Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222275 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2007 Inspection date Jean Suff 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and three children, aged eight, seven and two in a detached house in the town of Market Harborough. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding six children under eight, all part-time. She also cares for children over eight before and after school and during school holidays. The childminder walks to a nearby school and takes children to the local shops, park and museum. The family have a pet hamster. 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 good. Children's good health and well-being are promoted as they are looked after in a clean, well-maintained and comfortable home. The childminder has a clear understanding of effective hygiene routines and ensures that the risk of infection is minimised. For example, she shares a sickness exclusion policy with parents in order to protect children from infection. Appropriate recording systems are in place if children require medication or have an accident. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines, for example, washing their hands before eating and after stroking the hamster.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and have opportunities to learn about healthy eating. They gain from being offered a variety of nutritious and healthy meals and snacks. For example, at snack time they are able to choose their own protein filled sandwich and various fruit and salad vegetables. The childminder works with parents to ensure children's individual dietary requirements are met. Drinks are available as children require to ensure they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a routine which incorporates regular physical activity and fresh air. They walk to and from school and play ball games in the local park. Children spend time outside in the garden where they use a varied range of equipment such as balls, swings, wheeled vehicles and a sandpit.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe environment where potential hazards are minimised to prevent accidents. For example, hazardous cleaning materials and sharp knives are stored in locked cupboards to ensure children's safety. Children receive close supervision both indoors and when outside to protect their well-being. They learn about safety within the home and on outings by age appropriate discussions of issues, such as crossing roads safely. Suitable detection and prevention measures are in place in case of fire. Children are aware of safety procedures in an emergency. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of signs of abuse and child protection procedures. Children are protected and their welfare promoted because she understands what to do in the event of any concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a comprehensive range of play materials that are well maintained and suitable for their interests and age range. Equipment is rotated regularly to ensure children experience different games and activities. Resources are well organised on shelving and in accessible boxes in designated areas of the home. Children, therefore, make choices and become increasingly independent.

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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 good. Children are very settled and happy within the childminder's care. They are keen to become involved with activities as the childminder knows what they are interested in and ensures it is readily available to them. She has a good understanding of the need to provide a broad range of activities that help children to develop and learn. Children develop their imaginative, creative and investigative skills through a wide variety of activities. They draw, play box games, pirates and princesses, use construction materials or read quietly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts well with children, she encourages their play, responds sensitively and listens to their concerns. Children, therefore, learn to interact with each other and have their opinions and ideas affirmed. They learn patterns of acceptable behaviour, sharing and taking turns. They play board games that stimulate their problem solving and thinking skills. Children have good opportunities to extend their language skills through conversations with the childminder and each other. Children enjoy listening to tapes and reading books as a resource to extend their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder who clearly enjoys their company. They are cared for according to parents wishes as the childminder takes account of information supplied by them. Parents receive regular verbal information to keep them well informed about the setting and their children's care. Although the childminder is committed to supporting all children, she has limited knowledge and understanding of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to support her practice in this area. Children learn about their community through trips to the local park, shops and museum. They learn about the wider world through conversations with the childminder, by listening to tapes and using books and puzzles that show positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and learn to play harmoniously together. The childminder supports children's good behaviour through compliments and encouragement. She uses sensitive and appropriate strategies and takes account of children's differing ages and stages of development when giving reasons. When children fall out over a game, the childminder sits and talks with them, explains what should happen, listens and gives feedback to children. This enables children to make reliable choices about their behaviour whilst developing self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have a comfortable, spacious and very well organised environment for their care and play. They are warmly welcomed by the childminder who is experienced in caring for children. Therefore, children are happy and secure. They are confident to choose resources so enabling them to play and learn purposefully.

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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 Children's safety and welfare is well promoted as the childminder ensures all documentation is in place and used effectively. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, has a business-like approach to her service and takes her responsibilities to children seriously. She places high priority on confidentiality and stores records securely. The childminder has a current Paediatric first aid certificate so enabling her to deal promptly with any accidents that occur when children are in her care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was required to extend the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. She has provided and used with children a range of books, CD's, puzzles, tapes and small world play that reflect diversity so helping them to learn about the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 by 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 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): • develop own knowledge and understanding of learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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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