Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332255 Unique Reference Number 24 January 2007 Inspection date June Rice 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. He lives with his partner and one child in Featherstone, near Pontefract. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and includes a dedicated playroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children when working alone, and to care for 10 children when working with a co-childminder. There are currently 12 children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. He 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’s health and well-being is being promoted satisfactorily. The childminder has developed his knowledge of appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. For example, the childminder attended a food hygiene course. He ensures work surfaces are clean and washes his hands before preparing food. He has developed a clear nappy changing procedure that reduces the risk of cross-infection. For example, the changing mat is cleaned thoroughly, the nappy is disposed of immediately and he uses disposable gloves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand simple, acceptable health and hygiene practices. They are praised when they independently get tissues to wipe their nose when sneezing. They use individual towels when they wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and following craft activities. Children are nourished well and encouraged to eat healthily. They enjoy regular liquid refreshment in their own beakers and well-balanced nutritional meals that accommodate specific dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical activity. For example, they benefit from a varied selection of outside play equipment, dance and exercise to music, and enjoy regular outings to the local park, shops and library. Children benefit from being able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. For example, children show signs of tiredness and go to their pushchair. They quickly settle and enjoy a restful sleep. The childminder follows a clear procedure if children are poorly. They are made comfortable and allowed to rest while parents are contacted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in premises where they feel safe and secure. They enjoy using the dedicated playroom and benefit from additional space in the lounge. They move freely between both areas. Children’s risk of accidental injury is reduced because the childminder has satisfactorily assessed risks to children. He uses appropriate safety equipment and visual checks to ensure children’s safety. However, an electric socket is uncovered in the lounge and this puts children at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy using suitable and safe equipment because the childminder checks equipment thoroughly, uses known brands and is aware of the BS EN safety standards. Toys and equipment are presented satisfactorily in low-level containers and drawers identifying contents with labels. Children are able to independently select a limited selection but choice is reduced as they are not fully aware of what is on offer.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings and are learning to keep themselves safe. For example, they always use crossings and wait for the green man before walking across. Children are learning about not talking to strangers and staying close when on outings. The childminder is well equipped on outings and takes emergency contact details, a first aid box and mobile phone. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. For example, they practise an emergency

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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 evacuation and are learning to evacuate quickly. Children are protected because the childminder understands his role in child protection and is confident he can put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have developed positive relationships with the childminder. They are settled and feel very much at home. They move about the environment freely and interact well with each other. Children are growing in confidence. For example, they show cautious interest in visitors and have enough confidence to slowly approach and have a look at what they are doing. Children respond well to the interaction of the childminder. For example, they independently select picture books and repeat sounds when they are encouraged to name characters they recognise. They choose a shape sorter and, with support from the childminder, concentrate on placing shapes into the container.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit because the childminder provides sufficient activities and resources that offer some variety. Children enjoy a day that provides time for rest, play and outings to the local park and soft play areas. However, activities are predominately child-led with limited opportunities planned for children to build on their natural curiosity as learners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s understanding of differences and similarities is adequately promoted through positive discussion and occasional activities. For example, children use mirrors to look at themselves and are encouraged to talk about what is different in each other. Children use toys and equipment in everyday play that represent some positive images of race and culture. However, toys, equipment and craft activities are not used effectively to plan opportunities for children to further develop their knowledge and understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from being fully included and have developed a real sense of belonging. They receive appropriate support and their individual needs are met sufficiently because the childminder works closely with parents and shares information daily. Children are well behaved and are learning to understand responsible behaviour. They are supported well while learning to share. For example, when children remove toys from others, the childminder quickly and calmly diffuses the situation and encourages them to take turns and share.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a satisfactorily organised, child-friendly environment. Children enjoy the use of a dedicated playroom where they are able to safely and independently select toys of their choice. Their welfare and care is sufficiently promoted. The childminder has developed a professional relationship with parents, and all required documentation is in place and most is completed appropriately. However, the register of attendance is slightly out of date. Parents

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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 are provided with policies and procedures that clearly demonstrate how the provision works and this ensures that children's individual needs are met satisfactorily.

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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): • ensure electric sockets are fitted with socket covers • plan and provide activities, play opportunities and first-hand experiences, which allow children to build on their natural curiosity as learners • develop resources and activities that reflect positive images of diversity and promote children's appreciation of similarities and differences • ensure the record of children's attendance is up to date.

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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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