Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY229401 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2007 Inspection date Shami Kumar Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and three children who are fifteen, eleven and five years of age. The family live in a four bedroomed semi-detached house located on a housing estate in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight; of these, not more than three may be under, and of these, not more than two may be under one year at any one time. When working with an assistant she is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight; of these not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than two may be under one year at any one time. Currently the childminder is minding six children under five years all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and helps to run a local parent and toddler group one morning a week. The childminder takes children to the local park, Wacky Warehouse, Play Pit and other activities outside the home.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-organised routines. The childminder raises children's awareness of hygiene practices by talking to them about hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. The children stay healthy because the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, the laminate floors are cleaned daily, she cleans surfaces with anti-bacterial spray and she disposes of nappies appropriately.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

There are effective measures in place to prevent the spread of infection and the verbal policy and procedures ensure that children do not attend when they are ill. Children are well protected in the event of an accident or an emergency because the childminder has clear written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and she maintains concise accident and medication records. Children's health and well-being are supported as the childminder keeps a well stocked first aid box and holds a current first aid certificate so is, therefore, able to take appropriate action in case of an emergency.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is significantly enhanced because the childminder gives utmost attention to meeting their needs by being aware of their individual routines, likes and dislikes and individual dietary needs. Children enjoy a good variety of nutritionally balanced meals and snacks, consisting of fresh vegetables and fruit, dried raisins and apricots and yoghurts. Children have regular access to drinks of water throughout the day which ensure that they are well hydrated. Any food brought in by parents is stored and prepared appropriately. This helps the children to develop good eating habits. Any special dietary requirements or allergies are discussed before care begins and recorded on children's records which ensures parents' wishes are respected. Young babies are held closely and attentively while they are feeding or are fed sitting in booster high chairs. Children rest and sleep according to their individual routines, as discussed with

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy and benefit greatly from a range of activities which contribute to their good health and develop their physical skills. Children visit the local park, visit Wacky Warehouse and the Play Pit. They use a good range of outdoor equipment such as wheeled toys and they climb, slide, jump on the trampoline and kick balls which develops their co-ordination and their awareness of space. Children have opportunities for regular exercise and wear suitable clothing so that they are able to go out in all weathers. The childminder also organises the furniture and resources to make a clear space in the lounge, where they dance and take part in games.

p.3

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

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure environment where any risks are identified and minimised. This is because the childminder is vigilant and carries out a regular visual risk assessment to reduce potential hazards. Activities are safely set out and potential hazards are removed, enabling children to develop their independence as they move around freely. Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources which are age appropriate, bright and stimulating. Toys and equipment which the children use are cleaned and checked regularly for safety and hygiene. The children are comfortable in the setting, with rooms used appropriately for their needs.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate safety precautions are in place such as safety gates which are used in certain areas, and sockets and dangerous substances are inaccessible to children. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are provided and regularly checked to ensure that they are in good working order. However, children are not fully protected because an emergency escape plan has not been practised. Whilst out and about, children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, younger children are strapped in a buggy and use wrist straps and reins, whichever is appropriate to their needs. The childminder stresses the importance of road safety and listening and looking out for traffic. She stresses the importance of staying together and if the older children walk in front and she recognises any dangers, she calls out 'dragon' which alerts them in coming and walking close to her. The childminder uses

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate car seats when transporting children in a vehicle and has all relevant documentation in place in relation to outings.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible harm or neglect because the childminder is knowledgeable about child protection and understands her role in relation to them. The childminder has the necessary information and procedures at hand should she have a concern about a child.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and settled in the childminder's comfortable home. Children initiate much of their play as resources are accessible and therefore promotes their awareness of positive choices and increases their confidence and learning. They achieve well because the childminder is highly skilled and uses her extensive knowledge of child development to provide good quality care. They make positive relationships with the childminder as she acknowledges and nurtures babies and young children. She provides good support and play experiences such as mobiles, activity centres and sensory toys. She responds actively to babies when they are gurgling, crying or smiling by using excellent eye contact, vocalising and facial expression.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their imagination, investigation and creative skills through activities such as sticking, gluing, experiencing a range of craft materials, decorating biscuits and role play. They settle well because the childminder is attentive and responsive to their needs. Children respond well to the childminder who gets down to their level, and follows their lead. She extends children's learning and thinking by challenging them appropriately and encouraging them to

p.4

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 have fun. For example, she encourages the babies to stand holding onto the furniture and places herself accordingly. She sings to them and they respond enthusiastically as they laugh, kick their feet and shuffle their bottoms. This, and the childminder's good use of language, raises children's levels of self-esteem, confidence and independence. The developmental needs of the very young children are well promoted as there is a range of stimulating equipment within their environment that encourages them to learn as they explore.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder. She shows value in what they say and do and she involves herself and interacts appropriately to support their learning. Children have good opportunities to develop their understanding as the childminder extends learning at every opportunity. For example, children dig in the garden, see how high they jump on the trampoline and fly kites. Babies have a fun time playing with musical toys and particularly enjoy playing with a long piece of lace. Children of different ages relate well to each other and enjoy playing and participating in activities and games. These include playing with the dolls' house, junk modelling, completing puzzles, and building with construction sets. They acquire new knowledge and skills through satisfactory first-hand experiences such as painting and making sausages from play dough. Young babies and encouraged to develop their skills as the

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder encourages them to put balls in the tree house and they watch excitedly as the lights come on and repeat the experience over and over again.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging as the childminder understands their differing needs such as dietary and sleep routines. Children form good secure and friendly relationships with the childminder as well as within the peer group. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals with their needs being discussed carefully with parents before childminding starts. The childminder tries to ensure through the written details provided and from her own observations that she is aware of the level of care each child requires. Children are encouraged to show and discuss their feelings which helps their confidence and understanding of others. For example, they discuss what they want to eat for lunch and explain what activities they have been doing at pre-school.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through visits to various parks, visiting Wacky Warehouse and going for walks. The children chat about what they see when they are on walks or outings in the local area and discuss issues about a range of aspects. These include not dropping litter, leaves changing colour and falling off trees, and looking at different weather conditions. Children have access to a good range of resources that reflect diversity such as books, dressing up clothes, play figures, and dolls from different countries. Children have a good understanding of similarities and differences as they positively look at books which represent themselves and different kinds of people. Children also learn about the wider world as they discuss different festivals such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Christmas as well as others. Although the childminder has little experience of providing care

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

for children having identified special educational needs, she is aware of children's developmental stages. Consequently, she is able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress.

p.5

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 Children are very well behaved because they are well occupied. They relate well to each other and play together harmoniously. The childminder acts as a good role model to the children and has a calm and patient manner with them. She treats children with courtesy and respect and discusses being kind and helpful to others. As a result older children show good consideration for the younger children as the childminder encourages them to take care that small equipment is not accessible to them. Behaviour is managed in a caring, consistent and sensitive way. The childminder uses age appropriate methods of managing behaviour such as talking and reasoning with older children and distraction for the younger children. This promotes children's self-esteem and confidence with the childminder using appropriate praise and encouragement. The children

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

are confident and understand the clear and consistent boundaries which have been set.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships that have developed between their parents and the childminder. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed through verbal discussion. They receive regular information about daily routines and activities, and the childminder takes time out at the end of the day to discuss their child's progress.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are looked after in a well-organised and homely environment. The children are welcomed into a well resourced environment that benefits their well-being. Space, both indoors and outdoors, is set to maximise play opportunities for children allowing them to initiate and develop their own play and learning. Children are happy and well-settled. They are able to move around safely, confidently and independently with the childminder maintaining good supervision. The childminder makes good use of her time and due to children's part-time hours of attendance and working with an assistant they have periods of individual attention.

p.6

Organisation

The childminder is experienced and is professional and very efficient as she keeps all documentation as required under the National Standards. Children feel secure because routines are well established and take into account their individual needs. The childminder works in partnership with parents and regularly shares verbal information which promotes good levels of continuity in care which are regularly reviewed and updated.

p.6

Organisation

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

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to complete an appropriate first aid course that included training in first aid for infants and young children. She was asked to obtain written parental consent for taking children on outings and for transporting them in a vehicle. She was required to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder was also asked to provide children with an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has addressed all the recommendations. She has now completed an appropriate first aid course, she has obtained written permission from parents

p.6

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 for taking children on outings, transporting them in a vehicle and for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has been pro-active in providing children with a range of resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice some of which include dressing up clothes, books and play people. All these aspects have improved the safety and welfare of children.

p.6

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.

p.7

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.

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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.

p.7

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): • devise and practise an emergency escape plan

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7