Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY282998 Unique Reference Number 20 March 2007 Inspection date Rachel Wyatt 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and nine in Worcester. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with occasional use of upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and opportunities for local walks and visits to nearby parks. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding seven children aged under eight, all on a part-time basis. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools and nurseries. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups and takes children to the library. The family has some goldfish.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Support is available for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder is a member of the Local Childminding Network and of the National Childminding Association.

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 satisfactory. Children are looked after in a clean and comfortable home. The childminder follows a thorough cleaning regime, confirmed by a comprehensive check list, so that all areas, toys and equipment are kept in good condition.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's comfort and good hygiene are effectively promoted. Babies' and toddlers' nappies are changed regularly. The childminder ensures that nappy change equipment is clean and soiled items are disposed of correctly. Children learn about effective hand washing and use the toilet independently. Arrangements for toddlers' toilet training take account of their abilities and their parents' wishes. Access to appropriate equipment, the childminder's calm approach and the incentive of a sticker chart also help younger children to achieve independence in self-care. Children learn the importance of good hand washing after outside play or toileting and before eating, and the childminder involves younger children at an early stage. Children have their own individual towel, and all linen is washed regularly.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted as the childminder seeks information about their diet, any allergies and medical history. She is careful to minimise the risks of cross-infection, in line with her comprehensive sickness policy. Parents are given guidance on illnesses and infections, which mean their children cannot attend the childminder's provision. Parents are alerted promptly to any changes in their children's health, and should they become unwell whilst in her care, the childminder ensures they are comfortable and well looked after.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Should children have an accident they have prompt appropriate treatment and suitable records are maintained. However, there are weaknesses in the childminder's management of medication. As part of their initial written agreements with the childminder, parents give general consent to her administering medicines. The use of specific medication is discussed when a parent asks the childminder to administer it to their child, and she makes a brief record of any dosages, which parents see. However, a lack of recorded detail at each stage when medication is administered, means that children's well-being is not fully supported.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for exercise and outside play in the garden or when visiting nearby parks. Children enjoy using a selection of wheeled toys and physical play equipment suited to their differing abilities. The childminder ensures children are dressed appropriately depending on the weather and they are protected from the sun. Children are also rested, as the childminder ensures they have sufficient quiet activities, for example after school, and that younger children's sleep needs are met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children eat nutritious snacks and meals. The childminder is happy to provide these or for parents to bring their child's food. The childminder emphasises her commitment to healthy eating, which is reflected in her sample menus and the food she offers children, such as a morning snack of banana, crumpet and cheese. Children have regular drinks in appropriate cups or beakers. They enjoy meal times, sitting together at a small table or, in the case of babies, sitting nearby in a high chair. Young children confidently feed themselves and they eat well, assisted by the childminder's encouragement and praise.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

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

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is given high priority by the childminder. Her home and garden are secure and free from hazards. She ensures children cannot leave the house or garden unsupervised. Good use is made of safety gates or guards, socket covers, door guards and cupboard locks to minimise hazards. Children use toys and equipment that are good quality and appropriate for their age and abilities, including a variety of physical play apparatus and wheeled toys located in the garden. Child-size furniture aids their independence.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is also promoted because the childminder is clearly aware of her responsibilities. Children are well supervised during play and routines, and observed regularly whilst they rest or sleep. She consistently monitors toys, equipment and play areas so they remain safe, and prompt action is taken regarding any hazards. The childminder makes sure her car is well maintained and that children can travel safely in age-appropriate seats and restraints. Children are also encouraged to be aware of how they can contribute to their own safety, so they are taught how to use toys and equipment correctly. Children understand about certain hazards, for example, whilst eating crumpets they talk to the childminder about the risks of hot food.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has devised comprehensive emergency procedures to ensure parents know how she will manage in different circumstances. Children also understand what to do, for example, in the event of a fire, as practise evacuations are carried out. Older children can also refer a written evacuation plan the childminder has prepared and displayed for their use. Other emergency arrangements include managing accidents and serious injuries, actions to be followed if a child is lost or not collected, and identify who will look after the children should anything untoward happen to the childminder.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has very comprehensive child protection procedures which are shared with parents. Her responsibility for children's welfare is clearly explained, as are any actions she will take if she has concerns. Her procedures highlight the importance of working in partnership with parents to promote the welfare of children, for example in the event of any changes to their behaviour or well-being. She has clear arrangements for recording incidents, accidents, existing injuries and any concerns. Useful contact numbers are kept ready to hand.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Provision for younger children reflects the ethos of 'Birth to three matters'. Children make choices and initiate their own play. They like helping themselves to an interesting range of age-appropriate toys. The childminder ensures they can investigate different textures and various materials, such as dry and cooked pasta. These activities benefit older children as they also enjoy exploratory play and being creative. All children like drawing and painting, experimenting with different paints, crayons and collage materials. Their artwork is displayed in the setting.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled and contented. The childminder fosters their involvement, pointing out different items and chatting to them as they play, for instance, encouraging them to make meals and drinks during domestic role play. She effectively encourages their vocabulary and speech so that younger children speak confidently. Children interact and play together as the childminder joins in to help them take turns, share items and to concentrate. Children are

p.4

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 imaginative, enjoying role play, using stimulating toys such as a wide range of domestic play items and pretend food, or a fun interactive doctor's set.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is fostered naturally during activities. Their awareness of numbers and counting is promoted by fun stories, puzzles and games, Whilst playing with dough they discuss colours and shapes and what happens during 'cooking'. Children are interested in how things work, experimenting with a large size marble run, finding out how different pieces fit together or react if rolled down a slope. They learn how to squeeze, mould and roll out dough, using cutters, shapes and rolling pins. New skills, such as peddling and steering wheeled toys, are introduced sensitively by the childminder who gives children time to experiment and practise. During role play children learn about preparing meals and taking care of people who are ill. The childminder talks about checking her heart, taking her blood pressure or caring for babies as the children busily use realistic equipment.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. In line with her equal opportunities policy the childminder encourages children's sense of identity through following up their interests, and by reflecting familiar experiences, for example reading stories about going to nursery or bed time routines. Children's awareness of diversity is fostered through looking at books and playing with small world figures and dolls which reflect positive images.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual characteristics, interests and care needs are well known as a result of regular exchanges with parents. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and uses occasional informal observations to highlight children's skills and achievements. Should she have any concerns about an aspect of a child's development, she sensitively discusses these with parents.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. Young children thrive in the relaxed atmosphere, the childminder encouraging their interactions and playing together. She calmly fosters sharing, whilst also ensuring there are enough popular toys to minimise disagreements. Children respond to the childminder's realistic expectations reflected in her house rules, which are part of her behaviour management policy which is given to parents. Older children's awareness is encouraged through explanations and reinforcing good behaviour and manners.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are well informed about the childminder's provision as they are given comprehensive details about herself, her family, her training and experience, and the range of toys and activities she provides. On a daily basis parents are kept up to date about their children's routines and activities, some parents taking up the childminder's offer to receive a written record of their child's day.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Generally there are clear agreements between the childminder and parents regarding their children's care and business arrangements, through the use of a detailed contract and consents. Parents are able to give informed consent to most aspects of the childminder's care. She clearly outlines the circumstances relating to her request for parents to give consent to her seeking emergency medical advice and treatment. Parents are made well aware of the types of outings children may take part in or the kinds of transport they may use when the childminder seeks their agreement to these. Parents' awareness of the childminder's practice is further supported by access to a range of easy to understand policies which they sign and are given. Parents are advised of any changes via newsletters and letters, for example informing them of holiday

p.5

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 arrangements and alterations to the use of the garden. Letters of appreciation highlight how satisfied parents are with the provision.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Should parents have a concern or a compliment they are encouraged to discuss these with the childminder. They have a brief complaints policy and details on how to contact Ofsted. However, parents are not fully aware of their rights, as the childminder is not entirely up to date regarding the management and recording of complaints.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is good. Parents are reassured of the childminder's suitability as she ensures they know she and her husband are vetted and that she has appropriate training and experience. Children's care and play benefit from the childminder's commitment to improving her practice and developing ideas, for example through regular attendance at training and good practice sessions. She is currently working towards a level three qualification and taking part in a quality assurance scheme.

p.6

Organisation

Children enjoy worthwhile, smoothly run sessions with a good balance of activities at the childminder's home, during outside play and on outings. She readily adapts her activities to suit the ages and interests of the children attending, and makes sure she gives each child some individual support and attention.

p.6

Organisation

Apart from weaknesses in medication recording, documentation is well organised to ensure the childminder has relevant information to support children's care. The childminder effectively uses details noted in her own diary or in children's individual books to alert parents to their achievements or to any concerns, for example relating to a child's health. The childminder has devised sound policies and procedures to guide her and to inform parents of her practice. Overall children’s needs are met.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to a recommendation to provide additional items to reflect all aspects of equal opportunities. Children's appreciation of diversity is now promoted through access to books depicting positive images and real life experiences. During imaginative play children are able to explore aspects of their own and others' lives, and they learn about similarities and differences in ways which are appropriate to their level of understanding. Children use realistic play food, act out different roles and play with dolls or small world figures representing gender and different ethnic backgrounds.

p.6

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.

p.6

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.6

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.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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.7

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 medication procedures so that parents' prior written permission and records of medicines administered consistently contain sufficient detail • improve knowledge of regulations in relation to the management and recording of any complaints so that parents are fully aware of their rights.

p.7

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.7

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.7