Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340291 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2007 Inspection date Paula Hunt 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. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 12 years in a house in the Bilton area of Rugby in Warwickshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part-time basis.

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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. Children benefit from the childminder having some efficient hygiene routines, which help to prevent the spread of infection. Her home is clean and tidy and she ensures work surfaces and children's equipment are cleaned regularly. However, nappy changing takes place on a cot bumper on the floor which poses an infection risk to children. Children are developing good hygiene habits, as the childminder helps them to wash their hands before eating. All medical records are maintained and shared with parents. Children are excluded from the provision with infectious illnesses to ensure the health of all the children is maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand that some foods are good to eat. The childminder has an understanding of healthy eating and drinks are available throughout the day. She works with the children's parents to meet the dietary needs of the children in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing their physical skills with a range of suitable activities inside and outdoors; children get fresh air and exercise daily, which help them to stay fit and healthy. The day is planned to allow children to take part in active and quiet times. They are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have space for movement and play and the majority of toys are stored at child height and in appropriate boxes that are easily accessible to children, thus encouraging freedom of choice and independence. Toys and equipment are varied, kept clean and in good condition. However, the range of resources that promote equality of opportunity are limited. The childminder carefully monitors the baby's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and suitable for her age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a mostly safe environment as the childminder is aware of some possible hazards and takes steps to ensure risks are minimised. For example, using a stair gate and socket covers. However, children are not sufficiently prevented from accessing trailing electric wires or low-level glass and a smoke alarm has not been reinstalled on the first floor. Children are able to experience travelling safely in a vehicle as the childminder provides appropriate car seats and insurance cover for the vehicle is in place. However, the childminder has not obtained written permission from parents for their child to be transported in a vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures and she is well aware of her role and responsibilities in order to protect the welfare of the children in her care.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm, caring environment where the childminder spends time with the children, playing and talking to them. They are happy and have a strong bond with the childminder, who is warm and kind in her approach to them. They benefit from plentiful one to one interaction and as a result children feel secure and are developing their confidence. Children participate in an adequate range of activities, which includes reading books, push and pull along toys and educational activity toys. They experience few opportunities for creative play to enable them to experience different textures and colours.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning to talk and improve their communication skills because the childminder ensures that she speaks clearly and repeats words to extend their vocabulary. They are beginning to develop social skills by having opportunities to play with other children of a similar age through attending local toddler groups. However, the childminder does not yet make effective use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further extend and enrich her care for the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and valued. Their individual needs are known and met by the childminder. They have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to parks and toddler groups although, their access to books and toys that reflect different lifestyles are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive praise and happily seek cuddles and reassurance from the childminder. Behaviour management methods are discussed with parents and children would be distracted and offered different play activities to prevent any disruptive behaviour. The childminder uses appropriate methods suitable for the age and understanding of each child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to share information about their child, to ensure their wishes are respected and the needs of their child are met effectively. Daily discussion between both parties ensures consistency of care and contributes to good partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and made welcome in the childminder’s home. They have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. Daily routines are consistent and activities inside the home and at groups are varied. Children are beginning to develop their independence through making their own choices of toys and activities and are encouraged to feed themselves.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed systems to reassure and inform parents about their child's daily routine and for the parents to keep the childminder up to date. For example, a day book which records nappy changing, feeding, sleep activities and outings. The majority of records are up to date and accurate and provide the childminder with the required information to ensure that

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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 children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has 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 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): • display certificate of registration during childminding hours of operation • implement good hygiene practice with regard to nappy changing procedures in order to prevent the spread of infection • ensure reasonable steps are taken to ensure that all hazards to children on the premises are minimised with regard to trailing electric wires and low-level glass • ensure smoke alarms are provided at every level of the house and are maintained in working condition • ensure parents give written permission for their child to be transported in a vehicle • ensure toys and activities promote equality of opportunity • extend the range of activities and experiences for young children for example, using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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 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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