Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY224889 Unique Reference Number 24 November 2006 Inspection date Linda Tomkins Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband in Staffordshire. The ground floor, hall, playroom, kitchen, dining room and toilet of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 six children under five on a part-time basis and two children over five before and after school and school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local pre-school groups. The family has tropical and marine fish and a dog.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a committee member of the area Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a recently extended spacious home where they are learning the importance of good health practice and personal care. They have individual wipes and paper towels which they can access independently. The children watch videos about keeping healthy with songs and rhymes and they make up their own songs when washing their hand such as, chanting 'rubbey, dubbey'. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how and why they keep themselves clean through discussion about germs and infection.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

There are good arrangements and written policies for protecting children from cross infection. The childminder does not care for sick or infectious children and ensures that written permission for seeking emergency treatment or advice is in place. Procedures for accident and medication are good, they are clearly recorded and explained to parents when children are settled into the childminder's home. The childminder is well qualified to meet children's medical needs in the event of an accident.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children's health is promoted. Children are provided with a varied range of activities which contribute to their good health such as, regular outside play in the garden, walks to the shops and to and from school everyday.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an extensive understanding of healthy eating, including the need to have drinking water accessible at all times. Meal and snack times are social occasions when children are encouraged to enjoy food. Currently, the younger children enjoy making a picnic on the floor at snack time whilst older children help to prepare food for example, pizzas. Children's diets are discussed with parents who choose to provide their own food whilst the childminder provides snacks of fresh and dried fruit. The childminder takes account of parents' wishes, through discussions and children's individual records, to ensure she meets their dietary needs well and follows home routines.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a welcoming home with safe clear space for children to move around freely and independently. She has devised an emergency evacuation plan and regularly practices with all the minded children. This helps to keep children safe in an emergency situation.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a range of toys and equipment stored in containers in the play room. The childminder provides toys that are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. The outside play area is fenced and provides a secure play space where children use large physical equipment such as a swing and bikes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All the required procedures and equipment are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She discusses road safety when out walking and ensures children

p.3

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 are secure in appropriate seats when travelling in the car. Children understand that they must hold on to the pushchair when walking to and from school.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has procedures for ensuring children are protected. She understands her duty to protect children in her care and how to report concerns. There is clear procedure for recording existing injuries that children sustain before arriving at her home and her current written policy is undergoing an update to reflect recent changes to the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play with developmentally appropriate resources that promote all aspects of their development. The younger children enjoy selecting their own resources such as plastic play food and dolls. Whilst older children choose to watch television, draw and make Christmas decorations. Children look at books and pictures and respond with early language sounds as they communicate with the childminder.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder organises her routines and activities to suit the children's level of development which allows children to develop their confidence in the childminder's home. She ensures children's individual routines are observed so that they have time to be active and rest. Children have regular opportunities for physical development as they ride bikes in the garden and walk to the village centre and toddler group.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and ensures that she observes the personal preferences of each child. She organises resources to suit the age and stage of the children's development and ensures they are presented at a low level to allow for choice of activity. For example, one child selected the tools and play saucepan lids then used them to mix imaginary plaster, to plaster the window. The childminder confirmed that he was copying a relative. He was very absorbed and delighted with his work.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's progress and achievements are shared verbally with parents when they are collected. The childminder is experienced and has spent many years working and caring for children. She demonstrates an expert understanding of how children learn. The childminder has a good understanding of improving outcomes for children from birth to three and uses an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework which is apparent in the progress and well-being of the children in her care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder and children interact together using good quality resources such as, books and dolls with positive images of race and gender. Children have a range of activities that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. For example, walks in the local area, visits to other childminders and children and tasting different foods.

p.4

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 valued and respected as individuals. They have individual attention and conversation with the childminder who ensures children's needs are met as they follow their daily routines. Children are encouraged to behave well and make themselves at home to foster good levels of self-esteem and well-being. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disability. She has a clear understanding of how to ensure children are fully supported and included in all activities to enhance their development and progress.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with written information on policies and procedures when they attend introductory visits prior to placing their child. The childminder makes verbal reports on the children's progress, development and activities each day. This ensures parents are involved and contributes to the quality of care their children receive. However, the written complaints policy does not include current Ofsted contact details which means that parents cannot report their concerns to ensure their children's welfare is not compromised. The childminder offers flexible care to families and ensures the children's needs are met.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well qualified and experienced to provide children with an interesting range of activities to develop children's skills and independence. She has a current first aid certificate and enthusiastically continues to increase her knowledge of learning opportunities. For example, by attending training courses on a regular basis.

p.5

Organisation

Clear written policies and procedures ensure that children are secure and relaxed in the child centred environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own learning and play. The well organised environment allows for clear space for children's free movement. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote welfare, care and learning of minded children.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has good knowledge of required records and ensures that most are up to date, stored confidentially and available for parents. However, the attendance register does not show an accurate record of children's daily attendance. Parents are regularly informed of their children's progress and activities during daily verbal exchange and written records. This enables the childminder to monitor and evaluate the quality of her care and contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment was in place.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has amended the children's registration forms to ensure that written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is in place for all children. This ensures children will receive prompt treatment in the event of a medical emergency.

p.5

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

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.6

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • ensure the complaints policy contains the regulator's contact details • ensure the daily record of attendance is up to date.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6