Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY257530 Unique Reference Number 19 January 2007 Inspection date Cynthia 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and child aged nine years, in a terraced property which is within easy access of the town centre of Colne. She uses the ground floor for childminding which includes a lounge, dining room/playroom and kitchen. Children access the first floor to use the bathroom. The family have a pet cat. The childminder visits the local toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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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. Children are reasonably well nourished with the inclusion of a variety of fruit into their snacks and a light meal at lunch. Drinks are available at all times for the children and include the option of water. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and there are systems in place to record these, to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has suitable documentation to manage children's accidents and the administration of medication which she shares appropriately with parents. The care of sick children is supported by a written procedure. Children are learning about personal hygiene as their hands are wiped before snacks and after they have eaten, as the childminder sings 'rub a dub, dub' to encourage children to become involved. The childminder liaises with the parents to ensure children have the appropriate rest or sleep. Children are developing emotional well-being through loving and caring relationships.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to enjoy physical activity through the use of land belonging to the local residents and visits to the park. Regular visits to local toddler groups ensure children have access to large equipment to promote their physical skills. The childminder brings a small slide inside and occasionally uses a ball pool to broaden children's physical development.

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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 warm, secure environment where risks have been identified through a detailed risk assessment which is regularly reviewed. Safety is supported by comprehensive procedures which include a clear system for the collection of children incorporating a password recorded on the registration form. Children's understanding of fire safety is promoted by detailed written procedures reinforced by monthly practises. The childminder is effectively developing the children's understanding of safety by giving clear explanations as to why they should not climb on furniture and to stand still whilst having a drink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The area used for children's play is creatively arranged and includes attractive displays of children's art work, which ensures it is a welcoming environment for children to play and learn. Children access a wide range of resources which are appropriate for the ages and stages of development of the children attending and actively support their learning and development. Resources are accessibly arranged to encourage children to make independent choices and they are regularly rotated to maintain the children's interest. There is an itinerary of resources which clearly identifies the learning area which they support. The childminder maintains the safety of resources for children through regular checks and cleaning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively promoted with the childminder's secure understanding of child protection procedures, which are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The childminder has developed a policy on child protection which she shares with parents, who sign to acknowledge their understanding of this document.

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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 demonstrate interest and involvement in a good range of activities. The childminder's effective interaction and sensitive questioning supports children's learning. For example, counting the figures on the door and asking where the figures of the little girl's shoes are and then linking this to,' where are your shoes?' Children enjoy being with the childminder and are confident within the home and routines. Their social experience is extended by regular visits to toddler groups and the local library. A wide selection of artwork within the play area reflects a variety of painting and sticking activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning to communicate and experiment with language whilst playing at all activities. The childminder reinforces this by repeating simple words and sentences. The introduction of a painting activity stimulates the children's creativity as they practise their skills at using brushes to paint and use two brushes at once. The childminder introduces the names of the colours, and stimulates further interest by exploring the feel of paint on their hands leading to making a hand print. In response to musical toys, children begin dancing around the room and begin to make the sounds of 'twinkle twinkle little star' as they use the telephone. Children enjoy examining a selection of toy vehicles and cars, and chatter as they share these around the adults within the room.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a suitable range of resources to enhance children's understanding of diversity which includes dolls, books, displays and jigsaws. Activities are linked to the children's own customs and extend to other cultures such as, Chinese New Year. Children's individual needs are met through discussions with parents and there are systems in place to record these, including languages spoken at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved in response to the calm and consistent approach from the childminder. She skilfully distracts children and maintains their interest in play by introducing new activities. However, some strategies used for 'time out' do not promote the children's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive detailed information about the care and activities being provided, before their children's care begin, within the detailed parent pack. This ensures that the parents are kept well informed about all the relevant policies and procedures. The ongoing needs of children are met through daily sharing of verbal information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A good range of documentation is in place which is used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. A range of written policies and procedures is in place, which work effectively in practice, for example, health and safety. The quality of care is enhanced with the childminder's positive attitude to training to improve her knowledge and practice. Involvement

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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 with the local authority network ensures the childminder's care is regularly monitored and reviewed. Thoughtful management of her time, including visits to toddler groups, broadens children's learning and experience. The childminder organises her home effectively, which actively supports the children's play and learning.

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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 previous inspection the childminder was given one recommendation in relation to child protection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is promoting the welfare of children by improving her knowledge of child protection issues by attending appropriate training, which is reflected in her child protection statement.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since last inspection 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 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 strategies used to manage children's behaviour promote their welfare and development.

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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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