Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY335025 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2007 Inspection date Frank William Kelly Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She is registered to care for four children at any one time, and is currently minding two children on a full and part time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and two children aged three and four in the market town of Ormskirk in West Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor, and a bathroom and two bedrooms on the upper floor are used for minding the children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder meets regularly with a local childminding group and takes children out to toddler groups, parks and other local places of interest on a regular basis.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a clean and suitably heated and ventilated home. Their health and well-being is protected by good hygiene practices, such as cleaning of surfaces and regular hand washing by the childminder. Clear procedures and recording systems are in place for the recording of accidents and medicine administrations. Written policies regarding children who become sick or infectious are shared with parents, thus, further minimising the spread of infection. Children are learning practically about promoting their personal hygiene through their daily routines. They each have their own individual hand towel and the childminder gently reminds them to wash their hands before they eat or after visiting the toilet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is keen to promote the children's physical development through regular exercise and fun activities. Everyday the health of the children benefits from fresh air as they walk to and from the local school, visit the local play-park or play in the garden. Weekly trips to the local swimming baths and commercial soft play activity centres are also incorporated into the children's planned activities. Full advantage is taken of what the weather and the elements provide, for example, during the inspection the children enjoyed putting on the spare wellingtons and jumping and splashing in the puddles in the garden. Indoors, children have good access to a suitable range of equipment, which helps to develop their co-ordination and physical skills. For example, the young children enjoy fitting the shapes into the inset boards and rolling, cutting and squashing the play-dough.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Regular drinks are available to the children to help keep them refreshed and suitably hydrated and the childminder has taken steps to gain information about the children's individual dietary needs and preferences. An interesting range of meals and snacks are served and reflect a healthy balance of food groups, tastes and textures. These include dishes such as, chicken casserole, sausage, mash, green beans and sugar snap peas. The childminder uses posters of fruits to encourage the children to try new or less familiar foods. The children, during the inspection, enjoyed discussing which fruits and vegetables they enjoy and like. They readily eat the raspberries and point to the pictures of strawberries discussing how they like them very much. The children were less eager to try the lychees and passion fruits also on offer.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is well maintained, furnished and nicely presented. Good use of children's toys and furniture organised within the main living area creates a welcoming child centred environment. The adults within the home are pleasant and polite and soon make visitors feel at ease. The toys are of a good quality and well maintained. The childminder is aware of the importance of regular cleaning and checks them daily to ensure that they are suitable for their purpose, thus promoting the children's health and safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed a risk assessment of the home and taken steps to minimise risks to the children. For example, safety gates and screens restricting access to the stairs and kitchen

p.3

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 are in place and socket covers have been fitted throughout the home. Smoke detectors have been fitted on both floors of the property and an evacuation procedure established, which has been practised on one occasion with the children. A fire blanket has been purchased and is kept in the kitchen, however, at present it is still sealed in the original manufacturers packaging, thus, reducing the effectiveness of access to it in an emergency. Access to the home is restricted and the childminder supervises the children vigilantly, keeping them close or taking them with her as she moves about the home. The garden is fully enclosed, with exit gates and sheds suitably secured, thus, keeping children safe and free from harm. A first aid kit is available and the childminder has completed a recognised first aid course, which enables her to attend to

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

minor accidents and injuries should children hurt themselves.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is helping children to learn about safety whilst outside the home. The children present animatedly explain to visitors how the 'lollipop attendant' holds the 'stick' up and the cars wait and then when it is lowered the cars go.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended relevant training relating to child protection and has a sound knowledge of the procedures to implement to safeguard children and keep them protected at all times. Parents are informed in writing about the childminder's responsibilities as part of the information systems about her service. Relevant contact details are held should the childminder need to report any concerns. This and other information held is reflective of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and interested learners. They have secure and caring relationships with the childminder, thus, they have developed a strong sense of security and self-confidence. They ask lots of questions and want to discuss what they are doing. For example; whilst making play dough butterflies the children discuss the different colours they have used. They are eager to share what they know with visitors and discuss which one is yellow and which one is orange. Children are busy in their play; they help themselves with familiarity from the selection of toys and activities clearly following what interests them. They become engrossed in what they are doing, for example, trying on lots of different bangles and bracelets, holding their arm out and sliding them back and forth as they admire them. They clearly enjoy their role play whilst out in the garden as they busy themselves making cups of tea and reorganising the pots and pans

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Inside they want to sit close to familiar adults, have a cuddle and join in an observation activity where they try to spot the differences between two similar pictures. The childminder provides the children with time to practise their mark making skills and encourages them to count as part of their play. Practically the children's learning is unhurried, for example, the childminder sits patiently with the children as they operate the cassette player. Their achievement is praised and applauded and both children and adults sing along heartily to the 'music man' song. The childminder has created a stimulating learning environment, with lots of toys, books and posters, which is helping the children to gain an awareness of print and numerals.

p.4

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 enjoy some opportunities to be creative within the home and regular additional visits to the local childminding group extend these experiences further. Trips to the local shops are enhancing children's learning about colours, weight and variety.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Secure systems are in place for sharing information about the children's needs, thus they are treated with equal concern. The childminder has a sound understanding of the steps to be taken to care for children with additional needs. Children are learning about their wider world through the provision of good quality books, toys and jigsaws that reflect diversity. Access to toys and resources are non gender specific and freely available to the children cared for. Regular trips into the local area are extending the children's understanding of their immediate community. The children enjoy opportunities to visit the library, local market and feed the ducks at the park.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder presents a positive role model, which children mirror well. Praise and encouragement are used to reinforce good behaviour, and achievements are valued. The childminder is calm and consistent in her approach and gently encourages good manners. She has devised simple house rules that help children learn about the importance of sharing and respecting each other and their environment. Children are cooperative and well behaved. They are familiar with and respond willingly to the simple instructions, such as helping to tidy away and sitting down whilst eating.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to offer good care to children and to meet their individual needs. For example, she finds out about children's needs, likes and dislikes prior to placement. Parents are provided with written information prior to the placement and are invited to visit with their child. They are kept well informed about their child's time in the setting because the childminder discusses the daily events when they call to collect their children.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has consciously chosen to care for smaller numbers of children so that she can spend more time with the children to meet their individual needs. Good organisation of the home and daily routines means that this is being implemented well in practice. For example, children attending school nursery are provided with relaxing and restful activities in between adult led play and outings so that they are relaxed, thus, feeling refreshed and having the energy to enjoy their time at school.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has a secure understanding of the National Standards and she has completed all mandatory training. Additional information about relevant child care practice, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework has been sought and future training needs established so as to improve the outcomes for the children. All adults within the home have been suitably vetted and most regulatory documentation is in place and well maintained. However, some parental agreements are not clearly detailed in relation to the agreed arrangements for escorting

p.5

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 the children to school. Good printed policies and procedures, such as those for sick children, and parental partnership are shared with parents. These are clear to understand and actively contribute to the organisation of the setting; they also keep parents well-informed about the provision and this promotes continuity in children's care.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.6

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 complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 that the fire blanket is ready to use and suitably sited in the kitchen • clarify arrangements in writing with parents regarding escorting children to school.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6