Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335673 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2007 Inspection date Lucy Showell 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 2006. She lives with her husband, two adult children and a teenage child, in the village of Moreton Morrel, Warwick. The whole ground floor and upstairs bathroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 12 children over five before and after school on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have a pet dog.

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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 care is promoted well through the effective documentation in place. They enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle through the childminder’s pro-active methods with regard to care routines. Children stay healthy because the childminder has good hygiene procedures. For example, individual named towels are used after cleaning their hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap. They learn about the importance of healthy living through discussions about keeping warm when it is cold and making sure they have hats, scarves and gloves on.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder discusses individual needs with parents. Children are well nourished and enjoy freshly cooked meals and healthy snacks. Their preferences are recognised and children are encouraged to try new and healthy foods. Individual drinks are available at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s care is fostered through good individual routines. They rest according to their individual needs and enjoy effective physical activity through interactive play with the childminder.

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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 safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. Their safety is promoted well through the necessary documentation in place including records, risk assessments and well-written policies and procedures. The children are generally protected from harm through the childminder’s awareness of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. Updated information has been shared with parents, however, the childminder has limited confidence in the procedures to follow if there are concerns regarding a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is promoted well through the childminder’s knowledge and proactive skills with regard to safety. Children are kept safe through use of safety equipment in place, all cleaning products and hazardous items are stored out of reach and general safety checks are carried out on a regular basis. Children learn about their own and other’s safety through simple reminders during play. On outings children are encouraged to learn about road safety and risk assessments are carried out before equipment is used.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed at the setting. Their confidence and self-esteem develops through receiving plenty of praise and encouragement for efforts and achievements. They develop independence as they freely access wide range of resources which are age appropriate and are rotated to maintain interest.

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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 Children’s play is promoted well through good interaction with the childminder. Children learn through responding well to questions asked and because the childminder listens and values what the children say. Children interact age appropriately with each other and demonstrate awareness of others. Older children build good relationships with their peers and offer support to younger children during daily routines and whilst playing games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s sense of belonging is developed well through the warm and welcoming environment. They are comfortable, relaxed and familiar with their surroundings and play well and work harmoniously together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s awareness and understanding of the diverse community is effectively promoted. Positive images are depicted with books and resources and creative activities are enjoyed in relation to various festivals and celebrations. The childminder would welcome children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities involving them within her home and with the other children at the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and demonstrate good awareness and respect for others and their individual needs. They are helpful and enthusiastic and give and receive support and encouragement for efforts and achievements. They learn about right and wrong through the childminder’s encouraging manner and simple reminders during play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s care is promoted well through the childminder’s effective and friendly relationship with the parents. For example, daily verbal feedback informs parents of children’s progress and all necessary documents are shared at initial visits. Parents opinions are obtained through questionnaires devised by the childminder to ensure all children’s needs and parents’ requirements are being met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s welfare is effectively promoted through the consistent policies and procedures that work well in practice and facilitate children’s good health, safety, enjoyment, achievements and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

Children’s continuity of care is promoted well through the childminder’s respectful approach to confidentiality and effective practice with regard to reviewing of information and individual records. Children benefit through the childminder’s relationship with parents. For example, she respects the opinions of parents and meets individual requirements.

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Organisation

Children learn through the childminder’s foundation knowledge of child development and her competence and experience of caring for children. Their activities and experiences at the setting are flexible and comply with the effective daily routines. They enjoy good access to a wide range of toys and equipment within the well-organised and child-friendly indoor and outdoor

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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 spaces. They self-select from accessible equipment and are supported in choices and decisions through good interaction with the childminder.

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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. 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): • protect children from harm through an increased understanding of child protection procedures

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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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