Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338194 Unique Reference Number 20 March 2007 Inspection date Elaine Poulton 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 2006. Shops, parks and a library are all within walking distance. The whole of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently cares for two children under two years both of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives advice and support from the local education authority and local network. She transports children safely in the family vehicle and occasionally walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a local parent and toddler group.

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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. Good hygiene is promoted during routines such as nappy change to prevent cross-contamination. Younger children's hands are wiped over before and after eating. This means that the routines and procedures implemented by the childminder help children develop a good understanding of when and why they need to wash their hands. This in turn ensures children’s good health is promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is promoted well as there are clear procedures in place for the recording of accidents and medication administered. Written consent to seek emergency medical advice is in place for children. There are clear procedures in place for infectious children which helps limit the spread of infection and helps them to keep healthy. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and keeps the first aid box stocked with necessary items. This ensures she can meet children's needs should a medical emergency arise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Some parents provide a pre-packed lunch for their children. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure she follows any dietary wishes or individual needs. Babies are held to be bottle fed and younger children use a highchair at mealtimes. Children are encouraged to eat a healthy balance of food, including fresh fruit. They are also encouraged to sit together at the table at lunchtime and are well supported by the childminder. This in turn helps children to develop a healthy approach to food they eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted well by the childminder. Younger children go for regular outings in the double buggy to take in the fresh air. They have ample clear space in the childminder's home and garden to move around and be active. They can rest and nap according to their individual needs. This encourages children to develop their physical skills and lead a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminders home is well maintained, warm and welcoming. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks and potential hazards are identified and minimised. There is ample space which is well organised for children to move around freely. This means that children can play safely indoors and outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play comfortably with the toys and equipment either on the carpeted floor in the lounge and dining room or in the conservatory. They select resources from a good range of toys that are stored in containers that are easily accessible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about keeping themselves safe. Older children are familiar with the emergency escape procedure. The childminder discusses safety issues with older children and makes regular checks on resources and equipment. Small construction resources and toys are stored out of reach so that younger children's safety is always considered. There is a good

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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 range of safety equipment in place, such as a fire blanket, fireguard, smoke detectors and socket covers. Children sleep and rest times are monitored, recorded and shared with parents. Children are transported safely in the childminders vehicle, as she has suitable car seats and restraints. These measures help promote children's safety within the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection procedures and the correct procedures for reporting any concerns or allegations. This helps to ensure that children are protected from harm or neglect. She shares her child protection policy with parents to ensure they are clear about her procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled at the childminder's house and with her family. Younger children are growing in confidence and play alongside one another exploring and investigating all the different toys and resources. Children relate well to the childminder and are developing their independence. They are encouraged at an early age to take a turn with toys and to share with each other, for which they are praised. This means their interest is maintained and they are involved in purposeful play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children particularly enjoy shakers and musical instruments that make sounds, and the older children enjoy imaginative play in the indoor tent and ball pool. The childminder sets out different activities for the children each day and this helps them to make their own choices. Children are involved in daily routines and planned activities that enhance their development. The childminder demonstrates that she has a good understanding of how children learn and actively promotes all areas of development. However, the 'Birth to three matters' framework is not fully implemented to promote the next steps in leaning. She makes good use of books and sings and talks to the younger children consistently. They respond with smiles and 'sounds'. This promotes younger children's communication and language skills well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to choose and initiate their own play activities inside the home. Babies and younger children practise using the their large physical skills, rolling and crawling. They also enjoy exploring a good range of stimulating sensory toys that are easily available. Older children are able to include themselves in imaginative play and enjoy investigating a range of exciting, brightly coloured resources. The childminder ensures all children are provided with regular opportunities to socialise with other children. They also take short walks out in the pushchair to feed the ducks. Children have access to the rear garden to play on the swing, with wheeled toys and to run in the clear space.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children take part in a good range of activities that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of other similarities and differences. For example, children design and make masks to celebrate festivals. Younger children play along side one another and use a range of resources that show positive images of race, gender

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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 and disability. For example, the childminder has a range of posters, books, musical instruments and small world resources and organises selected viewing of television programmes that promote equality. This means that anti-discriminatory practice is actively promoted in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Younger children are settled and have ample attention from the childminder who ensures their individual needs are met. They have time to have their naps and to be active and this mirrors their home routine well. Younger children are beginning to learn that they belong to a wider community as they go on visits to the park and parent and toddler groups. This helps to develop children's self-assurance and general well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good arrangements for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to ensure they are fully supported and included in all activities to enhance their development and progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with good written information on policies and procedures. The childminder provides examples of activities and the day to day routines through a ‘Birth to three matters’ diary. This ensures that information is shared on a daily basis and that parents are involved and contribute to the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. There are good vetting procedures in place to ensure all visitors to the setting hold appropriate clearances or are never left alone with children in the setting.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing and enhancing her practice through attending further training. There is well organised routines and a varied range of planned play activities for younger children. They are happy and spend their time exploring and learning about their environment. They take part in a range of purposeful activities that take into account their individual needs. This means children's all round development is promoted.

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Organisation

All required documentation that contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and regularly updated. The childminder takes time to ensure all relevant information including a range of written policies and procedures are shared with parents and signatures obtained where necessary. Confidentiality is maintained, whilst ensuring that parents are well informed and involved in their child’s care and learning.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of 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 action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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): • further develop use of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to plan for individual children’s next steps in learning.

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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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