Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338210 Unique Reference Number 03 May 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 satisfactory. 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 and works with an assistant on a part time basis. She lives with her partner and child aged two years. The family have a pet dog, rabbit and tropical fish. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children. She walks or drives to and from local schools to take and collect children and attends local toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop appropriate personal hygiene practices through everyday routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet with gentle prompts from the childminder. The children are encouraged to be independent and manage their self-care

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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 skills with support from the childminder when needed. Suitable nappy changing routines that take account of children's individual needs are in place and their toilet training routines are discussed and agreed with parents. Younger children are able to rest or sleep in accordance to their respective needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to reduce the risks of infection and ensures children are well-cared for in the event of illness. Records of all minor accidents and any medicines given to children are accurately maintained. A suitable first aid box is available and its contents checked on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children regularly play in the garden and have easy access to a variety of suitable outdoor toys and resources. For example, a range of tricycles, mini-slide, football net and balls. They have opportunities to learn and observe their local surroundings when being taken outside the home as the childminder makes good use of the local area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's lunchtime meals are provided by their parents and take account of their individual dietary requirements and preferences. The childminder provides breakfast and tea for children at parents request. The children have access to regular drinks and snacks throughout the day. They are encouraged to sit at the table when eating and enjoy sociable mealtimes together. The childminder talks to children about healthy foods and encourages them to eat their fruit and vegetables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and secure in their surroundings. Space is well-organised to allow children to move freely and independently around the home. They have easy access to a variety of toys and resources that are suitable for their purpose and in good condition. The childminder monitors children's choice of toys to ensure they are appropriate for their use and meet safety standards. There is a satisfactory range of equipment available to provide appropriate care for children under two years.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Generally, children play safely as the childminder has taken necessary action to make her home safe and secure. However, because the childminder has recently moved house there are identified hazards in the garden and low level glass that is not safe. Therefore children's safety is potentially compromised. Children are encouraged to help tidy away toys in case of accidents and are beginning to understand the importance of keeping safe when being taken outside the home through discussion with the childminder. There are appropriate arrangements in place for the safe arrival and collection of children. The childminder has thought through satisfactory emergency evacuation procedures, although there is not a smoke alarm on each level of the property which impacts on children's safety in an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has a relevant understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding child protection which is shared with parents. She knows who to contact should she be concerned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are able to play freely as toys and resources are easily accessible. They have a good relationship with the childminder and respond to her positive interaction. She gets to know

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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 the children well and is attentive to their individual needs. Children have lots of different activities to support their learning appropriately. For example, children enjoy jigsaws, playdough, pretend play, games and craft activities. Younger children are beginning to learn their colours and understand number and letter sounds through everyday activities such as jigsaws and building bricks. Older children are given their own space and this ensures they are purposely occupied within a relaxed environment. Children are confident in making independent choices about their play activities and play happily.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from regular activities outside the home. They are able to develop good social skills through regular attendance at local toddler groups, where they enjoy the company of other children and adults. There are regular visits to the library, where children's interest in books is promoted and regular trips to the park so that children can access more challenging play equipment. They also have regular opportunities to play in the garden with a good variety of suitable outdoor toys to further support their physical development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and holds a relevant childcare qualification. She plans activities to stimulate children's interest, for example, planting sunflower seeds. Therefore children's learning and development is well supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are treated with equal concern. They develop a good sense of belonging and are happy in their surroundings. Children have a close and caring relationship with the childminder who is attentive to their individual needs. She ensures children can join in all activities, regardless of their ability, gender or background. Any specific needs of children are discussed with their parents and activities are adapted to ensure they can participate in all play activities provided. However, there are insufficient toys that reflect positive images which limits children's opportunities to learn about diversity in society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to play together, share, take turns and show consideration towards others. They respond well to praise and encouragement from the childminder which promotes positive behaviour and their behaviour is good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is open and friendly. A gradual settling-in period is encouraged to establish positive relationships with parents and children. Information is shared on a daily basis to keep parents fully informed of their children's daily routines and activities. Therefore children's overall well-being is promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The environment is organised to ensure children feel at ease within the childminder's home. The daily routines are flexible to accommodate the differing needs of children in attendance, allowing time for rest, play, mealtimes and school runs. Children have opportunities for quiet and active playtimes and benefit from regular activities outside the home as the childminder makes use of local facilities within the area.

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Organisation

All aspects of children's care needs are discussed and agreed with parents. Verbal information is shared with them on a daily basis and written permission is sought for taking children outside the home. Generally, all necessary documentation is in place. However, information regarding

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Organisation

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 use of a vehicle was not available for inspection. The childminder has some clearly written policies and procedures that are shared with all parents.

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Organisation

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

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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 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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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 satisfactory. 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 all low level glass and identified hazards in the garden are made safe or inaccessible to children • ensure a smoke alarm is maintained in working order on every level of the home • extend the range of positive image resources, which reflect equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • ensure all required documentation regarding the use of a vehicle whilst chidminding is available for inspection at all times.

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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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