Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342565 Unique Reference Number 08 March 2007 Inspection date Anne Schurek 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 sixteen months and five years in the village of Alconbury in Huntingdonshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding along with an upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There is 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 two children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to school to take and collect children. The childminder regularly attends the local toddler group.

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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 play in a clean and well maintained home where they are encouraged to learn about their personal hygiene through normal daily routines and appropriate role-modelling from the childminder. For example, by washing their hands before and after eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

The effective hygiene routines the childminder maintains contributes towards protecting children from the spread of cross-infection. For example, the home is kept clean and well prepared before children arrive, work surfaces are cleaned before and after use with anti-bacterial wipes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from infection because the childminder is informed about children's health matters and has procedures regarding children who become ill or have been diagnosed with a infectious disease. She contacts the parents immediately if children are ill, protecting other children from infection. Sound procedures are in place for recording and administering of medicines and sharing information with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and are developing an awareness of healthy eating because they are offered varied nutritional snacks and meals. These include fresh fruit and vegetables. Children do not become thirsty as they are offered drinks at regular intervals during the day to ensure that they are well hydrated. Children enjoy fresh air because they play outside in the garden and go for walks to the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for mostly in a safe and secure environment where some positive steps have been taken to minimise potential risks. For example, the front and back door is kept locked and the key easily accessible, electric socket covers in place. However, mirror doors are accessible to children. This means they are exposed to unnecessary risks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a warm and welcoming home where they confidently explore their play environment safely. They have access to a suitable range of toys and equipment and individual needs are mostly met. Toys and resources are stored appropriately allowing children to access them freely and independently. Children experience different play environments due the childminder incorporating outings within the daily routine to the local park and school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow if she had concerns regarding a child's welfare, although she does not have the government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'-summary.

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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 are happy and secure in the childminder's home. They benefit from the close caring relationships they have developed with the childminder and each other. The childminder effectively interacts with the children and her caring approach encourages the children to respond to her. This helps the children feel relaxed and at ease in their environment and meaningful praise and encouragement helps them to develop their levels of confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder talks about how she helps children to enjoy their time at her house. She provides challenging activities such as shape sorters, musical activities and story time. Children's language and thinking is developed as the childminder spends much time talking to the children and extending their play. For example, the childminder names the colours of the plastic coins as the children fill the piggy bank up.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to play indoors and outdoors and take part in regular trips into the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are treated with equal concern and receive appropriate individual care because their needs are well known to the childminder. However, there are limited opportunities or resources to promote positive images and diversity within her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They receive regular clear and careful explanations to help them understand what is expected of them. They begin to learn right from wrong, about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures that they play positively together and learn to be kind and considerate to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder is not currently caring for children with special needs she demonstrates a positive attitude towards meeting children's individual needs and maintaining regular discussions with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive working relationships the childminder builds with parents. This includes keeping them informed each day through a daily diary of how they have been and activities they have taken part in.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, children's needs are met. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home and are treated as part of the family. The organisation of space, flexible routine and support offered by the childminder helps encourage the children's confidence and independence to initiate and extend their own play.

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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 Most of the required documentation is in place and stored confidentially. The childminder is aware to notify Ofsted of any significant events ensuring children's well-being at all times.

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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): • obtain a copy of the government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused'-summary • ensure that all low level glass is made inaccessible or made safe • provide an appropriate range of activities and resources to help children appreciate and value each others' similarities and differences

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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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