Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY341661 Unique Reference Number 25 April 2007 Inspection date Krystina Chitryn Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two children age four and ten months in Clifton. She plans to use the whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and daughter's bedroom on the first floor for childminding. The garden is not yet used for play for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time. The childminder walks or drives to the local schools to take and collect the children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about personal hygiene routines and benefit from learning about regular hand washing; they wash their hands before they eat their snacks, following messy play and after using the toilet. The childminder explains about bugs and tummy ache ensuring children’s good health is suitably maintained. This ensures the children are protected from infection and learn self care from an early age. They also benefit from clean toys and equipment, as the childminder wipes the children's toys and ensures that they are safe. Illnesses are minimised by the effective sick child policy, which ensures that the children's health is satisfactorily maintained. The

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 childminder is aware of children’s individual health needs as these are recorded in the children’s file. Children sleep in the bedroom and have their own bedding, face cloths and towels. This ensures the children are protected from cross infection, keeping them fit and well. However, the childminder did not wash her hands after putting the first nappy in the bin outside and then changing the second nappy. This does not ensure cross infection is minimised and puts children at risk of cross infection.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily fresh air and outdoor play. They walk to school and they visit the local park, and play group. This ensures that all the children are able to benefit from regular exercise and remain fit and healthy.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are given a choice of healthy snacks and they choose cheese and grapes, while other children choose bananas, yogurts, breadsticks and raisins. They have access to drinks at all times. Children sit at the table and in high chairs, however, they are facing different ways and this does not encourage conversation and does not become a social event. Parents provide the children's main meal and the childminder provides snacks which are healthy and nutritious. Thus ensuring children’s good health is maintained. The childminder discusses dietary needs with parents and records the information ensuring that children’s needs are met. Children are provided with milk, fruit juice and water. Drinks are accessible and this ensures that they are well hydrated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment, for example, the furniture is arranged so that the children have sufficient space to play on the floor.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder checks the premises and undertakes a daily risk assessment to ensure they do not come to any harm. The children benefit from appropriate safety equipment that is used throughout the home.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety around toys and equipment is maintained as the childminder checks these daily and through the provision of sound quality toys and equipment. Children are stimulated through a selection of toys that are stored at child height and are accessible so that the children are able to make informed choices. The children learn to tidy up after playing to ensure that they do not trip up over toys.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe both inside and outside of the setting as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues, enabling her to protect the children from harm. She uses incident and accident recordings to identify potential risks and keeps parents well informed. Parents are made aware of the safeguarding procedure on admission.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's personal needs are met in a supportive and homely environment. The children learn to play with the musical instruments and they receive the help and support they need from the childminder. They work together enabling the children to participate in group activities as well as individually on tasks. The children look at a book and they discuss the pictures. The childminder talks to the children and asks questions and encourages them. This helps the children to develop their self-esteem. The children’s welfare is promoted and their individual

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 needs are met as they are comfortable and happy in the setting. The provision for children is further extended through visits to places of interest, such as the Sure Start local group.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children self select their toys and play with one another and the childminder, who encourages them to participate in activities. As a result, the children are interested in what they are doing and enjoy their time in the setting. They have access to a wide range of activities. This ensures the children have access to a variety of materials that helps to develop their sensory awareness.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children have access to a broad range of toys and equipment, which reflect our diverse society. There are some books which show images of people from a variety of cultures and resources that show positive images of people with disabilities. They also discuss and learn about other cultures. This fosters the children's understanding of our wider world. Children with a disability are planned for and are well supported during routines.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s self-esteem is promoted and as a result, the children are happy and confident. They often receive praise from the childminder, which helps build their self confidence. The children are well behaved. This is actively encouraged by the childminder, who is supportive of the children and is respectful to them. Their behaviour is managed in a positive manner, through the use of distraction, explanation and encouragement. For example, the childminder explains about taking turns with toys and not to snatch, when the children disagree over a toy.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure that their children’s specific health needs are met. For example, the childminder records information about the children’s allergies. The children all benefit from continuity of care, which supports their emotional well-being. The parents have access to information, which outlines some policies and procedures. This enables parents to feel fully informed about their child's care. They are well informed of the complaints procedure should concerns arise. However, the childminder does not have a complaints record in place but has agreed to provide one. The childminder exchanges information regularly about the children and a good system of communication ensures an effective passage of information.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most of the required documentation is in place and is in a satisfactory order, however, the complaints record is not available. This is a breach in regulations. The childminder agreed to address these points immediately. The childminder is aware of undertaking training in the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to develop her awareness.

p.4

Organisation

Children are cared for appropriately, for example the required ratios are always maintained and the day is organised around the children's needs. All members of the household and any frequent visitors are subjected to clearance checks and visitors are not left unsupervised at any time. This helps to ensure that children are safe from harm. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 a complaints book is available to parents • ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing • undertake the training on the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5