Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY318927 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2006 Inspection date Carol Johnson 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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives in Warwick with her partner and two children aged eight and five years. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home, together with a small bedroom upstairs, is used for childminding purposes. There is a 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder takes satisfactory steps to help prevent the spread of infection. Her home is clean and tidy and children are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices through well-established daily routines and following her good example. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after visiting the toilet or messy play. Children visit the toilet independently and are learning to take responsibility for their own personal care. The childminder offers help if required and a portable step is available, in the toilet, so children can reach the sink unaided.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are suitable arrangements in place to protect children from becoming ill. The childminder has a clear written sickness policy that she shares with parents. They are asked not to send children who are clearly unwell and could pose a health risk to others. Children's health information is exchanged between the childminder and parents and any medical conditions or needs are recorded. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and keeps suitably stocked and easily accessible medical supplies. Consequently, she would be able to act promptly and appropriately in the event of an accident or illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are met because they enjoy a range of healthy meals and snacks. The childminder provides children with lunch, for example, sandwiches with a choice of fillings, together with additional snacks such as fruit or biscuits. Sweets are only offered occasionally as a treat and everyday activities and discussions are used to teach children about the benefits of healthy eating. Children’s allergy and dietary requirements are considered appropriately as the childminder talks to parents about individual needs and she records and respects individual requirements. Children are not at risk from dehydration as a range of drinks are freely available. Children are learning to express their own needs and will ask for drinks and food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to lots of activities that help to contribute to their good health and physical development. The childminder's garden is currently not used but children go for regular walks and visit local parks and soft play centres. Here they can access a variety of equipment including slides, swings, balls and wheeled toys. This helps to develop their physical skills, balance and co-ordination. Within the childminder's home children dance, join in with action songs and play with a variety of equipment that encourages hand to eye co-ordination and develops their fine muscles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to eat, rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder talks to parents about their children’s routines at home and she gets to know children’s individual requirements. Daily routines are flexibly organised to reflect those needs. Consequently, children are able to predict what is likely to happen throughout the day and they receive consistency of care.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where there is plenty of space for them to play and move in comfort. Their safety is satisfactorily protected because the childminder has taken some steps to identify and minimise most potential hazards. A general range of safety precautions are in place. For example, toys are stored safely and they are clean and appropriate for the age and stage of the children in her care, any unused electric plug sockets are covered and exterior doors are kept locked, with keys accessible. However, children's safety is at potential risk because hazardous materials, in the kitchen, are stored in low-level cupboards where they could be accessed by children and there are several hazards within the childminder's garden, for example, incomplete boundary fencing and some exposed barbed wire at child height.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety on outings is suitably protected. For example, the childminder's car is well maintained, appropriate car safety seats are used and children are taught about road safety. Children are appropriately protected from the dangers of fire. The childminder has devised suitable evacuation procedures and she has shared these with the children and therefore they are aware of what they would do in a real emergency situation. Smoke alarms are fitted and maintained and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare in the event of child protection concerns is potentially compromised because the childminder is unsure with regard to relevant recording and reporting procedures. However, she has a basic knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and knows that her first priority is the welfare of the children in her care. Children are only released into the care of known individuals and they are never left alone with persons who have not been vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good relationships with the childminder and their peers and therefore are settled and confident to explore and initiate their own play. The childminder takes time to get to know individual children and they are well nurtured because she accurately responds to and anticipates their needs. For example, she recognises when they are tired, hungry or need a change of activity or environment. She suggests activities and asks them what they would like to do or play with. Children happily play both with and alongside each other and they are interested in their play and the range of activities offered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a wide range of age-appropriate activities that help them develop and learn. For example, they take part in lots of craft activities, enjoy imaginary play and regularly share books and stories. The childminder informally plans her daily routine. Sessions include a mixture of both planned and spontaneous play and the childminder responds to children’s interests and plans activities to meet their individual needs. Children's social skills are increased through regularly mixing with other adults and children as they go on outings to local community groups and soft play centres. Children learn through everyday activities and experiences and the childminder encourages their independence and language skills. She encourages

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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 conversations and listens to what children have to say. As a result children's self-esteem is increased as their contributions are acknowledged and valued. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement and therefore are motivated to learn and achieve.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can access plenty of resources that help to extend and support their learning and play experiences. For example, they can choose from a wide range of books, role play items, and construction toys and craft resources. Toys are safely stored where they can be accessed with ease and children are confident to help themselves and know what is available. Children are encouraged to tidy away toys after use and they understand about treating toys and equipment with care and respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated equally and discussions with children and their parents help to identify children's individual needs and interests. The childminder tailors settling in arrangements to suit the needs of children and their parents; this helps children to settle and adjust at their own pace. Children learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through everyday activities, outings and access to a general range of resources and activities that help to promote a knowledge and understanding of diversity. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities but demonstrates a positive attitude towards doing so, if asked. She is willing to work in partnership with parents and outside agencies to try and meet any additional needs. She is aware of children's developmental stages and if she had any concerns about the progress of a child already in her care she would approach the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

child's parents to ensure that appropriate support and advice was obtained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave appropriately because the childminder uses a range of positive strategies to manage behaviour. For example, she uses explanation, discussion and teaches children about the effect their actions have on others. She encourages children to say sorry if they have hurt or upset others and children know that they have to take turns and share. Children receive regular verbal reminders about house rules and these, along with behaviour management methods, are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Regular two way communication between the childminder and parents helps to promote children's welfare and ensure consistency of care. They chat at both ends of the day about children's care, behaviour and routines and children regularly take home examples of craft work that they have done. The childminder has started to put together a folder of useful information that she shares with parents. This includes policies, copies of training certificates, photographs of minded children involved in play and general information about herself and her family. As a result parents receive some guidance as to the service and care they and their children can expect.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Parents and children benefit from the childminder's experience and the warm and welcoming environment that she offers. Ofsted training requirements are met and children receive a suitable level of attention and supervision. Daily routines reflect children’s needs and parental requirements. The childminder has suitable contingency arrangements to provide cover in the event of emergency and sickness.

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Organisation

Children have plenty of space for their needs and enjoy easy access to a wide range of developmentally appropriate resources and activities. Documentation that is necessary to ensure the safe and effective management of the setting is appropriately maintained. Confidentiality for children and their parents is respected and personal information is kept secure. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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 satisfactory. 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 knowledge of child protection issues • make the garden safe • make sure that hazardous materials in the kitchen are made safe or inaccessible.

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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 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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