Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281210 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2006 Inspection date Gill Ogden 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children, aged seven and three, in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire. All areas of her home except the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Amenities such as shops, schools, pre-schools and a park are within walking distance and the childminder also uses her car. The family have a pet rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years of age. She currently looks after two, both on a part-time basis. The childminder holds a recognised early years qualification and organises the local childminding support group.

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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's good health has a high priority. Good standards of cleanliness are maintained through regular routines which contribute to minimising cross-infection. Children learn good personal hygiene habits, such as washing their hands before taking part in a baking activity and not licking their fingers whilst they are mixing the cake. Additionally, parents are well-informed about illnesses that are likely to mean that children will not be able to attend because that would be detrimental to others' health. Children get plenty of fresh air and exercise through walking to school and playing in the park every day. They take equipment such as balls and scooters with them to the park which gives them opportunities to throw, kick, catch and manoeuvre and strengthen their bodies generally. Indoors there is a lot of space for them to dance and move around to music. Younger children's emotional health is catered for

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Helping children to be healthy

appropriately, for example, through recognising that a child needs her comfort blanket and cuddling together to read and listen to stories. Babies sleep comfortably in a travel cot or pushchair according to their parents' preferences.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy diet that is provided for the most part by the childminder. They collect organic produce from a family allotment which is then used to make their meals, such as butternut squash soup. Meals are well-balanced and snacks consist of fruit, cheese cubes, vegetable sticks and plain biscuits. Children have as much to drink as they wish, choosing from water, milk, fruit juice or no-added-sugar squash.

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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 warm and welcoming environment where their safety needs are considered thoroughly. The premises are well-maintained and the childminder risk assesses the environment appropriately and according to the habits of the children she is caring for at the time. All the necessary safety equipment is in place and working such as smoke alarms, stair gate and harnesses for babies. Toys and play equipment are kept in good repair and most are stored where children can easily reach them and choose for themselves. Rigorous procedures are in place for outings when each child has a sticker put on them with the childminder's mobile phone number in case they get lost. Children gradually learn to keep themselves safe through for example, practising road safety when they walk to school and knowing they must walk carefully indoors so as not to have an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further safeguarded because the childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and has attended recent training so that she is fully up-to-date with current procedures. She has clear written procedures that refer to the new Local Safeguarding Children Board and these are shared with parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home and have warm and caring relationships with her and her family. They experience a flexible routine that takes into account their sleep and eating needs and allows for school runs. In order for children to be alert and have plenty of energy to learn when they attend school in the afternoon, the childminder is careful to ensure that they do not tire themselves out in the morning either physically or intellectually. Whilst the childminder always has ideas for activities and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to advise on younger children's development needs, much of the time children make their own choices according to their interests. For example, children enjoy baking and pick up mathematical skills through being guided by the childminder to weigh and measure, notice the numbers on the scales and fill paper cases with the mixture. They enjoy mixing the ingredients,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

smell the cakes baking and see the changes from the initial ingredients to the final cakes. All this contributes to their all-round development. Children develop independence as a result of freely choosing toys and books, they play happily alone or together, asking the childminder for her input if necessary. They use their imaginations regularly playing with small world items and dressing-up. Babies have their senses stimulated through the childminder ensuring for example, that play dough has added texture and smell when it is being made.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals because the childminder takes time to get to know them, their families and their interests. All children have equal access to activities and are supported to take part in them at a level appropriate to their abilities. The childminder's home is particularly suitable for the care of children with disabilities. However, resources are limited that help children develop positive attitudes towards all members of society as part of their everyday play. Poor behaviour is rare because the childminder has clear house rules and uses effective methods such as explanation, distraction and attention for desirable behaviour, to ensure children behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive relationship with parents results in children's continuity of care being good. Daily information sharing and the use of diary sheets for younger children means that all parties are kept up-to-date with anything that may impact on the children's care needs. Parents sign up to the childminder's policies and procedures. However, as she does not keep her own copy of this or parents written consents, there is potential for future confusion.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has held a relevant early years qualification for several years, is experienced in working with children and is committed to providing as well as she can for the children in her care. This has led her to recently developing a local childminding group and accessing funding so that children can have more opportunities to go on visits and socialise with their peers and other adults. The group meets in the local family centre so lots of current information

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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 on child care issues generally can be easily accessed, either to support childminders or parents. The childminder's home is organised effectively for the care of children with a designated play room, integrated lounge, dining room, kitchen and a toilet and shower all on the ground floor. Children are able to move easily and safely between these areas. All the required records are in place and maintained well. All paperwork is stored safely and is kept confidential. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of recommendations made at the last inspection children are now better supported to keep themselves safe because they discuss and practise fire drills regularly.

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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. 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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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): • increase the resources that help children to develop positive attitudes towards all members of society • ensure copies of written parental consents are kept.

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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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