Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342267 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2007 Inspection date Lynne Pope 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 three children aged six, nine and 11 years, in Washington. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years all day and four children over five years before and after school. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 and well presented home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children learn through the example that the childminder sets. The provision of a soap dispenser and paper towels ensures that any spread of infection is minimized between children. The clear written sickness policy protects children from infection. Relevant records are in place for accidents and the administration of medication to protect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good awareness of special dietary requirements through consultation with parents. Children have access to a wholesome, nutritious diet which is freshly prepared daily. The childminder shares a sample menu with parents so that they are aware of what types of meals children are provided with. Children benefit from physical activities which help them to learn control of their bodies. They move freely enabling them to explore the childminding environment. Daily walks are taken to and from school. Visits are often made to the local park on their return journey. They particularly enjoy the back garden, where they are able to climb the slide, use the swing and push each other round in the sit in car. The result is children develop a positive attitude towards exercise. They are able to rest or be active according to their needs.

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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 safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. The home is made welcoming with a broad range of resources provided in the conservatory. Children independently select their own resources, which are stored on low level shelving developing their independence. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe, stimulating and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder identifies and minimises risks around the home. She has carried out written risk assessments to ensure that the home is safe each day. Any accidents are recorded and evaluated. As a result safety measures are put in place, where needed. However, the slide in the back garden is not secure. Children are kept safe on outings through the good procedures the childminder has in place. Timely reminders from the childminder help children to learn to keep themselves safe. For example, to be careful when standing on the sofa as they may bang their head on the window ledge. Their awareness is raised of what to do in an emergency through practising evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder who is confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. A comprehensive written policy has been produced which demonstrates her understanding. Parents receive a copy so that they are aware of what she would do in the event of a concern being raised.

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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 calm, confident manner when caring for children. This results in children being content and settled. She uses good procedures to find out about what they can do through a staged introduction to herself and her home. Children are animated and enthusiastic, selecting their activities independently. They develop high self-esteem and confidence through the sensitive approach of the childminder with the result that they make good progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their development inside and outside the home. The childminder plans activities that stimulate children's interest. Outings are made, for example, where children study the ducks at the park and match them to the pictures in a guide book. They collect feathers and on their return do collages of ducks. In the home they dress up as a doctor and police officer and get involved in role play. They experiment making sounds on the electronic keyboard. The childminder interacts well with children as she joins in with their play. Activities based on the 'Birth to three' framework help the development of children under the age of three. For example, they explore the treasure basket of natural resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's understanding of others. They learn about the wider world as they walk to and from school and make outings into the environment. They socialise with other children at the childminding group. Children show a sense of belonging in the setting, settling well and making choices about what they do. They are included in a wide variety of experiences, encouraging a sense of achievement and enjoyment. A good relationship is developed between the childminder and children. Consistent boundaries are set and good behaviour encouraged through praise with the result that children learn to manage their own behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A very good relationship has been established between the childminder and parents. Written policies and procedures are shared prior to the child starting. Children are settled in over a period of time ensuring that they settle really well. Parents receive daily feedback on their child's progress. They have stated in letters of recommendation left for the inspection that they are happy with the standard of care offered to their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. Children's care is significantly enhanced by good organisation. The childminder plans ahead possible activities which are flexible based on the children's needs. Good daily routines allow children to experience a range of exciting activities in the home and wider community. They feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. They self select resources with ease, from a broad range. This

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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 means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning as well as being well supported by the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed towards attending further childcare training and development courses, to keep informed of current childcare practices. She is currently attending a diploma in home based childcare. Since registration she has gained her first aid certificate. The childminder is actively involved with the local childminding group. This broadens children's experience and increases her knowledge, which contributes towards good quality childcare. Written policies and procedures are individual to the setting and are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents receive a written copy to read before their child starts ensuring they are aware of her expectations. Relevant records and consents are accurate and up to date.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Oftsed 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 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 the slide in the garden is secure so that it will not tip over when children use it.

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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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