Marks Santy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301698 Inspection date 15 September 2005 Inspector Alexandra Brouder

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband, and two children aged ten and eight, in the village of Burbage, Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with the exception of the office and utility area. The minded children also have access to the three upstairs bedrooms and the family bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time

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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 and is currently minding three children under six on a part-time basis. The childminder is available to care for children from Monday to Friday throughout the year.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children remain healthy because the childminder is well informed about their individual needs. This is obtained through effective discussion and recording methods with parents. Documentation is in place to provide information relating to the children's dietary requirements and personal care. Any accidents are dealt with effectively because the childminder has a sound knowledge of first aid and appropriate first aid equipment is available. However, the childminder has misplaced her records on the two accidents that have occurred. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home where a good level of hygiene contributes to their health and welfare. They know to wash their hands after using the toilet and are developing good self care skills. For example they benefit from a range of steps which enable them to reach the facilities independently. However, the childminder does not always remind

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Helping children to be healthy

the children to wash their hands before they eat. Children enjoy a good range of physical activities that contribute to their physical development. Younger children are able to develop their physical skills well, as they manoeuvre themselves around the kitchen and playroom. This also enhances their self-esteem and confidence. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. They benefit from a healthy diet as they experience a range of healthy snacks, including fresh fruit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Diligent security measures, both indoors and outdoors enable children to move freely within the home. Effective organisation ensures they remain safe at all times and a range of safety measures minimise possible hazards. Secure methods ensure children are able to play safely in the garden. They enjoy a range of well maintained toys and play resources, which are stored appropriately to allow them to make independent choices about their play. This enhances their confidence and self-esteem. Older children are learning about safety through practical experiences. They open and shut the stair gate to ensure that the baby can not access areas that are not safe. Gentle reminders alert them to pack toys away to prevent tripping and increase their awareness of personal safety. Children know about emergency evacuation procedures and appropriate fire safety equipment is available in case of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

emergencies. Children are well protected from harm because the childminder understands her role in child protection.

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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 Children take part in a range of activities throughout their time at the childminders. They are settled and play happily. Older children have their independence and confidence encouraged as they are able to choose their own activities. They play well together and have opportunities for rest and relaxation, as well as active play. Younger children have access to a satisfactory range of resources and equipment which promotes their experiences of the world around them. However, extension of activities to increase play opportunities for children under three is limited. Older children have their creativity fostered by the use of activities such as singing, stories and painting and sticking. Babies receive lots of cuddles and have a positive interaction with the childminder, which provides for their sense of well-being and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promotes their confidence. This allows them to feel that they will be responded to and have their needs met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are given equal time and consideration to help them feel safe and enjoy a sense of belonging. Children are kept reasonably busy, and involved, in activities that contribute to their development. Their individual needs are met appropriately and parental wishes are taken into account. They learn about the local community, however, they rarely learn about the wider world and diversity. The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with special needs but is aware to maintain appropriate records and treat with equal concern. She discussed talking in confidence to parents about any concerns identified. Children are familiar with the routines, and simple house rules, that help them to behave well. Their self-esteem and confidence is built upon through encouragement from the childminder when they behave well. Information is shared daily with parents about their child's day, when

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they arrive to collect their children. The childminder supports parents and works positively with them to ensure that children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel safe and secure in a home where they are cared for with a satisfactory level of adult support. This means they are confident to explore the child-friendly environment as they play and learn. The childminder has completed a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course, and a first aid course, which ensures that she has appropriate skills to meet the needs of the children in her care. Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, and enjoyment. Children's needs are regularly discussed with parents to ensure that there is continuity and consistency of care, further improving children's sense of security. Sound organisation ensures that overall the range of children's needs are met.

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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

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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 that accident records are maintained appropriately and stored in a safe and accessible place • ensure that resources are reflective of other cultures and disability • develop ideas and play activities that are available for children under three using appropriate guidance, such as the Birth to Three Matters framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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