Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285290 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged sixteen months, three and thirteen years in a Fenland town. The whole of the childminder’s house and outdoor playroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five, and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks or drives to the local schools to take and collect children and attends the local toddler group. The family has a dog, four cats, several tropical fish tanks and a rabbit.

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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. Clear procedures are in place to meet the health needs of children. Children's individual needs are well cared for by the use of medication records. However, although records are completed, they are not in sufficient detail to fully underpin the care offered. The children's health needs are enhanced as the childminder ensures that her first aid certificate is kept up-to-date, as is the first aid kit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder implements good hygiene procedures that minimise the risk to children of cross-infection. For example children use individual hand towels with a picture and their name on so that they can easily identify their own towel. Children demonstrate their developing understanding of good hygiene and personal care as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Outside shoes are removed as children enter the house to enable babies to crawl around the floor safely and to help children develop an understanding of respecting property.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills as they engage in activities that contribute to their good health. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise whilst playing in the well equipped garden. The children regularly play in the park, attend a toddler group and go for walks all of which promote physical exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished and are beginning to learn about healthy eating because the childminder encourages them to eat nutritious food, such as fresh fruit. Drinks are readily available for the children so that they can access them when thirsty. Children enjoy a hot meal each day. They eat together at the table which makes it a social occasion. Children's individual dietary needs are well met as the childminder and parents work well together ensuring that special requirements are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from using a wide range of play equipment, which is appropriate for their individual ages and stages of development. Toys are carefully stored in boxes that are at a low level, which encourages children to select and choose what they would like to play with. Children are protected from harm as the childminder checks the equipment regularly and ensures that it is maintained in good order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment which is inviting to children. They are able to move about with confidence as the childminder has organised space effectively so that they have the ability to make choices about which room they like to play in, helping them to develop their sense of independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment which is free from hazards, and the childminder is very safety conscious. Children are involved in learning about their own safety and are developing

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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 a good understanding of the importance of staying safe. For example, children help to tidy up their toys to prevent tripping. Children are kept safe as the childminder has a good understanding of fire safety procedures. She has a fire evacuation plan, which is colour coded for the younger children, displayed and practised so that children know what to do in an emergency situation. Children are able to explain what to do ‘if there is smoke in the room you need to crawl on the floor.’ The children understand how to keep themselves safe when on outings as they learn about the Green Cross Code.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect, and has an understanding of where to report any child protection issues. This helps to ensure children are protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, happy and enjoy their time spent with the childminder. The children have good relationships with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. The children are excited and enthusiastic when they are playing at the childminder's house. They are inquisitive and ask lots of questions which helps their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder planning a range of interesting and imaginative activities which are age appropriate. They enjoy an exciting range of play equipment. Creative opportunities with paints and play dough are popular with the children. Children enjoy baking cakes and playing imaginary games as they pretend to go shopping with a trolley and dress up in a range of outfits.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop several skills as they play and the childminder maximises opportunities to support their learning by asking them appropriate questions to extend their thinking and language skills. Children also develop their fine motor skills as they use a range of pens pencils as they draw. Children acquire basic mathematical skills as they count during routine activities such as counting how many animals they see when in the car. This is further re-enforced as children play with board games and complete jigsaw puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their confidence and self-esteem because the childminder regularly praises them for their achievements and good behaviour which children respond positively to. Children's communication skills are well supported through good adult-child interactions. Children are given lots of choices during their day with the childminder ensuring they have an overall balanced day. There is a very good balance between adult-led and child initiated activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes about a diverse society through the everyday discussions with the childminder. There are a range of resources that re-enforce these issues such as dolls, books and small world play. Children's individual needs are respected by the childminder and much effort is made to ensure that the parents' wishes are adhered to in

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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 order to meet the children's individual requirements. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met. The childminder is aware of the need to provide good care for children with learning difficulties and works closely with parents to ensure that they are provided with appropriate support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand what is expected of them and learn to respect the childminder's simple rules, such as, sharing the toys. The children are praised for good behaviour and individual achievements, building their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder uses age-appropriate methods to deal with unwanted behaviour and discusses this with parents for consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership that the childminder has developed with the parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are actively sought before the children start to ensure their needs are met. The childminder shares children’s progress on a daily basis with a daily diary being provided for younger children if requested. The majority of the required written consents from parents are in place, with only a few omissions such as, the use of plasters and taking the children horse riding. The childminder has an appropriate complaints procedure in place which is in line with current regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is good because of the efficient organisation and the childminder's day-to-day management of the provision. Children are relaxed and confident in her care. Children's play opportunities are fully supported by the way that the childminder organises the premises. She ensures that the day-to-day routine includes time to play indoors, outside and time for trips out into the community. The childminder's consistent commitment to training and keeping up-to-date with current child care practices greatly enhances the quality of care provided for the children.

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Organisation

Children's needs are effectively supported through the childminder's effective recording systems. Records and documentation are mostly in place and meet the required standard, which contributes to the continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to, develop her knowledge and understanding of play opportunities for children under three, through the use of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and provide further opportunities for older children to be creative. The childminder has started a training course relating to this framework and provides a range of activities for all ages. She has developed her awareness and understanding of child protection issues and ensures that any existing injuries are recorded. The childminder has developed a fire escape plan, which is practised regularly, so that children know what to do in an emergency. By addressing these recommendations from the last inspection the quality of care provided for the children has developed.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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

On 27th July 2006 a concern was raised with Ofsted regarding lack of supervision and not notifying Ofsted of the intention to employ an assistant. This relates to National Standard 1: Suitable person, National Standard 2: Organisation, National Standard 6: Safety and National Standard 14: Documentation. Ofsted conducted an unannounced visit on 31 July 2006 and found evidence to suggest a breach of National Standards 1, 6, 12 and 14. Actions were raised in relation to these National Standards. The provider remained qualified for registration.

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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): • develop written permissions to include permissions to use plasters and activities such as horse riding • develop the recording of medication to include sufficient detail to underpin the care offered.

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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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