Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338388 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2006 Inspection date Sandra Davies 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 July 2006. She minds from the house of her parents. The only other member of the household is an adult brother. She works with a co/childminder, her sister and a registered assistant, her mother. The house is in an established residential area of Marske, close to local amenities including shops, schools, parks and the beach. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge and playroom available. The toilet is located at ground floor level. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children under eight years on a part time and full time basis. The childminder is able to transport children by car to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken to the library, parks and beach.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has contact with the local Sure Start.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has implemented clear hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. High standards of cleanliness are maintained in childminding areas and equipment and toys are cleaned regularly. Children's awareness of hygiene practice is raised by the childminder explaining the importance of following good routines and by setting a good example. For example, gloves and aprons are worn during food handling and nappy changing. Children are encouraged to cover their faces when sneezing and dispose of tissues correctly after nose blowing. Sound systems are in place for dealing with medication and accidents. However, the medication record does not contain information on who administered the medication and parent's signature to acknowledge the entry. This compromises children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritious food at mealtimes. The childminder works with parents to provide food which is good for the children and meets their dietary needs. They enjoy ingredients that promote their healthy growth and development, including fruit and vegetables. Mealtimes are a social occasion where children sit down together and are encouraged to eat their food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors. Children regularly engage in physical activities and enjoy participating. Outdoor garden equipment includes a slide, climbing frame, swing and a tunnel. Children actively participate in indoor physical activity through musical movement, singing and dancing.

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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 well organised, warm and welcoming environment. Good organisation of space and regular checks ensure that children have room to move around freely and safely. There is a dedicated playroom plus a large free play space in the lounge. Furniture, equipment and toys provided are of a high quality and in a safe, well maintained condition. The good range of play equipment provided promotes children's development. Toys and resources are stored so that children can reach them easily, make choices and develop their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps are taken to promote safety within the setting and when on outings and proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents. Risk assessments have been carried out and are ongoing. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they take part in fire drills and learn to cross the road safely. However, the fire drills are not recorded. Appropriate consents are obtained from parents and who can collect the child is recorded.

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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 are protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection and would be able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. Routines have been established which promote children's sense of security and develop their confidence. Strong bonds have obviously been developed which increase children's sense of well-being. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and praising them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy using a wide range of resources. For example, puzzles, construction, creative materials and books which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They take part in play and learning, appropriately supported by the childminder. Activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate, resulting in children being motivated and interested.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a secure understanding of the range of experiences required to enable children to develop. Activities are planned in advance and children's progress is recorded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has developed a sound knowledge of 'Birth to three matters'. This has developed her knowledge and understanding of caring for younger children and ensures that activities are planned to meet the individual needs of the children and that each child makes progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued. They are beginning to access a range of resources which increase their awareness of diversity. Comprehensive information is sought and recorded to ensure that individual care is given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. By supporting them, and being a positive role model, the childminder helps them to negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour. They learn to work harmoniously together and develop respect for each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Trusting partnerships have been established to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Information is shared on a daily basis, both verbal and written. Parents are given written information on the service offered, before the placement. However, this does not include a complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s care is promoted through the detailed documentation and thorough record keeping of the childminder. All necessary documentation is up to date and is well organised.

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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 The childminder’s portfolio evidences her commitment to providing good quality care for children. As well as policies and procedures, it includes certificates from additional training courses attended. For example, completing a Level 3 qualification in childcare, managing challenging behaviour, promoting the physical development of children, and food hygiene.

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Organisation

Children’s space is organised in a effective manner and all resources meet the children’s requirements. Individual needs are extensively met through the childminder’s attention to each child’s requirements.

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Organisation

Children’s care is fully promoted through the childminder’s approach with regard to confidentiality and children benefit through the childminder’s good relationship with parents.

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Organisation

The good quality of the provision means that 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 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): • ensure that a written record is kept of medicines administered to children and that the parent signs the record book to acknowledge the entry • consider keeping a record of when emergency escape plans are practised • develop a written complaints procedure to include the address and telephone number of Ofsted.

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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 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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