Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY257352 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2006 Inspection date Susan Andrews 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged four years and six years in a large village in Leicestershire. The ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's home is used for childcare purposes. There is a large, fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding five children, who all attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Schools, parks, shops, the library and places of interest are within easy walking distance. The family has a pet dog.

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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 actively take part in a wide range of indoor play opportunities that develop their physical skills. They participate in activities that encourage their development, for example, children explore stimulating play equipment, making connections through senses and movement. Children benefit from taking fresh air and exercise by playing with toys and equipment in the enclosed garden area. Children run, jump, balance, climb and play freely in the fresh air. Children exercise as they walk to and from school and to local places of interest, parks and recreation facilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, homely environment where good standards of hygiene are maintained. Hygiene is seen as a priority in the home and kitchen work surfaces are cleansed with antibacterial spray. Children are beginning to understand about their own personal care during daily routines and by using sun hats and sun protection creams when playing outdoors in hot weather. They also learn about good hygiene practices as the childminder ensures children wash their hands after using the toilet, playing in the garden or stroking the family dog. However, children do not always wash their hands before mealtimes. Children rest and relax when they are tired and good arrangements are made by the childminder to organise daily routines to ensure their individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and welfare is safeguarded as an appropriately equipped first aid kit is readily available and a range of health policies and procedures are in place. For example, first aid training has been undertaken by the childminder. Therefore, the childminder is able to respond positively should an accident occur or a child become unwell whilst in her care. All necessary documentation for the recording of accidents or the administration of medication are in place, however, accident records lack some detail.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate care is taken and arrangements made to ensure the continuity of care for children. Information is exchanged regularly between parents and the childminder. Children recognise when they are thirsty and are able to access drinks of water, milk and fruit juice at all times and are developing an awareness of healthy eating. Additional drinks are made readily available during hot weather and after physical exercise. Therefore, children remain well hydrated. Children's dietary needs and food preferences are addressed and healthy eating is promoted. Information is gained from parents regarding children's allergies and the childminder is vigilant in ensuring children's diet is appropriate and safe. Children eat together in a relaxed social environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for and move around freely in a safe, welcoming environment. The designated areas used for childcare purposes are the lounge, a small playroom and the dining area in the conservatory which is used for mealtimes and creative activities. Careful attention is taken to ensure children's safety and hazards are clearly identified and minimised. For example, dangerous

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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 substances such as medicines and cleaning materials, are kept in locked cupboards and sharp knives and hazardous kitchen utensils are kept out of children's reach. Stair gates are available, plug sockets are covered and there are no hazardous indoor plants.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with toys and equipment that are easily accessed, appropriate to their ages and stages of development and meet relevant safety regulations. Children remain safe and are always within the childminder's sight and hearing. They are able to play safely in the designated childcare areas and toys and equipment are at child height so that they may choose in safety. The garden area is safely enclosed and kept free from poisonous plants. The childminder ensures that all childcare activities, both indoors and outside, are carefully supervised. Security systems are in place to ensure children cannot leave the premises and only authorised persons may collect children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

General fire safety issues have been considered. Fire detection and fire-fighting equipment including carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place in the home. A fire evacuation plan has been devised and fire drills have been practised, therefore, the childminder and the children are familiar with the procedures should a real emergency occur. Children begin to have regard for their own safety as the childminder raises their awareness about road safety when they walk to school and cross the road with the help of the school crossing patrol.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and reporting procedures. She recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse and is clear about her responsibilities to protect the children in her care, therefore, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure, happy and settled. The minded children respond to the childminder with ease and confidence, relating well to the feeling of security, seeking and readily gaining her encouragement and affection. Children are comfortable, confident and reassured by the childminder's sensitive and gentle approach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides care in a warm, comfortable environment and operates a flexible approach to routines based on children's needs. She provides opportunities to meet with other adults and children, as they visit places of interest such as the library, recreation areas and playgroups. Therefore, the children grow in confidence and develop self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to and use a suitable range of toys and play equipment that provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and be creative. Children play imaginatively and choose independently from dressing-up role play equipment, puzzles, crayons, books, construction equipment, imaginative small world toys, play dough, clay, paints and collage materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A stimulating and nurturing environment is created for the children. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of their needs and spends lots of time interacting with them throughout the day. Children and the childminder engage in lively conversation in everyday

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 events and activities. Children are listened to and the childminder challenges children's thinking and invites their questions. Therefore, they responded positively, develop their curiosity, learn and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge of equal opportunity issues and children have access to a few resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. These are helping children to develop an understanding of the wider world. They celebrate a range of festivals which helps them feel positive about their own and other cultures and to feel valued. They also meet other children and adults when going to and from school, on outings to the library, local places of interest, parks and recreation areas. This is developing their sense of belonging to the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Consistent, realistic strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour effectively. Children behave well, are polite and they respond really well to simple and consistent house rules so that they know what is expected of them, for example, saying 'please' and 'thank you'. By understanding how their behaviour affects others, they are learning to play together harmoniously, take turns, share their toys and treat each other kindly. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their achievements are encouraged and praised, so that children's self-esteem and sense of identity is enhanced. For example, children's achievements and good behaviour is recognised through the use of sticker charts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The care of children is enhanced as the childminder recognises and values the importance of talking to parents about the childminding service and listening to them to ensure children's needs are met. Parents share information at the time children are placed with the childminder. Contracts are maintained and written consent is obtained from parents, for example, to administer medication and to apply sun protection cream.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder takes positive steps to ensure information is exchanged with parents on a regular basis through daily conversation and through regular contractual reviews. Children therefore benefit from this consistency of care. For example, maintaining similar routines, ensuring children's preferences and individual needs are addressed and a healthy, allergy-free diet is provided. They feel secure and parents develop confidence and trust in the childminder and the service that is offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and relaxed in the calm, comfortable and well organised environment. The space available is sufficient to meet children's play and learning needs. As a result, children have opportunities to make choices and engage in a wide range of well chosen activities both inside and outdoors. This enables children to be imaginative, develop their curiosity, grow in confidence, learn and have fun.

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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 Children's care and welfare is supported by the childminder's business-like approach to her childminding service. Appropriate information is gathered and recorded with the parents at the time the child is placed with the childminder. This information is updated on a regular basis to ensure that parents feel involved in their children's care and are aware of the procedures that she has in place. Therefore, the children receive continuity of care, their development is promoted and their welfare is safeguarded.

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Organisation

Children receive good care and the childminder provides a reliable service to the parents and children, which is based on her sensitive approach and the appropriate organisation of her childminding service. The childminder is aware of her duty to effectively meet the National Standards and takes seriously her childminding responsibilities. Appropriate records are maintained, kept for the appropriate length of time, stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder embraces new training opportunities, for example, she has recently completed a basic food hygiene qualification. This extends her skills and knowledge so that the care, protection and developmental needs of children are enhanced. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure hazardous substances are kept out of reach of children. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to ensure hazardous items in the bathroom and kitchen are stored in a high cupboard that is inaccessible to children so that they stay safe and free from harm.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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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): • promote children's personal hygiene and minimise the risk of cross-infection, for example, by ensuring they wash their hands before mealtimes

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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 • continue to develop resources and activities that promote positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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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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