Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338048 Unique Reference Number 01 December 2006 Inspection date Glynis Margaret Kite 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 has been registered since 2006. He lives with his wife and two daughters aged eight and 10 years. He works with his wife who is also a registered childminder. The childminder and co-childminder have equal responsibilities for the children in their care. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and an outdoor rear play area is also available. The bathroom is located on the first floor. The family have two cats as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children and has six children on roll at present. When working with a co-childminder may care for a maximum of six children. All of the six children may be under five years and two of these may be under one year. There are six children on the register at present. Children attend on a full and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 good. Children's health and well-being is promoted well because the childminder implements good health and hygiene procedures, as part of the daily routines. Children enjoy play in an environment which is clean and maintained to a good standard. Children's toys and equipment are also kept clean and contribute towards preventing the spread of infection. Children are further protected from the spread of infection because the childminder implements an exclusion policy for sick children, and provides children with some equipment of their own, such as cups. Children are learning about good hygiene practice as part of routine activities. For example, when children go to wash their hands before meals and snacks, the childminder talks to them about the importance of washing their hands. The childminder shares equal responsibility for dealing with accidents and medication. He knows and understands the policy and procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

However, the childminder and co-childminder have not taken responsibility for ensuring entries are recorded accurately, and as a result, some entries in the accident book lack required detail.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of a healthy nutritious diet. Children enjoy home cooked meals, which includes fresh vegetables, and takes account of their individual dietary requirements. Parents receive daily information about their child's intake of food and drinks. Children are becoming independent as they are encouraged to feed themselves at mealtimes, either by using their fingers, or cutlery appropriate to their ages and stage of development. Positive relationships are established as children sit together for meals and snacks, with support from the childminder. Younger children are nurtured through hugs and cuddles and sometimes sit on the childminder's knee whilst having drinks and snacks. The childminder ensures children take regular drinks through making them accessible and by reminding them to take drinks. He is observant and knows when children have not taken enough liquids

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Helping children to be healthy

All children engage in physical activity on a daily basis, either during visits to local playgroups, soft play areas or the park. Younger children benefit from opportunities to develop physical skills, such as climbing and pulling themselves up on sturdy adult-sized furniture with the childminder's home. All children benefit from routines which include quiet times in the day, to enable them to rest and sleep as required.

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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 environment where potential hazards are identified and minimised, through daily visual risk assessments. The childminder is watchful and vigilant, ensuring that children are safe as they move around and play. The childminder has several written policies and procedures in place, which are effective in safeguarding children in his care. Good use of safety equipment, such as a fireguard, socket covers and stair gates also contribute to the overall safety of children. The childminder shares responsibility for health and safety policies and procedures with his co-childminder and they have recently updated these documents to take account of the shared role. Children participate in 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 procedures and the childminder ensures all exits are kept clear. However, this procedure does not always take account of the varying patterns of attendance of children. The children are learning about keeping themselves safe during outings as they learn about road safety whilst travelling in a car and out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are warm and welcoming with children's work displayed, which adds to the child-friendly environment. Children's learning and play is encouraged through the provision of good quality, safe and developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. Children access toys and activities freely, thus developing independence. The wide range of toys and play materials include resources which promote positive images and cultural diversity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures. He shares responsibility for keeping children safe with his co-childminder and also shares the written policy with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They eagerly approach him to share their play and are becoming more confident with each day, as they learn new skills. Children freely explore the environment and access toys and equipment of their choice. Children enjoy play and activities based on their individual needs and interests. Children benefit from being able to revisit activities, enabling them to consolidate what they already know. The childminder keeps records of the children's progress, and is developing his practice further to incorporate the 'Birth to three matters' framework into daily activities and experiences for younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy creative activities and have their efforts acknowledged by the childminder, who displays their work within the play rooms. The childminder supports language and mathematical development through the wide range of activities available to children, and daily routines such as story time, singing number rhymes and sorting and matching toys by colour or shape. Children interact well with the childminder and are beginning to develop friendships with their peers, as they play alongside each other. Children are beginning to extend their relationships with other children through attending other group facilities, such as toddler groups and play groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning about sharing and taking turns with support from the childminder. The childminder supports them well through encouragement and praise. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental needs of the children in his care, and as a result, children benefit from appropriate levels of support, care and attention given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well based on the information discussed with parents and recorded. As a result children's individual routines, such as sleep times are maintained and their needs are met well. A programme of gradual visits enables parents and children to meet the childminder and his family, and become familiar with the surroundings. Children benefit from these visits and settle quickly. Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 which promote individual development, cultural diversity and positive images. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of children identified as having learning difficulties and or disabilities. Children are fully included in all aspects of the provision and the childminder works closely with parents and other agencies where necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close working relationship established between the childminder and parents. They regularly exchange information, both in writing and verbally. Daily diaries for younger children are shared with parents, this enables them to feel that they contribute to what their children do each day. Progress files for all children are also made available to parents at any time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder has effective strategies in place to deal with children's behaviour, such as distraction and talking to children, explaining why some behaviour is unacceptable. The strategies implemented are based on children's ages and stage of development. The childminder has a positive approach and is consistent, thus children quickly learn the rules.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an environment which is well organised in terms of space, resources and suitability of adults. Children benefit from the close supervision of adults, who are willing and keen to develop their own skills and knowledge of childcare practices through training. The childminder demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for childminding and understands his responsibilities towards children in his care.

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Organisation

The childminder shares equal responsibility with his co-childminder for maintaining appropriate records and documentation. Children's records are up to date and readily available for inspection. Written policies and procedures are reviewed and changed according to changes in practice or legislation as necessary.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • ensure all entries in the accident book are shared with and signed by parents and that details of the time and date are included • improve emergency evacuation drills by taking account of the varying patterns of attendance of children.

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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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