Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY218463 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2007 Inspection date Jayne Clarke 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 three children aged nine months, two and five years, in Mancetter, Warwickshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five and three children over five years. Children attend variable times throughout the week and before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. She takes children to the local library and park. The family have a cat and guinea pig.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines to ensure that children play and rest in a clean and well maintained environment. Good arrangements are in place for the hygienic care of pets so that they do not pose a health risk. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices, they know that they have to wash their hands to keep themselves clean and have individual hand towels which promotes good personal hygiene. Good arrangements are in place for the care and exclusion of children who are unwell or infectious to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and keeps all the necessary information to ensure that children's good health and well-being is met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. They receive meals and snacks each day which are of high nutritional value, sweet and savoury snacks are kept to a minimum, children are offered water as an alternative to sweet drinks. The childminder effectively promotes healthy eating, she holds a basic food hygiene certificate and provides well planned menu's which help children to learn that eating a good balanced diet of 'fruit, vegetables, meat and carbohydrates' contributes to their strong physical growth and development so that they can stay physically active and take part in 'favourite sports activities such as football'. Good arrangements are in place to ensure that children's good health and individual dietary needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise, they walk outside each day and visit many activity groups which include active music and movement games, they regularly go to the park and have access to a well equipped garden, they rest and sleep according to their needs which helps them to feel comfortable and relaxed. This promotes good physical development.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and takes appropriate measures to ensure that the premises remain safe. Children are actively involved in safety procedures which help them to gain good understanding of safety within the home and how to keep themselves safe on outings, for example, older children have designated responsibilities such as road safety and 'traffic duty' roles where they think about and observe rules that keep themselves and others safe, they often write down their own ideas about keeping safe during safety activities and projects. All children understand and are regularly involved in fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures. Children use suitable and safe equipment which is regularly checked to ensure that it remains in excellent condition and conforms to safety standards. Good levels

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of supervision keep children safe at all times, the childminder monitors her security arrangements closely for the safe arrival and collection of children. Good procedures are in place so that children can travel safely in a vehicle. Children are protected because the childminder fully understands her role in safeguarding children. She is confident in her knowledge of the necessary

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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 procedures, including allegations about the provider and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child's well-being so that children are protected from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy themselves and make good progress in all areas of their development. Younger children show increasing skill in managing their personal needs, older children are actively encouraged to make suggestions and ideas for their own activities which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children show interest in what they do, are confident and happy to play with each other, they self-select pretend play resources to re-create what they know and understand in their imaginative play and are beginning to take some responsibility for planning and choosing activities and projects. Creative play is a significant feature of children's daily routine, they draw and paint many individual pictures and take part in art projects that are stimulating and fun, they use a variety of interesting materials and tools to design their own 'drinks coasters', younger children delight in the patterns they make in the play dough

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

using a range of simple tools. All children take part in many interesting activities within the home and on outings which help them to acquire new knowledge and skills, they particularly enjoy cooking activities and role play games and visit many activity and adventure centres which enable them to extend their creative and physical development and make positive relationships with others. Children receive good support from the childminder who is very knowledgeable about child development, she uses information regarding the 'Birth to three' matters and Foundation Stage frameworks very well to provide challenging activities which take into account children's age and stage of development and their ability to make further progress. Children have their individual needs met well, the childminder pays high regard to their interests and shares detailed information with parents about their daily care, development

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and progress which helps children to develop a sense of pride in their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world and respect for the needs and feelings of others. They celebrate some cultural and religious festivals throughout the year and play with some resources which help them to find out about people's differences and similarities. Children are actively involved in a 'Malawi' sponsorship project which helps them to make a positive contribution to the lives of others who are less fortunate than themselves. The childminder understands the importance to work closely with parents and other agencies to provide appropriate support and care for children with learning difficulties and disabilities which promotes inclusion for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is promoted well, consistent praise and positive interaction with adults and each other helps children to play harmoniously and develop a strong sense of belonging. They understand 'house rules' which help them to show kindness to each other and take responsibility for unwanted behaviour. Positive reward methods help children learn that their good behaviour results in shared treats for everyone.

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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 benefit from the strong and trusting relationships between the childminder and their parents. Detailed information is shared between them so that children's individual needs are met which promotes continuity of care. Parents receive verbal, written and photographic information about their children's care and play activities which helps them to take an active part in their child's development and progress. They are fully informed about policies and the service provided including the complaints procedure, although confidentiality regarding the complaints record is not sufficiently maintained. Parents appreciate the care, love and support that their children receive whilst they are in the care of the childminder which helps children to feel confident and secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced because the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. She holds appropriate childcare qualifications and is committed to developing and improving her practice, she attends many training events including basic food hygiene and child development courses to keep up to date with new ideas and information. All adults have completed the necessary vetting procedure, children remain under the close supervision of the childminder at all times. Rooms are used effectively to create a warm, welcoming, child-centred environment where children can move freely and safely around the home and have their individual care and routines needs met. All required documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of the setting, although not all procedures are followed correctly in order to maintain confidentiality with regard to complaints.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve the range of resources and activities available to children to develop their knowledge of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. Since then, the childminder provides a wider range of activities, outings and play equipment which introduce children to different religious and cultural beliefs and traditions. She promotes their positive attitude towards people who are different from themselves through discussion, policy and as a positive role model. This helps children to value and respect others.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection that required Ofsted or the provider to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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): • continue to develop and extend children's involvement in planning and organising activities and projects • review the complaints procedure to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

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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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