Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY262713 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2006 Inspection date Margaret Webster 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 three and two years in in the village of Wombourn, Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and two bedrooms on the first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five part time, and three child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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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 receive good levels of hygiene due to routines that promote their health in a well maintained and clean environment. They have a good understanding of why routine hygiene practices such hand washing promote a healthy lifestyle and minimise the risk of the spread of infection. Parents are informed that the childminder protects herself and all the children from the risk of infection, by only caring for children after they are recovered from infections for at least 48 hours, or on advice of a general practitioner. Accident records are maintained accurately. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and she has a clear procedure in place to ensure children receive appropriate care following accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are well nourished. The childminder provides a menu that informs the parents that all meals will include a balance of vegetables, protein and carbohydrates. Children's individual dietary needs and requirements are addressed as all relevant information is recorded. Drinks are available at all times during the day, they are easily accessible in the dining area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience a range of developmentally appropriate opportunities to explore, test and reinforce their physical capabilities. They are confident when using the range of outdoor well maintained equipment, promoting their movements, balance and clearly controlling their bodies. Younger children attend the local toddler group. This provides opportunities to enhance their physical development by using a different range of toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's welfare and safety are a priority. Consequently, they receive excellent care in the welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. Risk of accidents and serious injury are minimised because the childminder is vigilant. Risk assessments of premises are carried out each day. She has all her dangerous substances stored securely. Safety gates prevent children from accessing the kitchen and the stairs and the fire guard is in place. Appropriate fire equipment is available and the children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedure as they are regularly practiced and records are kept. As a result the children are armed with the knowledge and clearly understand what to do in an emergency situation. Effective arrangements ensure the outdoor play area is safe. Good security means the children cannot leave the premises unsupervised and no one is able to enter without the childminder's knowledge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a range of good quality equipment and resources which comply with British Safety Standards. Children have plenty of space to play alone and together and they have access to child size furniture. The childminder carefully chooses, monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are developmentally appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are never left alone as the childminder is meticulous and shows a very clear understanding of constant supervision of the children. Younger children are transported in a buggy or wear reins when away from home to ensure they are kept safe by being close to the

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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 childminder. Children's welfare is consistently protected because the childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. She understands her responsibility to protect children and has a good understanding of The Local Safeguarding Children Board reporting procedures. This information is shared with the parents. Therefore, they understand how the childminder protects their children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly motivated and actively engaged in activities which positively promote all areas of development. Children access an excellent range of activities as the childminder is innovative in her planning for all ages. The childminder is in the process of introducing "Birth to three" profiles and development plans. The introduction of this procedure will enable the parents and the childminder to monitor the child's progress and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A substantial range of toys and resources are readily accessible to the children. The outside play area is extremely well equipped and organised. There is an excellent covered area in the garden that is colourful, where they do art work and painting. The children's art work is displayed in this area making the children feel appreciated and valued. There is a wide selection of good quality equipment for the children to develop their gross motor skills. As a result children assertively move around the premises actively engaging in planned activities provided for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children clearly enjoy themselves and are making positive strides in all areas of development as the childminder creates a warm, caring atmosphere of trust, respect and friendship. Children thrive due to the extremely caring and stimulating environment where they are treated with respect and kindness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides an extensive 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. She has an extensive knowledge of different cultures and religions. The children celebrate different festivals with art work and the childminder is able to inform them about the reason for the celebrations. She has a very good range of toys and activities that reflect diversity and equality of opportunity. This enables the children to learn about the diverse society in which we live. Children learn about their local community on their daily walks to school and visits to the local park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has 16 years experience of working with children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She has an extensive knowledge and would welcome all children. She would work with the parents and other professionals to meet each child's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive support and encouragement to effectively develop their understanding of what is right and wrong. They learn mutual respect as they play together, sharing and taking turns. Children build a trusting relationship with the childminder which fosters their sense of belonging. Children receive cuddles and affection which provide a firm foundation to build

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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 trusting relationships with the childminder and successfully contribute to their sense of belonging and security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Parents are kept appropriately informed about their children's well-being and development, mainly through daily discussions. The positive partnerships developed ensures that the childminder and parents work together to meet the needs of the children. She has a comments book where the parents have written very favourable comments about the service that she is providing.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to provide a good service. She has a knowledge of child development and has attended several courses on child care including the 'Birth to three matters' framework, food hygiene and child protection. She is a qualified nursery nurse, she has 24 years experience of working with young children. She has a current first aid certificate. This knowledge and her experience keep the children safe and ensure that they develop and thrive.

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Organisation

The required documentation, policies and procedures which contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are in place and shared with parents.

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Organisation

Continual sharing of information with the parents ensures the children's needs are always promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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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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): • enhance the already good practice of care for the under three's by following the "Birth to three" framework.

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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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