Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY234822 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2006 Inspection date Janice Rizvi 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 satisfactory. 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 February 2000 and works with an assistant. She lives with her husband and three children aged four years and 10-year-old twins on the outskirts of Hinckley in Leicestershire. The whole ground floor and the children's bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are 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 five children at any one time. There are seven children on roll aged between two to nine years who attend on a part-time basis. The family have two cats, a parrot and an aquarium of fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends several local parent and toddler groups and takes children to the library, shops and parks.

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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 satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, as they peddle and ride on wheeled toys. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children’s physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Her sound understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sick children are cared for sensitively and arrangements to administer medication and record accidents meet with requirements. However the first aid certificate has recently lapsed. All emergency contact numbers are readily available. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand why they must wash their hands after handling the cats or being near the parrot and after using the toilet. The childminder is aware that at times, usually when the parrot is wary of strangers, that the parrot causes a health risk to children; she immediately cleans any faeces projected out of the cage with antibacterial wipes. Arrangements are in place to increase hygiene around the parrot’s cage which is situated in the main child care area. However, until this is addressed there remains a risk of cross-contamination to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinking water and a range of healthy drinks throughout the day. Parents provide their child’s main meal. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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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 friendly environment. The space is used creatively to give children free access to a variety of play opportunities. Children are confident in the environment which has a range of safety and security precautions such as, booster seats for young children to sit at the dining table and fire appliances in place. There is a clearly set out emergency evacuation plan. The childminder ensures the new seat belt regulations are observed for children when being transported. Children are kept safe while on outings by having simple rules to follow such as clear boundaries about running and learning to stop, look and listen when crossing the road. This helps children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 The children are well protected. Children’s accident records are available, however there have been no accidents to report. Parents are informed of more serious injuries immediately. The childminder has a statement on child protection and she makes sure this is discussed with parents before children attend.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. They are able to concentrate and enjoy their favourite activities with good support from the childminder such as completing and matching puzzles, using their imagination, putting small world people in the garage and naming their favourite characters from their story books. The childminder uses the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to assess children’s developmental stage and adapts activities such as singing, story telling and mark making to promote younger children’s learning. They learn about the natural world when out walking, they collect leaves and learn about the seasons and why

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

leaves fall off the trees. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity such as, cake and biscuit decorating, listening and moving to music, dressing up and role play. This wide variety of experiences contributes to children’s learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs well, they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They behave very well. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do, helping themselves to drinks and independently visiting the toilet. They have time to relax as well as be active. Children respond well in pictures, painting and spoken words to what they see, hear, taste and feel. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's records are detailed which enables the childminder to provide appropriate care and support for the welfare of children. The childminder recognises the necessity to work in partnership with parents. Regular verbal feedback and daily discussions take place to ensure that all children's needs are met. Exceptional needs of children are recognised and met sensitively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Equally parents are encouraged to discuss any difficulties at an early stage. The parents notice supplied by Ofsted is clearly displayed. The childminder has produced a complaints policy to include a complaints log.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s needs are met through generally effective organisation. Children are confident to choose their own activities and develop their own play in a secure and supportive environment. All required records and documentation are in place which underpins the smooth running of the service. Information is shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about their child's activities, ensuring continuity of their children's care. The childminder ensures that all vetting procedures are undertaken to protect children. A regulation regarding maintaining the first aid training is not met. The certificate has recently lapsed and the childminder has arrangements in place to update this training. However until this is completed it is uncertain that the childminder has up to date knowledge of practice in first aid for children. Consequently this is reflected in the overall judgement of care. The registration certificate and other notices

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Organisation

The childminder is becoming familiar with the new changes to regulations. Documentation is available and shared with parents. Adult to child ratios are maintained and children's attendance is recorded at the time of their arrival and departure, which contributes to the efficient and safe management of the provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her understanding of child protection, ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources to promote anti-discriminatory practice and revise the emergency escape plan.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has developed her understanding of child protection by reading and updating her knowledge from the local authority and the National Standards for Childminding. She is fully aware of her responsibilities to report concerns and protect children and has displayed information for parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has purchased a range of new resources to represent diversity such as toys and books and small world people of different cultures including positive models of people with a disability for discussion. Activities are supported with a range of dressing up materials such as, saris, art and craft materials to celebrate different festivals, for example, making Chinese lanterns. This helps children to learn about differences and be accepting of others.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A clear written escape plan has been produced and displayed on the notice board. Fire practises are recorded, held and practised on a regular basis. The last fire drill was on 17/10/2006. This helps children to respond quickly in an emergency and keep themselves safe.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Her attention to the above issues has ensured that the quality of care is now of satisfactory standard throughout the setting.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint made to Ofsted since the last inspection. Ofsted received a complaint which raised concerns about behaviour management. Ofsted conducted an

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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 unannounced visit to the provision on 26/06/2006 to consider these concerns in relation to National Standard 11: Behaviour. There was no evidence to suggest this National Standard was not being met however, an action was raised under National Standard 14: Documentation - to ensure the daily record of children's attendance accurately shows the times of their arrival and departure. A satisfactory response to this action was received on 13/07/06 and the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 satisfactory. 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 health and safety for children by preventing any pets from fouling any areas used by children indoors or outdoors, with reference to the parrot • maintain first aid training.

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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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