Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY298430 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2006 Inspection date Ann Doubleday 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 satisfactory. 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 daughter aged 12 years in Middlesbrough. All of the home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden 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 one child under five years. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family have a cockatiel as a pet.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder follows clear hygiene routines to protect and promote children's health. Good standards of cleanliness are maintained in childminding areas to ensure that children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Toys and equipment are clean and well maintained, and the childminder has appropriate procedures in place for nappy changing. This all helps to prevent the spread of infection, which protects children's health. Each day there are outdoor activities provided to give children the opportunity to have fresh air. They are taken for a walk to the village or to the local parent and toddler groups. Appropriate arrangements are in place for them to have a sleep or rest when required. This means they are able to rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures she has the appropriate documentation in place to support children's health needs. Although she has not had to give any medication and there have been no accidents, the childminder is aware of the procedure to follow and has the appropriate documentation in place. She has completed a first aid course to ensure that children are not at risk should an accident occur. However, written consent has not been requested from parents for seeking medical advice in an emergency. This means children's health needs are not fully met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are appropriately met. Parents provide the meals for their children and the childminder ensures they are given according to the children's needs and routines. She ensures children have regular drinks so that they are not thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where most risks are identified and minimised. For example, a fireguard is used at the lounge fire, safety gates are in place on the stairs and on the kitchen entrance and cupboard locks are used. This means that they are generally able to move around safely. However, there are some liquid plug-in air fresheners at a low level which pose a risk. There are satisfactory arrangements in place to keep children safe in the event of a fire. A written emergency evacuation procedure and appropriate fire safety equipment is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A good range of developmentally appropriate equipment and toys, which are in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys are stored in boxes in the main play area so that they are easily accessible to children. Children enjoy playing with the toys available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and the procedures to follow should she have any child protection concerns. She is not clear about the procedures to follow should there be an allegation made about herself. Consequently, children are not sufficiently safeguarded.

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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. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and this means that children's personal, social and intellectual development is well fostered and supported. Routines and care have been established which are consistent with home, which promotes children's sense of security. Close and caring relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children, which increases children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. The childminder helps to raise children's self-esteem by providing encouragement and praise, and by valuing what they have to offer. Children are confident, happy and settled in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a good variety of interesting activities. She spends her time playing with the children and supporting their development. Children have opportunities to develop their creative skills, for example, as they draw on the aqua mat. Their communication skills are developing well as the childminder talks to them and responds to babies early vocalisations. She sings nursery rhymes with them and an early interest in music as they play with home made shakers and with musical instruments. Babies have opportunities to develop their senses as they play with tactile toys. Their social development is supported as they take part in outings to the local parent and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the setting and the childminder values and respects their individuality. The childminder's understanding of each child's needs is used to encourage a sense of security and belonging. She acknowledges young children's non-verbal cues and is getting to know their routines. However, there is a limited range of resources in place to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity. Children have opportunities to take part in outings to the village and other places of local interest within the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies for managing children's behaviour. She is a good role model and gives children praise and encouragement for their achievements. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and to behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership that the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are sought before the child starts and on an ongoing basis. This enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's and a written record is made available for them to look at. Policies and procedures of the setting are shared with parents; however, they have not been given details of the address and up-to-date telephone number of Ofsted. This means they may not be fully aware of how to complain to the regulator should they need to do so.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are settled with the childminder and in the environment. This means that they are happy in the childminder's care. Space is used appropriately to cater for the children's play needs. They are able to move around freely and safely. The childminder has completed the mandatory childminder training and adult to child ratios are well maintained. The childminder organises her time well to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Organisation

There are effective systems in place for the daily sharing of information with parents about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder has written and adopted some policies and procedures which she shares effectively with parents. However, children's welfare is not fully safeguarded as parents have not received sufficient information about how to complain to the regulator should they need to do so. All legally required records are in place and stored confidentially but written consent for seeking medical advice in an emergency has not been obtained from parents. This means children's welfare is not fully protected.

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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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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 satisfactory. 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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 • develop knowledge and understanding of the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation of abuse is made about you • make liquid plug-in air fresheners inaccessible to children • provide parents with the address and up-to-date telephone number of Ofsted • make sure that children have access to an appropriate range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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