Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340311 Unique Reference Number 11 April 2007 Inspection date Sheena Osborne 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 partner and their two children aged eleven and seven in Stanground, Peterborough. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at anyone time and there are currently three children on roll. No children were present during the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where they stay healthy because the childminder implements appropriate hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. They learn about personal hygiene as part of their daily routine, such as washing their hands after visiting the toilet and

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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 prior to eating. The childminder has knowledge of first aid and keeps the required documentation which helps her to support the health and well-being of the children, for example a record of accidents and allergy information. She has a first aid box, but some of its contents are out of date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the meals which their parents provide for them and the snacks offered to them by the childminder. They eat their meals and snacks seated at the table or in high chairs. The childminder sits with them so they can enjoy social conversation. Children are able to freely access drinks thus enabling them to meet their bodily needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy activities indoors, in the garden and during walks and visits to the park to promote their health and well-being. The childminder uses her experience and knowledge of child development to ensure that children have fresh air and participate in a range of physical play experiences. Babies and toddlers are able to eat, rest and play to suit their individual needs because the childminder takes account of their changing needs and home routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and generally safe indoor and outdoor environment. Space is used appropriately and children are able to move around the home independently. The childminder has identified and minimised most risks in the home. However, alcohol is stored at a level which is accessible to children and cleaning products are accessible in the toilet area. This is a potential danger to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with toys that are safe and suitable for their age and stage of development. These are effectively organised to enable children to independently select items for their own use from the range of toys, games, books and resources available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supports children's safety and well-being because she has a sound understanding of child protection. She knows who to contact and is aware of the local area safeguarding children procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children of all ages are able to relax or be active in accordance with their own needs and interests. Older children appreciate having free time to use the Play Station at the end of the school day and also enjoy energetic outdoor activities, such as playing on the trampoline. Younger children's language development is supported because the childminder is aware of the skills babies use to communicate. She responds to babbling and smiles by mimicking their gestures and sounds during play. This encourages children to communicate and is developing their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge of children's developmental needs which helps her to provide a suitable range of activities and toys to support these needs. Children have the opportunity to spend their time engaged in purposeful play, independently exploring the range of toys and resources. They make choices and develop their own interests. They have the opportunities to explore activities which contribute to their creativity such as arts and crafts, singing and role play.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed and included in the provision. The childminder has systems to gather and share information with the parents regarding their children's needs, for example, dietary requirements, likes and dislikes. This helps the childminder to provide appropriate care to meet the needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies which helps children of all ages understand what is expected of them, learn to respect the needs of others and how to share and take turns as they play together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children begin to develop some understanding about differences and similarities through discussion and looking at books. However, the childminder does not provide enough suitable activities or resources to fully support the children to learn about all members of society and develop positive attitudes towards diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally well-organised environment where they are able to play, rest and sleep in comfort. Consistent routines and kind and caring support enables children to confidently explore their environment, begin to express their needs and develop their ideas and interests. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended all of the required training and has attended a course on the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework. She has also identified additional courses such as child protection. The knowledge that she gains from such courses will help her to further develop her practice for the children that attend.

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Organisation

All of the required documents and records are in place. This contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being. Policies and procedures which cover aspects of children's life in the setting, for example, behaviour management are verbally shared with parents. This informs them of the care provided for their child and the expectations of them.

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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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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 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 a first aid box is available, the contents of which is checked frequently and replaced as necessary • increase the range of resources and activities for children which help them to learn about all members of society • review risk assessment and take action to minimise hazards with particular reference to the storage of alcohol and cleaning materials in the toilet area.

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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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