Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332659 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2006 Inspection date Anne Walker 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 2006. She lives with her husband and young son in Retford, north Nottinghamshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is a spare bedroom on the first floor which is used for overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding four children, of whom, three attend before and after school and a baby who attends on a part time basis. The childminder is able to walk to the local school to take and collect children but also has use of a car. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminder's support group. The family has a cat.

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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 are cared for in a clean, comfortable environment. Their health is effectively promoted by good hygiene arrangements in the kitchen and bathroom that prevent the spread of germs. Through daily routines and expectations the children learn to safeguard their own health by washing their hands after using the bathroom. A clear policy regarding the care of children who are ill or infectious is shared with parents. This ensures that parents are able to work cooperatively with the childminder to safeguard the health of all children and prevent the spread of infections.

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Helping children to be healthy

A balanced diet is provided for children across the day. This is varied and healthy options such as fruit are attractively presented, visible to children and encouraged for snacks. Babies' individual feeding and weaning needs are known and acted upon. They are served home cooked, pureed vegetables and fruits. The children are offered regular drinks of water or milk so that they do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play actively in the garden and have a good range of equipment available to them. This includes a large climbing frame which provides appropriate challenges for young children and develops their physical skills. They regularly walk to school or local venues which fosters their awareness of taking exercise as part of the daily routine. The baby's increasing mobility is encouraged with space to crawl and use of the furniture to pull herself up on her feet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety has been given good regard in most aspects. A child-centred environment has been created through risk assessments in the house and garden. Hazards are identified and managed, enabling the children to play safely and have independence in their environment. Fire precautions are in place with working smoke detectors and a fire blanket readily accessible. An emergency escape plan has been formulated but this does not have sufficient regard to the overnight care which is provided. Neither has it been practised which could put children at risk of harm. The children are well supervised as they play, rest and have their meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children play with a broad range of good quality play materials that are clean and well maintained. Good regard is given to organising the day and the environment so that children of varying ages have appropriately challenging activities without compromising the care of babies. Play materials are accessible to children which fosters their independence and they readily make choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare of children is safeguarded through their carers' awareness of her child protection responsibilities. She has regard to current government guidance.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the family. Their ideas and interests are listened to when planning activities so they take part with enthusiasm. Their art work is valued and displayed in the home. Use is made of the outdoor environment, for example, collecting autumn leaves on the way home from school and creating a collage.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A balanced and well organised day provides children with time at home, opportunities to be outdoors playing actively and taking part in community events. Children's developmental needs are taken account of so that babies' feed and rest times are incorporated into the day. Sensory play materials at floor level encourage the baby to investigate and explore. Children are supported by their carer who plays alongside them helping them to make the most of these experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children regularly attend musical and play sessions in the local community. This promotes their imaginative and social skills as they mix with a wider group of their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good attention is paid to meeting children's individual needs so that they feel settled and secure. Initial records ensure their needs are identified and day to day discussions, as well as a daily diary sheet for the baby, promotes effective communication between home and the care setting. Children have developed warm relationships with their carer, allowing themselves to be cuddled and fed and settled for rest. A variety of play materials and activities supports children's awareness of the wider world and fosters their respect for people's similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn how to get along with others and to manage their feelings and emotions through consistent expectations conveyed to them, such as sharing toys. Clear explanations that are suitable for their level of development help them understand right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A helpful portfolio of information is shared with new parents. This provides information about the childminder's experience and training as well as guidance about how the setting is run. It enables parents to develop a working partnership with their child's carer in order to ensure children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed the required training so that she can run her business efficiently and safely. This includes a first aid certificate so that any accidents children may have can be dealt with competently. All required records are in place and have been maintained, such as the attendance register. Other documentation is generally in place so that children's needs are clear and parents' wishes are attended to. Parents consent for children to be taken in the car and emergency medical treatment have been discussed but not put in writing, although the

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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 paperwork has been developed. This may lead to misunderstandings and compromise the care of children.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and readily accessible enabling the childminder to manage her business on a day to day basis. All records are maintained and stored so that children's confidentiality is respected. Children are provided with a warm and homely environment that is organised with their welfare in mind. The childminder is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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): • further develop and practise the emergency escape plan, particularly in relation to overnight care • ensure that all consent forms are completed prior to the child being cared for.

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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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