Owen Melanie

Inspection report for early years provision

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207573 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2006 Inspection date Anne Walker 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 1989. She lives with her husband and children in Clowne, Derbyshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is an 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years who all attend part time and a further six children who come at various times and days before and after school. Some of the children are over eight years old. The childminder is able to walk to the local school to take and collect children but also has use of a car. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a cat.

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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. The children are looked after in a clean, comfortable environment. Towels are changed regularly and there is soap and warm water in the bathroom and the kitchen which fosters children's awareness of the importance of washing their hands. Tissues are readily available and noses are wiped as needed. These things help prevent the spread of germs and promote children's health. A suitable procedure for children who are ill ensures that parents can work with the childminder to safeguard all children and prevent cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Older children are actively involved in menu planning and food preparation, especially during school holidays. All the children are consulted about their meals so that food is pleasurable. Positive strategies are used to encourage children to expand the range of foods they are willing to try and limit the less healthy options. They enjoy regular portions of fruit and vegetables. Harnessing ideas in popular, healthy eating cookbooks, the children develop control and knowledge of how to promote their own health through what they eat. They have regular drinks during the day to ensure they do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are regular opportunities for them to be active and develop their physical skills, including the use of a large trampoline. They regularly walk to and from school so that they have fresh air and exercise as part of the daily routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well supervised within the home and remain under the direct supervision of their carer. The ground floor has been satisfactorily risk assessed so that children can play safely in all areas. Access has not been prevented to two of the bedrooms where a large treadmill and weights are stored. This may put children at risk of injury if they strayed into these areas whilst using the bathroom. Working smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place in the event of a fire, however, the emergency evacuation plan has not been practised to ensure its effectiveness and so that children understand and can contribute to their own safety if such an emergency was to occur. Clear arrangements for the collection of children from school ensure they are safe at this vulnerable point in the day. Clear boundaries, that are understood by the children when walking to and from school enable them to develop awareness of road safety. The children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

have the use of large trampoline in the garden and are supervised at all times. No written risk assessment is in place or parental consent in writing for them to use this potentially hazardous equipment. The trailer in the garden is also a possible hazard for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a suitable range of equipment such as highchairs, car seats and buggies that are maintained in a satisfactory condition. Play materials are clean and kept in good order so that children's safety is not compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has an appropriate knowledge of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are relaxed and confident in their environment. The play is organised across the ground floor and children readily make choices of play dough in the kitchen and imaginative play in the lounge. They show good concentration and spend time absorbed in moulding the dough, exploring shape and texture as they squeeze it through the dough machine or use cutters. Their learning is effectively guided by their carer who uses these everyday activities to talk about shape, colour and counting. They sustain interest in whatever they are doing as their carer is always on hand to support and guide. Together they work out how to put the dough machine back together and take pleasure in such achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Some activities are planned and made available to children so that there is always something interesting for them to do, such as craft. Older children are given time and space to develop their own imaginative games which they often return to for several days. The day is well organised and although it is busy with school and nursery runs, children have good periods of time to relax and play without being rushed. They understand and are comfortable with the rhythms of the day as these are consistent during the week and their carer takes time to explain what is happening, for example, when she is preparing the lunch before one child goes to nursery. This helps young children feel secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and acted upon. Clear records are completed when children start, are kept updated through regular discussions with parents so that children are cared for safely and feel valued and acknowledged. Good regard is given to supporting children's self-esteem by listening to them and responding to their ideas and suggestions. All children are able to participate in what is on offer because their carer uses her knowledge of their individual level of development to set appropriate challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have good relationships with each other and their carer. They are supported through positive strategies to manage their feelings and emotions, learning how to deal with these in an appropriate manner in order to get along with others. Through play materials and discussion they have an awareness of the wider world and are developing an understanding of peoples similarities and differences.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The use of space on the ground floor has been effectively considered so that children of varying ages can take part in a variety of activities and younger children are safe when older children are using scissors or play materials with small pieces. The layout allows their carer to maintain appropriate supervision within an environment where the children are relaxed and feel at home.

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Organisation

A suitable first aid certificate has been maintained so that any accidents children may have can be dealt with appropriately. All required records are in place and are readily available so that

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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 they underpin the day to day management of the business and promote the well-being of children. The daily attendance register is maintained but some aspects are not always clearly recorded. This information allows Ofsted to see the days and hours children have attended and ensure that conditions of registration are being adhered to and children are cared for safely. Documents are stored confidentially to safeguard the privacy of children and their families. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge of child protection issues. She has been proactive and extended her awareness through use of a video outlining the current government procedures she must adhere to. In addition, she has relevant paperwork readily to hand which she can use as a guide, should the need arise. She is fully aware of how to record and report concerns in order to promote the welfare of children in her care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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 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 precautions to prevent accidents with regard to the use of the trampoline, access to the bedrooms, the trailer in the garden and practising the emergency evacuation routine • improve the clarity of recording the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance.

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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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