Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337268 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2007 Inspection date Myra Lewis 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 two children aged five and three years in Warwick. All areas of the childminder's home is used for childminding excluding the master bedroom and second floor office. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and currently has eight children on roll. She walks or drives to and from local schools to take and collect children. 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 are cared for in a warm, clean home, where the risks of cross-infection are minimised by the good standards of health and hygiene within the home. Children learn the importance of personal care through everyday routines. They are actively encouraged to wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet or after playing in the garden. They each have their own colour coded flannel and towel and are encouraged to wash and dry their hands independently, with appropriate support from the childminder when needed. Nappy changing arrangements cater for children's individual care needs, and the flexible daily routine ensures young children have regular opportunities to rest or sleep according to their individual requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of outdoor activities to further develop their physical skills. They walk to and from school each day and benefit from being in the fresh air and the opportunities to learn and observe their local surroundings. There are regular play sessions in the garden with a good variety of suitable outdoor play resources. Children are also taken to activities outside the home as the childminder makes good use of the local area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective procedures are in place to safeguard children's health. Children's accident and medication records are in place and accurately maintained. A well-stocked first aid box is available and its contents checked on a regular basis. Children are well cared for in the event of illness, as the childminder has a very good understanding of first aid, as she uses her experience as a nurse and holds an appropriate first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

All aspects of children's individual dietary requirements are discussed with the childminder and parents' wishes respected. The childminder is aware of their individual likes, dislikes and preferences. Most parents provide their children's meals which are stored appropriately. Children learn about healthy eating through discussion with the childminder and through different play activities. Children enjoy sociable mealtimes together and are learning good manners and have easy access to drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Space and resources are well-organised to provide children with opportunities for quiet and active playtimes. They can move around freely and independently as the childminder has taken positive action to make her home safe and minimise any potential risks. She ensures toys and resources are age and stage appropriate by carefully monitoring and supervising children's choice of toys. Regular checks ensure all toys and resources are suitable for their purpose, in good condition, well-maintained and safe for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy regular trips outside the home and are carefully supervised at all times. The children are beginning to understand the boundaries in place to keep them safe through discussion and practise with the childminder, especially when walking to and from school. Clear

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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 contingency arrangements are in place to ensure children's overall safety is maintained. However, there is not smoke alarm on the second floor which means children's safety is potentially compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further protected as the childminder understands her responsibilities regarding child protection and knows who to contact, if she should be concerned. She acts in the best interest of children at all times. There are effective systems in place for the safe arrival and collection of children. Therefore, children's safety is positively promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and at ease in the childminder's home. They have easy access to a broad range of age-appropriate toys and resources and receive individual support from the childminder. Toys are well organised in easily accessible storage boxes and low level shelves. Children make independent choices about their play activities as they choose between a good variety of books, games, role play resources, small world people, building bricks and various craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play freely and confidently engage in their self-chosen activity. The daily routine is well-organised to accommodate the individual needs of younger children. Babies and young children receive lots of individual attention and play contentedly with a good variety of suitable toys, such as soft toys, building castles, activity centres and musical toys . Children respond very well to the childminders positive interaction and are confident in making their needs known. The childminder spends her time talking to the children and listening to what they have to say. Older children are able to relax before and after school and initiate their own play activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a broad range of activities outside the home as the childminder makes good use of her local area. For example, visits to the local historic castle situated close to the childminder's home. There are regular trips to the park to further develop their physical skills; visits to the library, where children develop their interest in books. Visits to local parent and toddler groups, where children participate in a wide range of different play activities and socialise with other children and adults.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this to promote young children's learning and development. They receive individual support and guidance from the childminder, which increases their sense of well-being effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individuality respected, as the childminder works closely with parents to meet their needs effectively. Children settle easily in the childminder's home and respond well to her positive interaction. She is attentive to their individual needs and gets to know the children well. Therefore, children feel at home in their surroundings and play happily.

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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 Children have equal access to a good variety of toys and resources, some of which promote positive images of diversity. Through the childminder's positive approach children learn about their own culture and those of others. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well supported by the childminder, who in consultation with parents, ensures their specific needs are recognised and met sensitively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive behaviour is actively promoted. Children are learning to share, take turns and play together. They respond well to praise and encouragement from the childminder who uses effective strategies to promote good behaviour. She offers children clear explanations and reasons why behaviour is unacceptable, reflecting on positive rather than negative behaviour. Therefore children are beginning to understand the difference between right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Open and friendly partnerships with parents have been established. All aspects of their children's individual requirements are fully discussed and recorded accurately. Time is made available to share relevant information with parents each day, any messages to and from school are relayed effectively. Additional written information is also provided which provides an effective two-way communication system and strengthens home links. Therefore, children develop a good sense of belonging and their overall well-being is actively promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this well-organised environment. They enjoy a good variety of different play activities and are able to initiate their own play activities. Children are purposely occupied and receive effective support from the childminder who makes good use of her home and local area. The daily routines are flexible so that the individual needs of children are taken into account. Therefore, children enjoy their time spent with the childminder.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation is in place and stored securely. All information is shared with parents and good relationships established. The childminder has effectively organised her policies and procedures which are well presented, clearly written and promote the welfare, care and learning of children in her care. Therefore, parents are kept fully informed about the service provided and their children's daily routines.

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Organisation

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

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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 further action to meet the National Standards. 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 may 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 there are sufficient smoke alarms, which conform to BS EN safety standards, provided on every level of the house.

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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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