Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337237 Unique Reference Number 19 February 2007 Inspection date Marianne Gascoyne 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 2006. She lives with her husband and only child aged 16 months in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder attends the local childminder's support group and music group with the children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a full-time basis. She is able to offer overnight care for one child.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has developed her knowledge of health, hygiene and nutrition by attending training courses in these subjects and puts this knowledge into practice in her care of minded children in order to promote their health and welfare. She uses 'baby signing' with young children and children who speak English as an additional language to teach them good practices such as covering their mouths when coughing to reduce the risk of cross infection. However, the bathroom with fresh running water is not used for hand washing and nappy changing and children are not therefore learning good hygiene practices when these activities are necessary. The childminder has current first aid knowledge and consent has been obtained to the seeking of advice or treatment in an emergency to ensure children are treated appropriately in the event of an accident or sudden illness. Parents are advised of the childminder's sick children

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Helping children to be healthy

policy in order to prevent any risk of cross-infection when children are ill. The sleep patterns of very young children are followed and children are able to sleep in peace and comfort in age appropriate cots with individual bedding.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished by the meals cooked by the childminder using fresh ingredients and ensuring they enjoy a well balanced diet. Sample menus are included in the brochure to show parents the type of healthy meals that will be given to children to promote their growth and development. Children learn about healthy foods from meals provided and details of any likes, dislikes and allergies are obtained from parents on registration to ensure children enjoy their food and are at no risk of an allergic reaction. Children experience visits to the shops to choose the foods they will eat and help develop their understanding of healthy eating. They are able to access drinks of water at all times to ensure they regulate their own drinking needs and do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered activities to promote their physical development inside and outside. They enjoy dancing and following action songs, going for walks and to the park to develop their physical skills on the equipment available in this area. They develop their small muscles as, for example, they manipulate clay .

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play freely in the welcoming, child-centred, safe and secure home. The dining area of the living room is used as a playroom and furniture arranged to create a safe and stimulating area for play. Children have space to play freely and to be active or quiet as they choose. They are unable to gain access to the kitchen to ensure they are not placed at risk in this area. Sleeping arrangements enable them to rest in comfort and suitable seating is provided at mealtimes. A pleasing selection of good quality, developmentally appropriate equipment is available for children to choose. It is easily accessible in low storage units and children are encouraged to self-select and tidy away equipment after use promoting their independence.

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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 The childminder has assessed the risks to children in her home and garden and taken appropriate action to ensure they are minimised and children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, stair gates are in place to prevent access to the stairs or kitchen, radiators and sockets are covered appropriately. An emergency evacuation plan has been written and practised to develop children's understanding of the need to evacuate the house in an emergency. However, the fire blanket is not easily accessible in the kitchen to ensure children are safeguarded in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear child protection policy is in place and is shared with parents to make them aware of the childminder's responsibility to protect children. Children are safeguarded by the childminder's knowledge of the procedure to follow if she has any concerns gained from training and responsibilities she held when previously working in a day nursery.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides activities to promote children's physical, emotional, intellectual, social and language development. The easily accessible equipment, together with the childminder's planning of special activities and her interaction with the children, ensures they achieve in all areas of their development. Children are confident, increasingly independent and have good self-esteem. The childminder has undertaken additional training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enable her to provide appropriately for children under three and the outcome for these children is good. She talks to the children and uses 'baby signing' to encourage very young children and children with English as an additional language to communicate effectively using verbal and non-verbal means. Children listen and respond appropriately showing they understand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures children have a variety of quiet or more active activities. For example, they sit and look at a book with her or enjoy singing and dancing after constructing the dance mat. The children build with beakers and bricks and use small world play equipment and push-along toys to help develop their imagination. The childminder sits at the children's level to encourage and support their play. Children understand and copy the actions she makes when singing songs, even though they are not yet able to say the words, demonstrating an understanding. They learn right from wrong by explanations given by the childminder which help them develop an understanding of the need to share and be kind to each other. Children are taken to the childminder's support group and a music group each week to develop their social skills and widen their experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Information about the individual needs of children in the childminder's care are obtained from parents to enable them to be met and to make sure any likes, dislikes or fears are known. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of the children attending who demonstrate a sense of belonging by the confidence with which they relate to her. Children are being helped to develop positive attitudes towards differences in people through some of the resources

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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 available to them and by celebrating festivals from different cultures, for example, enjoying Chinese food to celebrate Chinese New Year. The childminder is pro-active in her attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has undertaken special needs training to give her the necessary knowledge. She would work with parents and other professionals as necessary to ensure the children benefited from the time spent in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive behaviour management policy is shared with parents to ensure consistency. Children behave well and are learning right from wrong by explanations given by the childminder and developmentally appropriate strategies used, for example, singing is used with toddlers to diffuse potential temper tantrums. Children are praised and given encouragement when behaving appropriately and the childminder provides an effective role model by her calm and consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Clear information about the care and activities to be provided is given to parent at the start of the childminding arrangement and they receive copies of the policies and procedures to enable them to work with the childminder for the benefit of their children. Parents complete a 'Getting to know you' booklet to help the childminder to know their child in order to meet their needs. They are well informed about the activities their children have undertaken and progress they have made through the assessment records, photographs and art work which are shared with them to support children's well-being. Consent is obtained from parents to cover additional activities such as taking children on outings or transporting them by car which safeguards children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the care given by the childminder who is well qualified and experienced in caring for children. She demonstrates her commitment to offering good quality provision by continuing to attend courses to update her knowledge and understanding of childcare practices and the childminder enjoys her role. She uses space in her home to good effect to provide a child-centred environment and make space for children to play effectively. She has carefully considered cover for emergency situations which may arise with the children or herself ensuring children would be cared for by another childminder in such an event. She has written information for the emergency services which is displayed in the hallway to safeguard children and a clear record is maintained of children's attendance.

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Organisation

All the documentation necessary to promote children's well-being and meet the requirements of regulation is well-organised and easily accessible. Additional documentation relating to children's progress is held to ensure parents are well informed about the way their children spend their time with the childminder. Overall, 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 children practise good hygiene procedures at all times • ensure the fire blanket is easily accessible in the kitchen.

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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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