Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY292854 Unique Reference Number 08 March 2007 Inspection date Hilary Preece 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 2004. She lives with her husband and their three children aged seven, five and four years, in Welwyn Garden City. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is access to 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five over four days a week and two child over five before and after school. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder regularly attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family has two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 learn about healthy living through their daily routines and activities. They take part in regular physical activity that builds up their stamina and develops their co-ordination. They also benefit from long walks in the fresh air as good use is made of the local countryside parks. They are encouraged to feel the fresh air on their faces during these activities, so that they learn to appreciate the healthy benefits of being outside. Children sleep comfortably in travel cots according to their individual routines. They settle quickly to sleep and recognise the routine, thus showing a strong emotional well-being. Children follow strict hygiene routines that teach them the importance of washing their hands and faces. They wear bibs to protect their clothing, which allows them to experiment with feeding themselves and develop personal independence. Children's dietary requirements are agreed with parents and a healthy eating approach is

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Helping children to be healthy

followed so that children understand the benefits of eating fresh, natural produce. They heartily tuck into home-cooked meals and snacks of fresh or dried fruits that provide good nourishment for healthy growth.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health needs are supported by a robust health and safety policy that ensures the home and resources are kept clean and hygienic. The spread of infection and risk of cross-contamination is minimised as environmental health guidelines are followed and a sickness policy excludes children who are infectious. Most records relating to children's medical needs are well-maintained and readily discussed with parents. The childminder ensures she has access to first aid supplies at home, in the car and on outings on foot so that prompt treatment can be given to children if they are hurt.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. Risks have been minimised to prevent accidents and space is used well to allow children to safely explore their surroundings. They toddle about happily in the small play room and have access to the rest of the living area for messy activities at the table or for eating. Their safety in an emergency is considered as there is a clear fire plan and fire safety equipment is in place. Furthermore, there is an agreement with parents for emergency cover to be provided by another vetted person.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of suitable resources that are stimulating and meet their developmental needs. Children help themselves independently from the range available as toys are easily accessible in boxes on the floor. Regular cleaning and checks are carried out to ensure that resources remain safe for their use. Children are beginning to develop understanding of how to keep safe. They are reminded to be careful when sharing toys so that they do not hurt other children and there are clear boundaries for their behaviour that keep them safe. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder ensures children hold on to the buggy or wear wrist straps to ensure they do not run off when near roads.

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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 Children are adequately protected by the childminder's basic understanding of child protection procedures and how to deal with possible concerns about children's welfare. However, the policy lacks sufficient detail about which authorities to seek advice from and what to do in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder. This potentially compromises the safety of the children and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's needs are understood and clear routines followed that ensure children are happy, settled and secure. They play in a relaxed and calm atmosphere as the childminder provides consistent support and shows an interest in what the children are doing. They benefit from the broad range of activities and outings provided that stimulate their interest and learning. They particularly enjoy visits to the local children's farm and conservation area that develop their awareness of the local environment. They also gain good social skills through regular visits to local toddler groups. The childminder has a basic knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework but has not used this in her practice yet. This means the range of opportunities for babies and young children has not been fully explored.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become independent because this is actively promoted through daily routines. Young children are encouraged to feed themselves and competently manage their cutlery. They are encouraged to become proficient walkers from a young age, which keeps them fit as well as giving the children independence. Children are warmly praised for their efforts and achievements, which helps develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently explore the toys and surroundings, making choices in their own play. The childminder provides good support and close interaction to help children develop their thinking and learning. She asks them questions, models vocabulary for them to copy and encourages their knowledge of shape, colour and number through their play. Children enthusiastically experiment with scribbling and drawing using interesting water pens on a wipe clean mat and make connections by identifying their marks as 'mummy'. They are encouraged to use their imagination in role play and when playing musical instruments. They particularly enjoy listening to favourite songs and rhymes, and excitedly join in with the actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and welcomed to the setting, regardless of their needs or background, and the equal opportunities policy challenges discrimination. The childminder has some experience of managing a range of needs and uses effective strategies to enable the children to develop and participate in the setting. Children begin to be aware of the diverse nature of society through some interesting activities. They make Divali lanterns and enjoy sampling foods from around the world. Older children learn to accept differences through discussion and seeing positive images of race and culture in books. Children learn to be responsible as boundaries for their behaviour are consistently reinforced. For example, they are reminded to share, be polite and co-operate willingly when asked to tidy away the toys.

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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 Good communication with parents ensures that children are cared for according to their wishes. Children's routines and needs are discussed initially and reviewed regularly to ensure that appropriate care is provided. A sufficient written agreement sets out the business arrangements and parents are kept well-informed about their children's care and activities through verbal discussion. Cards from parents warmly praise the care provided by the childminder. The childminder has not provided parents with details on how to make a complaint in line with regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from well-organised routines and resources that contribute to their health, safety and enjoyment. The childminder has a high regard for children's well-being and plans ahead to maximise the time she spends interacting with the children. She makes good use of facilities in the local community to provide varied experiences for children. Children are supervised carefully and protected from persons who have not been vetted.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps sufficient records that are stored securely and kept confidential. She has developed a useful portfolio for parents that contains some generally effective policies. However, she has not received all the information that is issued to childminders, which means that some of her policies and procedures lack detail and are not fully up-to-date. The childminder is keen to rectify this and has taken steps to ensure that this information is available.

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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 was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course. A suitable course was completed in May 2005 so that children's welfare is improved if they are sick or injured.

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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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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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection and review the child protection policy to reflect the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures • enhance outcomes for children under three by implementing an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework • provide parents with information about how to make a complaint.

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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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