Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285333 Unique Reference Number 23 October 2006 Inspection date Jill Lee 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 young sons, aged eight and three years, in Stocksbridge, near Sheffield.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The downstairs only of the home is used for childminding activities except for access to the toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. She is currently caring for four 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. She has completed the NCFE level 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistants and works as a voluntary teaching assistant at Stocksbridge Junior School.

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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 enjoy activities and outings in the fresh air each day. They go for walks most days across the fields at the top of the road, often taking the scooters. They enjoy collecting leaves and conkers and visiting the local farm. The childminder places emphasis on daily physical exercise, walking with the children to and from school, to promote a healthy lifestyle. Children use a range of large play equipment at local parks and when they visit toddler groups. They use the soft play resources at the 'play zone' and plan to go bowling in the school holidays. They enjoy a lively music and dance session before they settle for their rest after their lunch. The childminder plans suitable activities to develop their abilities and encourages independence to try out new skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from infection by the childminder's clear awareness of health and hygiene guidelines. Parents are clearly informed that sick children cannot be cared for, although the childminder does not have detailed information about notifiable diseases. Children's understanding of the importance of good hygiene is promoted in their everyday routines. For example, they independently get the step stool to wash their hands before they eat and know they must get a clean knife when it drops onto the floor. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children effectively. However, the childminder has not obtained clear written agreements with parents about seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is well informed about children's individual dietary needs. She plans a balanced menu, so that children have a range of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. The menu is shared with parents and they receive a daily information sheet about what foods their child has enjoyed. The childminder talks with children about healthy choices and encourages them to try new foods, with different tastes and textures. Children are encouraged to help with preparing their own lunch on occasion; for example, they spread their own bread for sandwiches and plan to make fruit salad. Drinks are always available for them to access independently.

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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 child-friendly home. The childminder organises space and resources well to reduce potential hazards, so that she actively encourage children's independence. She places high priority on safe supervision and assesses risks effectively to promote children's safety and enjoyment. She carefully considers the age range present when planning different activities. Children use a broad range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's awareness of risk and safety is raised in everyday activities. For example, they learn that they must not touch the cooker and they are not allowed in the kitchen while the childminder is cooking the meal. The childminder ensure babies and toddlers are safe by using a play pen for short periods, such as when she prepares activities for older children or supervises

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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 children to the toilet. The childminder talks with children all the time about the dangers of busy roads. They learn to stay beside her when they are out walking and to stop at the kerb when crossing the road together. The childminder has completed the 'Training children in Kerbcraft child pedestrian safety skills' course. Children's risk of accidents is minimised by consistently reinforced safety rules. For example, they know they must not run indoors and know they need to tidy toys away to provide clear floor space to play in. The childminder has a well-considered plan for safe evacuation in an emergency and practises this with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures. She has attended recent training to update her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. This has increased her confidence in her own ability to protect children and keep them safe. The childminder shares her responsibilities with regard to child protection issues with parents and clearly explains the requirement to keep a record of all accidents, incidents and existing injuries. She deals appropriately with incidents, involving parents and keeping a clear record; however, she does not consistently ask parents to countersign the record. Her willingness to share concerns with parents ensures that the welfare of children in her care is given high priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy interesting activities and develop confidence to play independently as the childminder shows interest in what they are doing. She encourages children to suggest ideas for activities. Most resources are stored so that children can select them freely. The childminder has a flexible weekly plan to introduce variety into children's experiences. She plans some opportunity for exploratory play, with paint, sand and water, and offers creative activities, like hand painting, music and mirror drawing. Children do not have sufficient opportunity to freely explore their own creativity, as creative resources are not accessible for them to select independently. The childminder is planning to attend the 'Birth to three matters' framework training to help her enhance the play experiences of younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language skills develop well as the childminder encourages them to talk about what they are doing. They become engrossed in activities that interest them, as they cook tea in the home corner and play with the animals in Noah's ark. They love dressing up, first as doctors and then as fairies. They count how many buns they need so that everyone can decorate their own. They build different shaped towers with the bricks, working out how to fit them together. Children love reading stories; they choose their favourites from the bookshelf, sit together quietly and become absorbed as they look at the pictures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children begin to understand right and wrong as they learn to take turns and share the toys; they know all the 'downstairs toys' are for sharing. They are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. Good behaviour is sensitively supported.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to use initiative and make decisions as they access resources independently to plan their own play. Daily routines are relaxed and child-led, as children make suggestions about activities they would like to do. They confidently let the childminder know what they are going to do next and she responds supportively to their plans. Their relationships with the childminder are warm and trusting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are helped to feel good about themselves, as the childminder praises them and gives lots of warm encouragement. This reinforces caring behaviour, so that learn to be kind to each other. They know that they must be gentle with younger children and that pushing is not allowed. They learn to say sorry if they have upset someone. The childminder plans activities to enable everyone to be involved. The children learn to share and cooperate as they play and help to keep the play area tidy by putting toys away when they have finished with them. The childminder makes tidy up time fun; the children search for all the red bricks first and count the animals back into Noah's ark. They get reward stickers for 'listening well' and 'not getting cross'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of their local community is raised well by regular outings. They go to the shops and visit local groups and parks. They travel further afield by public transport. The childminder has a range of resources which reflect other cultures and abilities. She includes activities in planning to raise children's awareness of and promote conversations about difference and diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents. She talks with them about her childcare practice and has a detailed information folder outlining her qualifications and childcare policies. She seeks formal written consent about most aspects of children's care, although she has not included access to the family's cats. The childminder actively encourages parents to share any concerns and is aware of current guidance about dealing with complaints. A complaints log is kept, although no complaints have been received. The Ofsted information poster for parents is displayed, so that parents have the contact details of the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's individual needs are supported by flexible and child-led planning. They are cared for within a well-organised and safe environment. The childminder accesses a good range of training and development opportunities, which help her to plan enjoyable experiences for children.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe and their welfare is effectively safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of all required policies and procedures. She clearly understands requirements with regard to reaching agreements with parents, so that their wishes are clearly understood. The childminder shares information daily with parents about children's activities and care needs, enabling consistency and continuity of care. The registration certificate is displayed.

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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 Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to consider the range of toys and resources which promote equality of opportunity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now has a range of play people representing cultures around the world and books which encourage conversations with children about both cultural diversity and disability. She tries to include activities within her planning structure which raise children's awareness of the wider world.

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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.

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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): • obtain written parental consent to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure parents countersign incident and existing injury records, where appropriate • increase children's independent opportunities to enjoy creative and exploratory play.

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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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