Eley Celia Mary

Inspection report for early years provision

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205890 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2006 Inspection date Susan Rogers 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 1980. She lives in a house in Littleover, a suburb of Derby. 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 toddler group, takes children to the local library and to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 are well cared for if they are ill, as the childminder is vigilant of their individual health needs and contacts their parents if she has concerns. Children's health is understood, since the childminder adjusts the level of care provided, to accommodate their different states of health. Children are learning about effective hygiene practices as they are given useful explanations regarding hygiene routines. The routines in the home are very specific and help to protect children from the spread of illness and infections.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with nutritious snacks that encourage them to eat fruit, raisins and home made cakes and biscuits. Children’s individual dietary requirements are adhered to, as their parents provide food for their meals and all preferences are recorded. Children enjoy eating their food in a positive social setting, since they use suitable tables and chairs whilst they eat. Children have sufficient to drink as there are sugar free drinks readily available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to exercise and enjoy fresh air, through walking to and from school, access to a well-equipped garden with outdoor equipment and through sufficient space in the home to explore and exercise. Children are well protected during extremes of weather, they wear waterproof clothing and children in pushchairs are protected in the rain. They wear hats, have sun protection cream applied and play in the shade during hot weather. They are well-protected if there are concerns over their health as the childminder has a first-aid certificate, and would react appropriately if there are concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are mostly safe as the risk assessments are for the most part effective in protecting their safety. There is safety equipment that is appropriate to their needs, but some of the low-

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

level glass in the living room is not of British Standard and compromises children's safety. Children are well protected against the dangers of fire since the childminder rehearses the evacuation plan and has well-maintained fire prevention equipment in place. Children are learning about the dangers of fire through suitable explanations regarding the purpose of evacuating the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected if there are concerns over their care, the childminder has attended child protection training, can identify concerns and parents are aware of her obligations. Children’s development is encouraged as toys are well suited to their age and stages of development. For example, younger children are fulfilled in their play as they play with simple construction equipment, that they can use with little or no support. Children therefore derive a sense of achievement as the equipment is well chosen and meets their specific needs. Children enjoy a strong sense of belonging as they have a specific room set by for their use which is well equipped with a wide range of activities that are suitable for the age of children that attend.

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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 Children are well-supervised as the childminder is mostly involved in their play and remains with them at all times. The childminder assesses children’s capabilities and encourages their development by allowing them to scope to explore, but at the same time remaining vigilant of their activities. Children are safe whilst they sleep as the childminder monitors their sleep and ensures they are well rested.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thrive as they enjoy comfort and cuddles with the childminder and frequently sit on her knee as they are read stories and take an interest in books. Children are observant and watch interesting events with concentration and wonder. The childminder develops their play with well-

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

measured support, offering explanations and enhancing points of curiosity. Children express a sense of wonder when they notice unusual events. Their learning is developed as they are well supported by the childminder who offers explanations that further their understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s sense of achievement is encouraged through a choice of toys that are very well suited to their age and ability. For example, children enjoy fulfilling play as they use construction equipment that is well suited to their capabilities. Children are effective communicators they babble during their play, and use words that explain what they are doing. They are able to express themselves, point to certain toys that they are unable to reach and express curiosity about their environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop well as the childminder understands their changing play needs and provides activities that continue to stimulate and encourage their development. Children enjoy a sense of belonging as they have a close relationship with the childminder, who appreciates the level of support needed to help them thrive. Children's needs are met given that the childminder understands their varied play preferences, and works with parents to facilitate different learning approaches, that are sensitive to the child’s individual style of learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about minority groups through explanations and play images that give positive representation of other cultures and the childminder positively values and promotes equality of opportunity. Children’s empathy towards others is encouraged through toys that give representation of learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, they are comfortable in the childminders care as they freely play with toys of their choice. Children’s good behaviour is encouraged through praise and positive explanations which help them understand the boundaries. Children are consistently involved in meaningful activities and have sufficient attention from the childminder so that their needs are understood. They have appropriate care if they have disabilities or learning difficulties, as the childminder liaises effectively with parents and discusses any concerns. Children’s individual needs are individually assessed so that the appropriate support is provided.

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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 Children are encouraged to be kind to one another and enjoy each others company, realising their play is improved when they involve others. Children are learning about responsibility since they are encouraged to tidy away their toys. For example, children put their blocks into a box when they have finished playing and find the experience satisfying.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are well-informed of their child’s activities, therefore children’s development is encouraged. The childminder communicates effectively with parents, and adjusts the activities so that children’s specific styles of learning are accommodated. Children enjoy continuity of care as the childminder works alongside parents to maintain consistency, having helpful discussions with parents at collection times. Children’s well-being is considered since parents are up-to-date regarding the policies and are well-informed of the type of care their child receives.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The strong organisation contributes to children’s sense of well-being and security; registers are recorded in advance and on the day so the childminder is clear which children she cares for each day. Efficient organisation encourages children’s learning through their consistent participation in significant activities. For example, the children benefit from feelings of security as their days are well structured and planning allows for flexible sleep times, with specific times for meals and outings.

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Organisation

Children develop well as the space and equipment are well organised, providing sufficient space for their play and exploration. Good organisation enables toys and equipment to be stored so that they are easily accessible, allowing children to play with a wider variety of activities. For example, children are easily able to access toys of their choice from a well-stocked playroom where there is a variety of available toys and play equipment.

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Organisation

Children are well cared for as all adults who care for the children are vetted, and there are effective contingency plans to ensure that children are well-cared for in case of emergency. Children's welfare is protected as all documentation is well presented, children’s details are regularly updated and are securely stored.

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Organisation

Children’s development is encouraged by the childminders additional training; she has attended several aspects of child care training that has furthered her knowledge and understanding of the children. Overall the setting 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 develop the written information for parents regarding the childminding facilities, maintain confidentiality and ensure that parents sign the accident book. Children are now well protected as parents sign confidential entries in the accident book, and are advised of the service that is offered through effective policies.

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Improvements 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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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints that parents can see on request. The 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): • promote safety within the setting by ensuring all low level glass is safe.

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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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