Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341858 Unique Reference Number 03 April 2007 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 alone in Peterborough. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding.

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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 and is currently minding one child under five all day, and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where they stay healthy because the childminder implements good hygiene practices which prevent the spread of infection. They learn about personal hygiene as part of the daily routines, such as washing their hands after using the lavatory and prior to meals. Records of accidents, incidents and medication are completed to safeguard children's

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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 well-being. Clear procedures are followed by the childminder when children are unwell, there are written procedures to share with parents relating to when children are sick or contagious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies are nurtured as they are given their bottles which helps them to feel safe and secure. They are weaned onto solids in conjunction with parents or carers to ensure their needs are met. Older children enjoy fruit or savoury snacks when they return from school and are provided with access to drinks as they become thirsty. Meal times are a social occasion where children sit with the childminder who offers support as necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a range of physical activities, on a daily basis, which contributes to their good health. They are active indoors, and the childminder ensures they have further physical activity as they walk to and from school and go to the park to play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a welcoming home where they make themselves at home and access toys and resources as they wish. Space is used appropriately and children are able to move around the setting independently. The childminder is aware of most possible hazards and reduces risks to children. However, on the day of the inspection several items were out of place. For example, dangerous substances, some medication and sharp implements were accessible to children compromising their safety. The childminder has recently brought a new cabinet. She is not sure if this contains safety glass or not and the fireguards which are in place to protect children are not secured to the wall, which does not totally minimise the risks. The childminder discusses with children about fire safety and has a policy and plan in place. She takes precautions to make her house safe with regards to fire prevention as she has appropriate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

fire detection equipment which supports children’s safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to play with toys that are safe and suitable for their age and stage of development. They are clean and comply with safety regulations; minimising risks to children. Young children are further protected as the childminder ensures that toys that have small parts are kept away from any young children present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare appropriately. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures and the childminder ensures that children are not left alone with anyone who has not been vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of activities and access a range of resources which help to promote their development. The childminder successfully supports the children in their learning and play according to their individual needs. Children become independent in making choices, as they select toys, books and games from low level storage units in the lounge and bedroom.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make good progress with the childminder, as she talks and plays with them to develop their understanding. She successfully plans activities for the children, which are age appropriate and based on her assessments of learning and what they like to do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children take part in lots of art and craft activities, such as making Easter cards and bonnets and they enjoy planting baskets of flowers for 'Mother's Day' presents. All children

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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 enjoy stories and regularly share books. The childminder uses the library service to supplement her range and to underpin specific topics. Children increase their understanding of early mathematics as they play with bricks and through general play and routine activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies’ early language is supported well as the childminder reads books and talks with them during their play. The childminder has the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and is waiting to attend training before using this to support the care provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows the children’s likes and dislikes and treats them as individuals and with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. They gain an awareness of diversity through some of the resources and activities which are provided. For example, they celebrate Easter and 'Mother's Day and the childminder ensures that all of the major festivals from around the world are woven into her yearly planning. The childminder shows a pro-active approach to caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Children are beginning to develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings around the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They learn right from wrong, about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. They receive regular praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder, who acts as a good role model, as she says ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents and carers are kept informed about the care the childminder provides. She has a portfolio of certificates, insurances and many written policies and procedures in place which are shared with parents to ensure they are aware of the care provided. However, her knowledge, understanding and the written policy explaining the complaints procedure is not in line with the latest regulations which misinforms parents and carers should they wish to make a complaint. The childminder ensures she obtains lots of information about children’s likes and dislikes so that she can provide appropriate care.Verbal and written feedback ensures parents and carers are kept informed of the progress the children make. New families are encouraged to visit the home prior to the child being looked after, ensuring the childminder knows the child's daily routine and children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable, settled and at ease with the childminder, in her home. As a result they are confident to move around the premises and initiate their own play. Toys are stored and accessible in the lounge; children confidently make selections as they please.

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Organisation

The children's needs are met through appropriate organisation. Children benefit from routines which help them feel secure and relaxed. They play, eat and rest as they need to. A variety of activities are available which provide children with a range of play opportunities.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely and most information shared appropriately with parents. However, the certificate of registration is stored in her portfolio. This is initially shown to parents and carers when they start but is not displayed so they are aware of the current conditions of registration.

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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 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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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 the fire guards are secured so they are effective in minimising risks to children • develop knowledge and understanding of the regulation relating to complaints and develop systems for recording any complaints which are received • ensure the certificate of registration is displayed • minimise risks to children by ensuring that dangerous substances, medicines and pills and sharp knives and implements and any low level glass are inaccessible to the children.

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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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