Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY308885 Unique Reference Number 14 December 2006 Inspection date Yvonne Layton 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 2005. She lives with her family. She is registered for four children and is currently minding one child under five.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. She attends local children's groups and undertakes outings. The family have four cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports a children who have English as an additional language.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices which meet children's nutritional, physical and health needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The strong adult support and guidance helps children gain a clear understanding of hygiene and desire to become increasingly independent. They are learning from an early age the importance of good hygiene through the childminder's consistent routines, which are part of everyday practice. They learn about self-care through themes and discussions. Pictorial reminders encourage children to partake in consistent personal care. Each child has their own flannel, personal care items and the good hygiene routines are well-supported by detailed written procedures such as nappy changing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is protected as all required medication and accident documentation is in place. However, emergency treatment consent is not maintained which potentially compromises children's safety in an emergency situation.

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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 healthy diet including locally grown fruit and vegetables. Parents are well-informed as there is a written menu and a food policy freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to undertake physical challenges as they undertake daily outings and indoor activities. Daily outings enhance children's physical well-being, including visits to local fields and parks where they are able to run, balance and climb. A range of indoor outings including, local children's groups, and activities in the home such as music and movement encourage them to develop control of their bodies. The childminder and children keep fit as they mainly walk everywhere.

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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. Children benefit from free access to the ground floor, where there is an allocated playroom. The environment is bright with photographs, posters and displays of children's own creative work. They use equipment which is safe, hygienic and appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has safety equipment and detailed procedures in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted, including fire prevention, such as evaluated drills and emergency procedures. However, to fully protect children a smoke alarm is required on the ground floor. Risks of accidental injuries to children are minimised because the childminder is alert to possible risks within the home and on outings, she is vigilant and has consistent safety

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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 arrangements. There are robust safety procedures to ensure children are kept safe in and away from the home, including detailed risk assessments and monitoring forms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder who has devised a comprehensive child protection pack, including her child protection policy. This is readily accessible to parents. The childminder has up to date knowledge and information of her role and responsibilities for child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's potential is well supported by the childminder; they are given stimulating challenges through a range of planned and free choice activities. They are happy, settled and respond well to the childminder who is interested in what they say and do. She is warm and caring and interactions are good. The verbal skills of the childminder encourage children to think, she uses positive questioning and provides opportunity for the children to express themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The 'Birth to three matters' framework has a strong influence within the provision. Activities are planned and evaluated and children’s development and progress monitored and recorded using the framework. Young children benefit from well-planned themes and topics including high chair activities such as jelly exploration and dry pasta. All children have wide opportunity to explore and experiment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Daily routine includes times to be active and quiet times. They enjoy stories, music and singing encouraged by the childminder’s own skill and the variety of resources available. Visits to local children's groups and sites of interest encourage socialisation and develop children's awareness of their world. Children’s learning is enhanced through planned themes such as spring and autumn watch where children learn about nature through walks and related activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Opportunities for children to explore and learn about mathematics, communication and creativity are varied and stimulating. There are numeric, colour and communication references on displays and within the environment. They are developing their skills during planned and free play activities, such as they name and recognise colour during routine play. Their creativity is positively enhanced as they have the opportunity to experiment and develop their own play, for example they have free and planned access to a range of creative media. Their skills are developed as they have opportunity to participate in planned creative activities, including celebrations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued as the childminder uses discussion with parents to ensure individual requirements are met. Documents produced by the childminder requesting details from parents, ensures a profile of the child is provided to assist in meeting their needs. All children are included in activities and have free access to a wide assortment of toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A comprehensive policy is in place regarding children with learning disabilities or difficulties which details how the service will be provided to children. Although there are no children

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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 currently attending the setting who have learning disabilities the childminder is able to provide care which includes them in the life of the setting through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop an understanding of how everyone positively contributes in society. Resources which promote and represent the wider community are available through books, posters, dolls, play food, or puzzles and the childminder uses craft work to further develop the children's awareness. Equality of opportunity is promoted effectively through the use of the resources. Activities are adapted appropriately and children's specific needs are very well considered. Individuality of children and families are recognised and the meeting of individual needs promoted. Children who have English as an additional language are very well supported. The childminder has a wide variety of multi-language resources and works very closely with parents to ensure the children’s needs are met. She offers good support to family to ensure they have a positive experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children profit from the childminder’s sound understanding of children’s development with regard to behaviour management. Each child is respected as an individual. The children are beginning to learn about what acceptable behaviour is and respecting each other by the childminder’s use of explanation, giving them opportunity to make decisions and giving them options. The childminder's use of positive praise and encouragement enhances children's self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive partnership between the childminder and parents contributes to children's well-being. Parents receive detailed written and verbal information that ensures they are fully informed of their child's day and progress. Each parent has access to a detailed information files with written policies and procedures and notice boards. They receive detailed information about how their child will be cared for, the activities they have undertaken and their individual progress. Parents and carers have the opportunity to join in activities and outings to further engage in their child's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

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, her commitment to further develop her own skills and the quality of the provision.

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Organisation

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

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • ensure a maintained smoke alarm is in place on the first floor • ensure emergency treatment consent is completed and available at all times.

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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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