Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288838 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2007 Inspection date Susan Parker 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and six, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a Cache Level 3 qualification in childminding practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are learning the importance of good hygiene, personal care, and independence. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their own needs according to age, supported by the childminder who acts as a good role model and offers clear explanations. This is demonstrated as she speaks clearly to them when helping them to wash their hands or prepare for meals, repeating careful instructions and explaining

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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 the importance of good hygiene routines. Children's developing awareness follows naturally as they repeat daily routines. Any medication needs, including first aid, are dealt with effectively. This ensures that the children's health is well promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are indoor and outdoor physical activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, as they explore the local community and park areas. They explore the outdoors eagerly and have ample opportunities to increase physical skills. This benefits from clear planning for outings that is shared with parents within written policies and procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are learning to keep themselves safe due to clear explanations and safe routines during play and when on outings. For example, clear reminders are offered when close to roads and children are encouraged to discuss with the childminder the reasons why an action is unsafe. They benefit from premises that offer access to play activities and space enabling them to explore freely and learn to avoid accidental injury.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder takes steps to prevent accidents and to plan for emergencies, for example, through written plans shared with parents and plans prepared for emergency evacuation from the home, however, children have not practised emergency evacuation. Children take part in daily routines that support their safety, promoting their understanding and development of safety awareness. They show emerging awareness of road safety and carry out basic safety with little need for reminders.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities and the procedures to follow in the event of concern over child protection. This includes ensuring that parents have good information about child protection issues and understand her responsibility towards children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are interested in their play and engage in a variety of activities that support their development both indoors and outside. Through play, they have opportunities to extend their learning using what they already know to question and experiment with new concepts. This is demonstrated as children re-visit experiences such as places visited with the childminder and recall events, places, people and how they felt.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to develop confidence because the childminder gives them opportunity to question and values their discussions. Children solve problems and explore reasoning during daily play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access facilities both indoors and outside developing choice and independence, they take part in some outings and socialise with both siblings and peer groups to further social development. They take part in a variety of play activities and information regarding children's activities is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is supported by the childminder's personal experience.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed, confidentially and fully, with their parents. Relationships are positive and children are making early relationships with other children both in the childminder's home and at social groups. Children thrive because their individual developmental stages are recognised and supported by the childminder. This is supported by thorough daily observations which are shared verbally with parents or carers each day. Transition into the care of the childminder is well-planned and completed at the pace dictated by children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand responsible behaviour and recognise the needs of others due to consistent boundaries being maintained by the childminder. Children are aware of each other's ages and abilities and individual needs. This broadens their understanding and fosters good social development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure within the surroundings where they develop a sense of trust in the childminder. They feel at ease in this organised environment leading them to confidently initiate play, explore their surroundings and lead conversations, both with the childminder and visitors. Children and parents are welcomed into the setting with clear information offered from the outset of any agreement.

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Organisation

Procedures are both written and verbal and are shared with parents at the onset of any agreement. Any changes are shared with parents regularly, this promotes children's welfare and all-round development through clear information sharing. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the Children Act and associated regulations, ensuring that she addresses her responsibilities. She continues to seek training courses that will enhance and develop her care.

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Organisation

Organisation within the home allows access to all play activities both indoors and outside, children have independent access to personal care facilities and develop good awareness of their personal space and care through example and routines. These include personal hygiene, care for surroundings to ensure cleanliness, and responsibility for play materials and personal belongings.

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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 agreed to obtain written permission from parents to seek or administer emergency medical treatment. She has obtained this written consent as well as obtaining written permission to use hypo allergenic plasters if required. Parents have also granted her permission to administer calpol if required, to give children a bath in case of accidents, to apply protective sun lotion. She has also obtained written permission to take children out in her appropriately insured and maintained car for outings, to take children swimming, and to take photographs of the children and their activities. This ensures that children's welfare and safety is maintained in partnership between the parents and the childminder.

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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 The childminder has also ensured that her attendance register is completed appropriately. This ensures that a record of each child's days and hours of attendance are fully documented for their well being and safety.

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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 an emergency escape plan has been devised and practised.

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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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