder's portfolio of information.

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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 of Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 by 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 children with learning difficulties.

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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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