Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY320947 Unique Reference Number 19 December 2006 Inspection date Lindsey Pollock 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 has been registered since June 2006. She lives with her husband, her daughter aged six and her son aged four years. Her home is close to schools, pre-schools, parks and local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years. There are three children under eight years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local parent/child toddler groups.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained environment. They are helped to be healthy and are protected from infection by the childminder's clear awareness of health and hygiene guidelines, such as encouraging children to wash their hands when appropriate. Older children are beginning to understand why this is important. The childminder is well informed about individual requirements, such as health concerns or special dietary needs, however, medication records are not consistently documented to fully safeguard children's welfare. Regular opportunities are made for the children to get fresh air and to promote and enjoy their physical development. They walk daily to and from school and nursery and play outside in the garden. They love dancing and play games such as 'Hokey Cokey' and 'Hulla Balloo' when they move in different ways. This encourages children to exercise whilst having fun.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied range of healthy snacks. They have their favourite fruits which include raisins, tangerines, bananas and apples and know that these are good for them. They are offered plenty of drinks to ensure that they are not thirsty.

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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 well organised, safe environment where they have room to move around freely and safely. The premises are warm and welcoming and are friendly to children and parents. Furniture, equipment and toys are provided to promote children's development and welfare. All are kept clean, are in good condition and toys are presented invitingly to children within their reach. This successfully promotes their developing independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder carries out risk assessments and has identified potential hazards in her home. She sees children's safety as high priority. Good steps are taken to keep children safe, for example, equipment, such as cupboard safety catches, socket covers and safety gates are in place and the premises are secure. The childminder has identified a clear evacuation route but has not yet practised with the children so they know what to do in an emergency. She helps children to gain an awareness of safety, both indoors and outdoors, by talking and explaining to them and by being a positive role model. They are learning about road safety and know they must hold onto the buggy when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibilities with regards to child protection to ensure children are adequately protected. Documentation regarding local procedures is in place to enable her to report concerns promptly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's care. They benefit from warm and affectionate interaction with her which contributes to them building confidence and having

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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 a sense of security. The childminder's sound understanding of how children learn and develop means their care and play experiences meet their needs effectively and their overall development is promoted. Enjoyable and stimulating play opportunities provide children with fun and developmentally appropriate challenge. For example, they enjoy craft and art activities and love engaging in imaginary play. They happily prepare and serve 'food' and love making 'camps' with the cushions. Although the childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters framework, she is not yet using this to promote the outcomes for children in their earliest years.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children benefit from regular attendance at toddler groups. This helps to develop their social skills as they play with the other children. The childminder has a flexible approach to providing activities. She takes account of individual needs and what children have been doing at school and nursery to allow for rest, or more active play. Children are confident and happy to talk about their favourite activities and show that they feel very much at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder values children as individuals and treats them with equal concern. She gives them praise and encouragement, resulting in them feeling good about themselves. She is a positive role model and encourages children to respect others. She offers explanations to help children understand about differences. Resources to help raise children's awareness of diversity are currently being developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour in the setting is good as a result of the childminder's positive and consistent approach. She has realistic expectations, considering children's ages and understanding, and uses explanations to help children to understand and begin to manage their own behaviour. The children are kind to each other, happily share resources and obviously enjoy each others company.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being. Positive relationships have been established to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Information is obtained at initial visits and daily exchanges ensure parents are informed of their child's care. Details of how to contact Ofsted should they have a concern have not been made available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the National Standards and of her responsibilities for meeting these. She has completed a registration course with the local authority but has not yet completed first aid training to safeguard children if an accident was to occur.

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Organisation

The record of attendance shows ratios are met which enables the childminder to give appropriate support and supervision at all times. The childminder has an informal routine in place, which is based on the children's needs thus enabling them to gain maximum enjoyment from activities provided. Space is used effectively to promote children's welfare.

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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 Most records which are required for the safe and effective management of the provision are maintained. All documentation is kept in an organised manner and is available for inspection. The childminder is aware of the need to notify Ofsted of significant changes to her registration.

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Organisation

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

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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): • complete an appropriate first aid course which has been approved by the local authority • use an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support children under three years • provide parents with information of how to contact Ofsted • ensure medication records are consistently documented to safeguard children's welfare.

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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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