Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY243303 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2007 Inspection date Jennie Lenton 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 has been registered since March 2003. She lives with her husband and their four children, aged eight, seven, four and three years in the village of Peak Dale near Buxton. The family have a dog. The whole of the ground floor of the home and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. The garden is not currently available for outside play. The childminder regularly visits local parks and walks with children in the surrounding countryside. She takes and collects children from local schools and nurseries. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children. She is qualified to NVQ level three in child care practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from cross-infection as the childminder has effective procedures and policies in place. Good standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained throughout the home as she carries out regular checks. Therefore, children access toys and equipment that are clean and in a good state of repair. There is a comprehensive exclusion policy for sick children and any child who becomes ill at the setting is appropriately cared for while they await collection.

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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 This ensures that the good health of all children is maintained. The childminder's knowledge and good practice means that children are promptly and appropriately cared for should they have an accident or medication is required. For example, she ensures that parents sign to give consent for medication to be administered and to acknowledge the dose given. Similarly, she accurately reports any accidents and shares this information with parents so that children receive consistent care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Pet bowls are not always stored appropriately. The childminder seeks to ensure that they are kept away from the children, but this is not always successfully achieved. As a result, there is the potential for these to pose a slight health risk. This is reduced however, as the childminder has taught the children to wash their hands after contact with the dog and related items. They sing 'this is the way we wash our hands' as they use soap and water after visiting the toilet or touching pets and before eating. The childminder's fun approach encourages children to consistently follow good personal hygiene routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as they are provided with healthy meals and snacks such as fruit and juice. They enjoy sitting together at meal times and pour their own drinks with increasing confidence. Children also develop a good understanding of healthy eating as the childminder encourages them to explore healthy options. For example, she encourages them to have raisins and grapes instead of biscuits. A healthy lifestyle is further developed as they have good opportunities for physical exercise. Children frequently visit the large playground near the home, where they have fun jumping, hopping and running as well as using the play equipment. They also have opportunities to go swimming. As a result, children enjoy exercise and their physical development is well promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and relaxed home which enables children to feel safe and secure. Good use is made of the available space to ensure that they are able to play and rest comfortably. There is a wide array of appropriate toys and resources to enhance their welfare and enjoyment. Children receive a high level of supervision as the childminder spends most time directly alongside them. This enhances their play and learning as well as reducing the potential for any accidental harm. Children are protected by the use of appropriate equipment. For example, fire-guards and stair-gates are used to restrict access and protect from hazards. The childminder regularly practises her fire drill with the children. Therefore, they learn in a calm setting about how to keep safe in an emergency situation. This helps them to respond to instruction promptly should it be necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The house is secure. All exterior doors are suitably locked to prevent children leaving unaccompanied or uninvited visitors from entering. The outside gate is latched with a padlock attached. This is not always securely locked which potentially compromises children's safety. On outings, the childminder talks about road safety as she walks with the children. She makes sure children learn how to respond quickly to her instructions by an enthusiastic and inventive approach. Children enjoy reacting immediately when she tells them to 'freeze' and asks them to identify hazards. As a result, children develop good road sense.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child protection and is clear about her responsibilities. She has a policy in place which is shared with parents. This ensures that any concerns regarding a child's welfare can be appropriately discussed. She is aware of how to

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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 contact the relevant authorities and considers the well-being of children to be her utmost priority. This helps to safeguard children from future harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and happy at the setting. They have warm relationships with each other and with the childminder. This is a result of the childminder's commitment to ensuring they settle in well. Children are treated with respect and their contribution to the home is valued. For example, their work is displayed on the walls. Through her commitment to their well-being and the childminder's skilful use of positive praise, children develop high self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans some activities to ensure that children have a wide array of play opportunities. She includes regular outings and uses different themes to provide them with a variety of learning experiences. Children's preferences are respected and they can access some resources independently. They self-select construction toys, small world play sets, books and videos. The childminder is knowledgeable about how children learn and sometimes uses observations to inform her planning. She uses skilful questioning to promote children's understanding and develop their curiosity and imagination. This ensures that all children are motivated and engaged in developmentally appropriate play with a good level of challenge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy snuggling up to share stories and songs with the childminder. They respond enthusiastically, singing along to the 'juicy apple' song and listen attentively during story time. The childminder selects books that are often interactive. As a result, children laugh together as they become involved in the stories and often ask for favourite books to be repeated. Children take account of each others needs as they learn about right and wrong. For instance, they learn to only turn the pages in the book when they are all ready to move on.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated with equal concern as the childminder works well with parents to ensure children's needs are met. Individual records are sufficiently detailed to maintain the welfare of children. For example, they include information to meet dietary and religious requirements. The childminder encourages children to value diversity in interesting and engaging ways. Children have the opportunity to learn basic sign language as they are provided with some quality resources which positively display different abilities and backgrounds. They confidently sign words such as 'please' and 'thank you'. This encourages children to treat difference with respect and value the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children generally receive consistency of care as the childminder has in place good systems for communicating regularly with parents. Parents are able to look through the childminder's portfolio which includes details of her policies and practice. Parents also have the opportunity to communicate on a daily basis at arrival and collection times. This ensures that any changes or concerns relating to the children can be quickly responded to. Children benefit from the strong partnership with parents as information is regularly shared to safeguard them from harm. For instance, the childminder ensures she has parental consent for outings and makes arrangements to ensure that children are only collected by an agreed adult.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and physical disabilities are warmly welcomed as the childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of how to respond to additional needs. She is

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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 committed to providing a quality service to all children and promotes inclusion throughout her practice. Children are encouraged to reach their full potential as she seeks to deal with any disability or behavioural issues in a positive and pro-active manner. She works well with parents to ensure that children receive consistent care and support. As a result, they make good progress. Children generally behave well as the childminder makes boundaries and rules clear. The good use of positive encouragement ensures that children learn respect for each other and the home in a way which enhances their self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder holds appropriate qualifications and has a sound understanding of the National Standards. She is committed to her own improvement and development, regularly accessing further training. Children benefit as she incorporates new learning to enhance their experiences.

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Organisation

Demonstrating a good understanding of the procedures to notify Ofsted of any changes in her circumstances, the childminder ensures that children receive quality care at all times. She ensures children are protected from harm as she organises her day well to provide direct supervision. Children are therefore at ease within the relaxed environment.

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Organisation

Documentation is maintained to a good standard as the childminder regularly reviews and updates her policies. All records are available for inspection. The childminder's daily register shows children's times of arrival and departure. These indicate that ratios are consistently maintained which ensures children receive high levels of supervision. Records are appropriately signed by parents and stored with due regard for confidentiality. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and to review the written complaints procedure for parents to include Ofsted's contact details.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Consent is now consistently gained from parents so that emergency medical advice and treatment can be provided. This ensures that children receive prompt care in the event that this becomes necessary. The complaints procedure has been updated and includes all relevant contact details. As a result, parents are well informed as to the procedure that is followed and have clear guidelines as to how to contact the regulator. Children are protected as any concerns can be quickly and efficiently dealt with. The childminder's actions have therefore 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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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): • ensure that the outside gate is secure at all times • ensure that items for pet use are appropriately stored so that they do not pose a health risk.

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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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