Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341491 Unique Reference Number 22 March 2007 Inspection date Juliette Jennings 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 with her husband and three children aged 14 years, nine years and eight years in a suburb of Telford, Shropshire. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to provide care for six children and is currently minding five all 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 good. Children's health is promoted well. The childminder implements good procedures to support children's health and hygiene and enables parents to know about this information through written information and discussion in order to encourage a consistent care approach. Written procedures are carried through in practice to maintain children's health, for example, regular hand wiping with wipes, thorough nappy changing procedures which includes the use of disposable gloves and aprons and use of individual towels and flannels. This allows children to develop a sound understanding of hygiene procedures from an early age and encourages them to become aware of good health through routine daily activities. In addition, documentation for recording children's accidents and administration of any medication is readily available for use.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are enabled and supported to develop an understanding of healthy eating through the provision made by the childminder. They enjoy the freshly prepared meals that are prepared on a daily basis by the childminder, for example, spaghetti Bolognese, roast chicken dinner, chicken risotto, fish pie, cauliflower cheese, toad in the hole and snacks such as teacakes, crackers, fruit, cereal and sandwiches. Table manners are encouraged at these times, with children supported to sit opposite each other in the highchairs whilst the childminder interacts positively with them. In addition, the childminder successfully and effectively implements a healthy eating environment by ensuring that children can drink plenty of water throughout the day and by providing information to parents about what children eat by way of a weekly menu. There is a clear policy in place to support this, which is available in the parent's

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Helping children to be healthy

information pack and menu plans are displayed in the hallway. This helps to inform parents of the benefits to children of providing a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy sound opportunities to develop their physical skills by using the outdoor environment, having regular daily access to fresh air and light, use of the garden area for various activities, trips to the local park and green areas to develop large motor skills, and creative activities, puzzles, treasure baskets and discovery toys to develop more controlled skills, particularly for the younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are supported in a space which is colourful, stimulating and child-orientated, with a strong focus on promoting positive images of diversity through posters, pictures and books. This allows children to begin to develop an understanding of the world around them. Young children are contented, happy, settled and confident in the space and are enabled to fully engage in age-appropriate and stimulating play, for example, exploring the treasure basket or the discovery toys. The setting is organised well to meet children's needs, for example, the lounge is used for quiet time or for children to sleep within their daily routine. They have good access to the play resources they require, as well as access to toileting areas, areas where they

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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 can sleep or relax and plenty of space for floor play so that they can spread the resources out and develop their child-initiated play, with good interaction from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is ensured because the childminder is pro-active in ensuring that her home is safe. There were no safety issues highlighted at the time of the inspection and children were supervised well at all times, for example, when a child wanted to toddle around she was supported to do so safely in the environment. In addition, regular daily checks are carried out to ensure that children are safe whilst in her care. Fire procedures are in place and regular fire evacuations are practised in order to ensure that children know what to do, with the childminder's support, in the event of an emergency. Emergency exit signs help children to know where the route out of the home in this event.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted effectively because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues, guidelines and procedures. Training has been accessed and all appropriate documentation is in place, is in line with up to date national guidance and is readily available so that action could be taken quickly in order to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage in a wide variety of activities which promote their overall development well. The use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework is being developed and the childminder is sure this will enable her to monitor children's individual development and to plan specific activities to encourage children to progress. Children relish activities such as the treasure basket, crayons, finger paints, puzzles and looking at books within a space which is homely, child-orientated and interesting. The routine of the day allows some structure whilst supporting children to make independent choices about what they want to do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very aware of children's favourite activities, and for younger children ensures they have access to these readily, whilst keeping them interested and occupied. Children are happy, contented and comfortable and the childminder's calm, relaxed manner supports this. They have a lovely relationship with her and enjoy their time in her care. A substantial range of resources and activities can be easily accessed by children from those provided by the childminder, who ensures that they have age-appropriate toys and play activities. Toys are very evident in the rooms used by children and evidence of what they have been doing is available on displays, notice boards and photographs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are given plentiful opportunities to access a broad range of activities, resources and equipment which they enjoy, find stimulating and allows them to develop a greater understanding of diversity. Younger children are supported to become independent and develop self-confidence through the childminder allowing and supporting them to explore, investigate and find out about the world around them. Her strong support and understanding of the importance of individuality and sense of self is threaded through the routine, environment and

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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 activities on offer for all children, enabling them to progress at their own pace whilst reinforcing and developing their personalities. Children's individual needs are accommodated very well with the childminder following their routines and being aware of likes and dislikes. There are appropriate procedures in place in order to support children who have learning difficulties or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good and effective techniques are used to promote and encourage this appropriate behaviour, such as praise, discussion and a sound awareness of what the children like to do. This helps to promote a respectful and caring atmosphere. Children are busy, occupied and interested to learn, explore and discover.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Consistency of care for children is generally enabled because the partnership with parents is strong. Policies and procedures are in place which support and allow children to be cared for largely in accordance with parent's wishes and parents know about what their children have been doing through daily verbal and written feedback, a supportive ethos and open, friendly relationships. However, written agreements and some consents are not in place with all parents, which will potentially confuse agreed care arrangements for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's documentation, the setting policies and procedures and other paperwork are maintained in good order and are largely in line with requirements, which helps to ensure that children are cared for consistently and generally in line with parents wishes. Access to training ensures that the childminder continues to develop her childcare practice, her understanding of childcare issues and any changes to legislation. This in turn, enables her to continue to provide a well-organised, homely, secure, child-orientated environment for the children in her care.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures which are specific to the setting and support the consistent care of children are readily available and these are being updated and reviewed as the childminder develops her practice and knowledge of childcare. These will continue to help outline the care provided for the children in her care. Parents have access to these so that they can know about the care provided for their children. The space is organised well for children, with use of the rooms downstairs effectively meeting children's needs and maintaining a homely, child-friendly environment. 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. 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): • continue to improve the outcomes for children aged under three years through implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • make sure that written agreements and appropriate consents are in place with all parents to fully enable consistent care.

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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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