Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY250770 Unique Reference Number 14 December 2006 Inspection date Yvonne Layton 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two teenage children. The whole of the childminder’s house is 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 five children under five and one child over five. Placements are varied. The childminder also cares for children over eight. She attends local children's groups and undertakes outings.

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 good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows consistent, effective procedures such as fresh wet wipes for each child. All children have their own personal care bag, including a changing mat if required, and a fresh bib is used for babies for every meal. Equipment and resources are well maintained as the childminder has established cleaning routines. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene through the childminder supporting them with hand washing. They also discuss the importance of good hygiene practice to prevent illness. Children's health is protected as all required medication and accident documentation is in place and maintained. However, to protect children in the event of an accident the contents of the first aid box require review.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents, including ongoing discussions about individual needs. They are developing a positive attitude to healthy eating because the childminder offers them a varied diet including home-made meals, fresh fruit and she limits chocolate and sweets.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to undertake physical challenges during daily outings and indoor activities. Daily outings enhance children's physical well-being, including visits to the parks and local walks where they are able to run, balance and climb. A range of indoor outings including, local children's groups, and activity centres encourage them to develop control of their bodies and keep fit.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm, welcoming and in a good state of repair. The environment is enhanced by a display of children's own creative work. They use equipment which is safe and hygienic and appropriate to their age and stage of development. However, to fully promote children’s learning, resources require further development to offer them a wider range of experiences.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has safety equipment and written procedures in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted, including fire prevention, risk assessments and emergency procedures. Risks of accidental injuries to children are minimised because the childminder is alert to possible risks within the home, she is vigilant and has consistent safety arrangements. However, the strong bolt on the bathroom door presents a potential hazard to children's welfare. There are robust safety procedures to ensure children are kept safe away from the home, including getting in and out of the car, road safety and a firm routine for walking near roads.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder who has up-to-date knowledge and information of her role and responsibilities for child protection, supported by a written child protection policy.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Every day experiences are used to enhance children's learning, development and enjoyment, such as the children go shopping to the local shop. They learn about nature by planting seeds and have indoor and outdoor picnics.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's potential is well supported by the childminder. They are given stimulating challenges through a range of planned outings, themes and free-choice activities. Visits to local children's groups and sites of interest encourage socialisation and develop children's awareness of their world, for example a visit to the fire station. Children's creativity is positively enhanced as they have the opportunity to experiment and develop their own imagination. They have access to a wide range of creative activities including visits to a creative group. The childminder holds ‘messy days’ where children experience activities such as finger painting and sponge printing. Young children are fully involved as they enjoy the activity by using a ‘messy’ high chair.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Careful consideration is given to the needs of the children as the childminder recognises individual needs. After visits to children’s groups the focus is giving children time and space to relax and unwind as well as offering suggested or planned activities.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes good use of a toy library to enhance children’s experiences. Story sacks, puppets and dressing-up clothes are some of the resources the children have enjoyed.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become confident and self-assured, working and playing effectively on their own, with others or with the childminder. Close and caring relationships with the childminder increase children's sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. They develop good social and communication skills as she takes time to talk and listen to them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of how everyone positively contributes in society. Resources that promote and represent the wider community are mainly available by the childminder’s use of a toy library. The childminder ensures that activities are adapted to meet individual children's specific needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Currently there are no children with learning disabilities and/or difficulties attending the provision but the childminder has an inclusion policy and has undertaken training to support and provide care which includes them in the life of the setting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a sense of self-worth as they are encouraged to be independent. They help to tidy away, set the table and are encouraged to put on their own coats and shoes. Children are settled and they are confident in the setting. They are beginning to understand the reasons for the rules and they respond to the consistent expectations of the childminder to play harmoniously together and to share. The use of praise, encouragement and positive

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 reinforcement contributes effectively to the children developing good social skills and a sense of belonging to a wider family group.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Children's well-being is contributed to by the childminder and parents working well together. Daily discussions are held. Parents have access to information files, including a portfolio of policies and procedures. Information regarding care and activities the children have been engaged in is provided verbally and by a daily diary. Continuity of care of the children is ensured by the ongoing sharing of information.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. The provision is strong, it is successful at making sure that the outcomes for children are positive. The premises are well organised and space is used to maximise play opportunities for children. Children’s care and welfare is enhanced by the childminder's good understanding of children's needs, her efficient and effective organisation skills and her commitment to further develop her skills by accessing training.

p.5

Organisation

Children's safety and well-being benefit from the professional presentation of policies, procedures and information for parents. All required documentation is in place. Documentation is maintained correctly and the childminder has good awareness of confidentiality. Information is regularly exchanged with parents about the setting and their child’s daily activities, contributing to continuity in the children’s care.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure parents had access to a written complaints statement, a sickness policy and that emergency evacuation was practised and logged.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Children's safety and welfare has been enhanced as the childminder has completed written policies and procedures relating to all of the National Standards, which are available to parents. There is a fire evacuation plan and drills are practised and recorded.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

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.5

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

p.5

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 contents of the first aid box are as determined in the first aid training course • ensure the bathroom lock does not prevent access from the outside • continue to expand play resources, including resources that reflect positive images of race, culture, gender and disability.

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