Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY225899 Unique Reference Number 08 March 2007 Inspection date Vivienne Dempsey 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 lives in a three bedroomed terraced house, which is situated close to the town centre and other local amenities, shops, schools, museum, park and neighbourhood centre. She lives with her husband and their two children aged eight and twelve years. The family has two dogs and a cockatiel as pets. The lounge-dining area is the main room available for childminding purposes. The childminder has been registered since March 2003 and she currently has three children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a mostly clean environment. The childminder demonstrates a basic understanding of how to promote healthy eating to ensure children are satisfactorily nourished.

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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 Drinks are freely available for the children, such as milk, and she has a good understanding of how to meet children's individual likes and dislikes. Close links with parents are developed to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met. The childminder demonstrates a basic knowledge of hygiene routines and practices, although these are not consistently followed, which compromises children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands the importance of providing physical activities to promote children's health, such as walking to the local schools, parks and museum. She also demonstrates a sufficient understanding of accident and medicine procedures, including written parental consents. A first aid box is maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is warm and welcoming, the space is organised to allow children to move around safely. Children use a sufficient range of safe and developmentally suitable resources which are easily accessible to encourage children's independence. The childminder reinforces safe practices with the children, for example, by explaining to them when they are doing something potentially dangerous, such as walking with things in their mouth. Appropriate fire safety equipment is in place and an emergency escape is practised with the children regularly, a satisfactory record is maintained. All of which helps children develop an awareness of safe practices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and the appropriate procedures to follow if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop close and caring relationships with the childminder. Children's communication skills develop well through continuous interaction. The childminder is positive in her interactions and the children enjoy the close contact with her and respond well to her encouragement. They enjoy sharing books together and the childminder is interested in what children have to say, promoting children's self-esteem and confidence. Resources satisfactorily meet children's developmental needs and are plentiful. They include dolls, dominoes, cars and balls. Toys are stored so children have easy access, therefore, encouraging their independence and exploration. However, the childminder has yet to implement the 'Birth to three matters' framework, younger children do not always take part in activities which are suitably planned or assessed at this time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and treated as individuals. The childminder meets children's individual needs through daily discussion with parents, ensuring appropriate care is given. Children benefit from a positive partnership that the childminder has developed with their parents. However, a

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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 complaints procedure for parents is not in place, therefore, they are not fully aware of how to raise any concerns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sufficient understanding of helping children to learn about diversity. A limited range of resources promoting equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, such as books and jigsaws is available. Children receive support and encouragement as they play and the childminder focuses on and supports good behaviour positively.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and made welcome in the childminder's home. Their care, learning and play is adequately supported by the childminder who ensures that the children receive a good level of attention and supervision. Children are able to move around confidently and independently. Adult- to-child ratios are maintained.

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Organisation

Most required documentation is in place and available for inspection and the registration certificate is displayed. Although appropriate training has been attended, the childminder's first aid certificate has expired. This is a breach of requirements and the children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure a record of emergency escape practices is maintained, ensure a current first aid certificate is available and ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now practices emergency escape with the children regularly and a satisfactory record is maintained. A first aid certificate is now available, but has expired, although the childminder is now attending the relevant training. She now has a sufficient understanding of helping children to learn about diversity. A limited range of resources promoting equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, such as books and jigsaws is available.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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

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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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): • ensure good hygiene and cleaning routines are encouraged and practiced • improve outcomes for children under three by implementing an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure that a complaints policy is in place which contains the regulator's contact details, and is shared with parents • ensure first aid certificate is renewed.

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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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