Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342573 Unique Reference Number 18 May 2007 Inspection date Adelaide Griffiths 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 and lives with her husband and two children aged six and 10 years. They live within walking distance of shops, schools, nurseries, a library and a park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day, and two children over five after school. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 satisfactory. Children's understanding of personal hygiene is appropriately encouraged as they wash hands before eating. They are generally protected against infection, for example, toys are cleaned frequently. The food preparation area is maintained in a clean condition and the premises are clean throughout. Children have some protection due to arrangements with regard to infectious illnesses and sickness. However, parental permission is not obtained for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment. This means that children's health needs may be potentially compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are clearly gaining an understanding of healthy eating as they are served with balanced meals. For younger children parents provide meals as agreed. Children's independence is adequately promoted as they feed themselves with finger foods. They drink frequently as beakers are accessible and children are reminded to drink often. Older children serve themselves or ask for drinks as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children benefit from physical exercise. Younger children are mainly encouraged to walk with assistance. For example, they walk around with support as the childminder holds their hands or they hold on to furniture for security. Children's large muscle skills are primarily promoted through large play equipment including climbing frames, when they go to the park. Children participate in quiet activities and they sleep according to established patterns agreed with parents. They also sit for stories and watch some television programmes.

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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 environment that is bright and toys are stored within their reach. There is sufficient space for minded children and they move around freely. Children access safe toys obtained from reputable suppliers and these are checked regularly to ensure that they remain suitable for use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are predominately protected due to a wide range of safety measures and they access a safe toilet and outdoor area. Children are clearly supervised and their security is appropriately maintained. For example, on outings children wear wrist bands that only display the mobile number of the childminder and not the children's names. Owing to regular fire drills children are learning about evacuation procedures including how to leave the building in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is basically safeguarded due to the childminder's knowledge about child protection issues. However, there is some uncertainty about procedures relating to the reporting of concerns and those regarding allegations. Consequently, children's welfare may be compromised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's independence is effectively promoted as they access toys placed within reach and they are at ease in the childminder's home. For instance, they separate easily from parents.

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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 Children's sense of belonging is promoted as their personal items including bags are placed within reach. Children's recognition skills are competently encouraged as the childminder points to numbers on a toy and presses the relevant buttons. Their self-esteem is raised due to consistent praise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well-supported in forming relationships as the childminder talks to them constantly. They are beginning to develop language skills as the childminder prompts the expression of speech by repeating words several times. Children's imaginative play is extended through the childminder's participation. For example, she pretends to splash water over the doll in the bath and children maintain interest as they concentrate on these actions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is clearly promoted due to the provision of a wide range of activities. The childminder is aware of children's preferences, for instance, for those who enjoy messy play she includes finger painting. Children are encouraged to play with others and they participate in group activities. This means that children are learning to share and take turns. They have opportunities to join in musical activities including the playing of guitars. After school all children sit and talk with the childminder about their day. Children are cared for in an environment that promotes their well-being and self-worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met as they are all encouraged to participate in activities according to their preferences, for example, creative play. Children are gaining some understanding about other cultures. For instance, they celebrate some festivals and their awareness of different foods is raised due to some of the meals provided. However, toys and resources reflecting positive images are not available. This means that children's understanding is not consistently promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has current experience of caring for children with disability. She follows the guidance given by parents to ensure that children's needs are addressed with regard to play. She is aware of external agencies that are available for support if required. Children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is encouraged due to positive strategies as the childminder offers praise consistently. In the event of unacceptable behaviour time out is used to remove children from activities. Children are learning about the boundaries of behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a positive relationship with parents. Children are supported in settling due to the friendly approach. Daily information is shared with parents about children's experiences and a diary is used for recording activities and routines for younger children. A board is available with information relating to the childminding service. Children benefit from the partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are protected due to suitability procedures and the childminder is aware that children cannot be left with persons who are not vetted. There is good organisation for the care of children. For instance, activities and routines are planned. Additionally, a folder is kept of all children's work. The childminder is proactive in updating her knowledge and has attended

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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 courses recently. Her commitment to improve practice demonstrates a positive approach to the care of children.

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Organisation

All required documentation is available. Children's records are stored securely and updated annually. The childminder is aware of procedures for the retention of records and of notifying Ofsted about significant changes. Records and most procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision to promote the care of children are appropriately maintained. 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 Ofsted or the provider 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): • take steps to request parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • improve knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board • provide resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

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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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