Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY224582 Unique Reference Number 27 April 2007 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 2002. She lives with her two children aged six and 10 in a village near to Peterborough. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 and four children over five before and after school, all on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and attends the local toddler group. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because the childminder has effective procedures in place. A first aid kit is easily accessible and the childminder has maintained her first aid qualification so that children can be treated quickly if an accident occurred. The childminder is attentive to hygiene. Children know to wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet, and do so

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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 without prompting. The childminder has effective procedures when changing nappies to prevent cross-infection. These procedures contribute to children keeping healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a healthy diet. This includes a range of nutritious foods which take into account children’s likes, dislikes and individual dietary needs. Children like eating together. This helps them to develop good social skills. At snack time they have fresh fruit, such as bananas and oranges together with bread sticks. They are offered sufficient and suitable drinks and are encouraged to help themselves during the day from their individual cups. This ensures they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to take part in physical activity. The easy access to the garden enables children to enjoy playing in the fresh air, and regular outings to the park extends this outdoor play. They have a variety of resources at their disposal. These include a playhouse, trundle toys and a variety of wheeled vehicles. Consequently, children keep physically fit and develop skills in fun ways.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Toys and play materials are stored in child-height storage boxes and toy chests. This enables children to make independent choices in their pay. Toys are developmentally appropriate and in good condition. Children are cared for in a safe, clean, warm and child-friendly environment. They are able to move around freely and play happily in comfort. Older children can play knowing that the younger children’s safety is considered as they ensure toys with small pieces are used in a separate room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected on and off the premises because the childminder is vigilant and takes many steps to prevent accidents. Fire evacuations are discussed with the children and they know that they must take action if the smoke alarm goes off. This helps to ensure children learn how to keep themselves safe. The premises are secure and risks minimised by the use of socket covers and stair gates. However, the childminder is unsure if the glass in the internal doors is safety glass, which poses a danger to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and is able to recognise signs of abuse. She would always follow her accessible guidelines. She has a written policy which she shares with parents. The childminder's knowledge of this subject enhances the overall safety of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of play activities in a stimulating environment. They take part in imaginative play using a good range of dressing up clothes which includes bags, shoes and hats. They enjoy using a vast range of small world play figures and associated houses and garages which further stimulates their imagination. The childminder extends their play through conversation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder introduces basic maths skills as they sing songs, play games and babies use a variety of sorting and grading toys to develop their learning. The children spend much time painting and creating, such as using their painted hands and feet to print on rolls of wallpaper. All children are well supported, happy and settled in their play. Consequently, they become

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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 independent and confident. They have good opportunities to find out about living things and the outside world as they go for walks and explore the local environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are making progress in their learning through the help and encouragement of the childminder. She is keen for children to learn through their play and makes use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support the care offered. Overall, children are engaged in many learning experiences and a variety of activities which are fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder promotes positive behaviour. Children learn right from wrong and about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. They receive regular praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder, who acts as a good role model as she says please and thank you to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures she gathers relevant information so that she knows the children’s likes, dislikes and needs and can therefore offer appropriate care. All children are treated as individuals and with respect, helping them to feel good about themselves. They gain an awareness of diversity through the activities that are provided and the good range of resources which are available. The childminder ensures that any children who have learning difficulties are fully included in the care provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are fully informed about the care the childminder provides; she gathers and shares most of the necessary records and information required to underpin the good quality of care offered. However, written agreements do not extend to activities such as the use of the large trampoline. The childminder ensures that she shares with parents the progress children make and how they have spent their day. New parents are encouraged to visit the home prior to the child being looked after, ensuring she knows the child's daily routine and individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children make good progress in the care of this childminder, who is well organised and child-focused. The childminder is effective in planning and organising the daily routines for children. She ensures the play space is safe and interesting, which enables children to move around freely and access the range of toys and resources independently.

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Organisation

Good record keeping ensures children's details are up to date and therefore their individual needs met effectively. Written policies and most procedures are consistently applied, with only minor amendments required. The childminder is motivated and committed to providing good quality care for children. She is able to do this as she has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards, the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and is currently working towards the Quality First assurance scheme.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to, consider implementing an emergency evacuation plan and discuss this with minded children and to obtain parental signatures when she has

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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 administered any medication. Both of these recommendations have been put in place which has further enhanced the quality of care provided.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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 any low-level glass does not pose a danger to children • develop written agreements with parents for any specific activities provided, such as using the large trampoline.

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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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