Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340625 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2007 Inspection date Anne Felicity Taylor 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 in a house in central of Leamington Spa. The basement floor of the childminder's home has been converted for the sole use of childminding, including two play rooms, kitchenette and toilet facilities. There is a separate entrance to the childminding area and a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, including two babies under one year. She is currently minding three children under five years for day care and a school child for holiday care. The schools, shops and park are within walking distance of the childminder's home.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has a cat which is given no access to childminding areas.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local toddler groups and 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 enjoy plenty of exercise and fresh air. They walk regularly to local parks to run and play games and to observe changes in the seasons. The children benefit from having access to the garden. Older children are offered activities to help them develop increasing finger and hand control, for example, making Plasticine models. Action rhymes and music are used effectively encourage the children's physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Easy access to the bathroom enables the children to develop independence as they go to the toilet and wash their hands. They follow simple hygiene routines, with their own flannels, clean towels and liquid soap. The childminder is an effective role model, washing her hands regularly. She discusses healthy living with the children, for example, the importance of healthy eating. Clear nappy changing and nappy disposal routines are in place ensuring younger children are comfortable and clean. Parents are well informed about any events during the day, as effective procedures are carried out, for example, accident and medication recording. However, written permission for emergency treatment is not in place, which means children may not be cared for according to parent's wishes. The childminder is first aid trained and a fully stocked first aid box is in place ensuring children are well cared for if they have an accident or become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have all meals and snacks provided by the childminder. There are sample written menus available for parents. Children are very well nourished and are offered a wide variety of food including a cooked or cereal breakfast, a freshly prepared lunch, for example, meat balls with broccoli and mashed potatoes, and an 'on toast' or sandwich tea. Vegetarian alternatives are available for all meals. Older children have easy access to drinking water and younger children are offered drinks regularly. The childminder is able to make up bottle feeds for babies. Refrigeration temperatures are not monitored and therefore food may not be stored safely. Parents are always consulted regarding dietary needs and preferences and therefore all individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered quiet times to rest and babies sleep in the back playroom in their own comfortable cots. The childminder checks sleeping children very often ensuring they sleep safely. Individual sleeping patterns are discussed regularly with parents ensuring needs are met well.

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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 child-friendly and safe environment. The facilities for children provide plenty of clear play space, with the dedicated playrooms organised into different areas, for example, a comfortable book corner and a computer station. Much of the equipment in the playrooms is stored at child height, enabling the children to make independent choices. The procedures that are in place for checking and cleaning all equipment and toys regularly ensures that children play with suitable and safe equipment. The positive images of society reflected in toys and books helps the children develop an understanding of wider society.

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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 Children are kept safe because the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children herself at all times. They are learning about keeping themselves safe when they are out walking, as they discuss and practise road safety. Well-maintained fire safety equipment is in place, for example, smoke alarms. The childminder has talked to older children about evacuation procedures, but they have not had the opportunity to practise and become familiar and comfortable with the safety procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a professional understanding of child protection issues including the referral process. She has completed initial training. Her policy is shared with parents, which means they understand her responsibility to report any concerns. Therefore children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met very well because the childminder plans activities the day before, responding positively to children's interests, and follows a flexible daily routine. The strong lines of communication between the parents and the childminder enables the childminder to adapt routines if needed, for example, to accommodate sleep times. Children are confident and secure in the friendly environment and respond well to the individual attention they receive from the childminder as they strive to post balls in right pocket. Children giggle and shriek as they play together in the pop-up Thomas the Tank Engine tent. Older children are offered interesting opportunities to cook regularly. Parents are given regular feedback about their child's time with the childminder, including activities and achievements, for example, outings to the park for physical play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very well supported by the childminder as they develop their independence and confidence, beginning to stand and walk. They are confident, choosing their favourite books to look at. All the children are offered valuable opportunities to make positive relationships with others as they visit local groups and as they are encouraged to be kind, helpful and considerate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children concentrate well as they enjoy making colourful models with enthusiasm and care, identifying the various colours used with confidence. They are very proud of recognising and being able to spell their own name with confidence .

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder gets to know the children very well, by good communication with parents and by talking and listening to the children. Therefore children are cared for with equal concern in an environment that respects individuality. Children develop positive attitudes to others following the example set by the childminder and through the resources used, for example, dolls and picture and posters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a strong sense of belonging as the childminder offers them individual loving care and attention. There are procedures in place to meet the needs of children with special

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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 educational needs, working alongside parents and others involved in the child's care. Older children are encouraged to share and to be considerate and helpful, effectively developing an awareness of the needs of others, for example, being gentle with the baby. They begin to understand right from wrong through the firm and consistent boundaries which are in place and the age-appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour. Children respond positively to the praise offered and their self-esteem is enhanced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from the relationship between parents and the childminder, effectively supporting the involvement of parents in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents appreciate the daily exchange of information. They have the opportunity to read the information folder developed by the childminder, increasing their confidence in the care offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children develop well and have lots of fun and affection when in the care of the childminder. She provides clear routines for eating, sleeping, free play and organised activities. This helps the children to settle down quickly and feel comfortable in the play areas. The childminder has completed additional training ensuring that she provides activities that aid the children's development, for example, 'Birth to three matters'. The organisation of the playrooms encourages the children to initiate their own play and learning, for example, as they use the inviting book corner. Children are confident and happy as they are cared for within the flexible routine.

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Organisation

The welfare and safety of the children is the priority for the childminder and the correct ratios are always maintained. The childminder considers carefully the age and stage of development of all the children she cares for to ensure she can always meet the children's needs.

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Organisation

Effective procedures and policies generally support the childminder in working successfully in partnership with parents, for example, clear health and hygiene procedures. To ensure accurate registers are in place, times of arrival and departure must be recorded daily. Children benefit as their families are welcomed into the childminder's home and are fully involved in their care. The notice board displays her registration certificate and other information about the childminding service offered. Overall children's needs are met.

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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 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 written permission for emergency medical treatment is in place for each child • ensure food storage temperatures are monitored • ensure children practise and become familiar with emergency evacuation procedures • ensure times of attendance are completed daily on registers.

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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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