Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336650 Unique Reference Number 19 January 2007 Inspection date Julie Whitelaw 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 June 2006. She lives with her husband and daughter aged two years. The family have a dog. Their house is in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding, children can rest and sleep in a bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. There are shops, schools and pre-schools within an accessible distance. The childminder walks to local schools to drop off and collect minded children. She takes children to the library and toddler groups. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. She is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 benefit from a clean and warm home. Their health is promoted through the childminder's cleaning routine. She has a clear understanding regarding the requirements for the storage and preparation of food. Appropriate procedures are followed when nappy changing that ensure children stay healthy. Children's understanding of hygiene is promoted as they are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Older children develop an understanding of good hygiene as they help to wash the toys in the garden. Children have their own individual towels and flannels that are colour co-ordinated which promotes independence in their personal care. Children's health is promoted as the childminder follows the policy and procedure that is in place to exclude sick children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks such as fruit. They learn about healthy eating as they go shopping and discuss what foods are good for you and what foods are treats. Older children help to prepare the meals, such as pizza and shepherd's pie. Drinks are always available in appropriate cups and beakers. This ensures children stay hydrated. Information regarding dietary requirements is recorded on the contracts. Therefore, children's dietary needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily fresh air. The childminder encourages parents to supply Wellington boots and raincoats so that children can go out in most weathers. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They regularly visit the park or play in the garden. Children's physical skills develop as they bounce on the trampoline and play on the swings and slide. When indoors, music and movement sessions ensure children have the opportunity to be active.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a secure environment. They are kept safe because the childminder understands the importance of supervision. Therefore, children can play independently. The childminder has taken steps to improve the safety of her home. Cleaning fluids have been moved out of reach, knives are stored in a locked cupboard and socket covers are in place. However, not all potential hazards have been identified and addressed and therefore may compromise children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can access a wide range of toys and resources that are stored in the play room. These are well organised to promote children's independence. They are regularly checked to ensure they are clean and safe for the children who attend. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they learn about road safety and stranger danger when walking to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe through the childminder's sound knowledge of first aid. They are protected because she has a clear understanding of the procedure she would follow if she suspected a child was being abused.

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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 participate in a wide range of activities and learning experiences that promote their development. They are occupied and have fun because the childminder follows their interests. Young children say that they want to play with play dough. The childminder sets it out and supports them as they play. Children enjoy listening to stories. The childminder asks open ended questions that encourage children to think. Children explain what sounds different instruments make. The childminder listens to and values what children have to say. This helps children to develop confidence. The childminder praises children for their efforts. This promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a separate playroom where they independently access the resources. They learn a variety of skills through cooking activities. Children regularly visit the library for story time and enjoy going to soft play centres. Children are encouraged to make progress because the childminder has a sound understanding of what stage they are at and is able to move them onto the next steps in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. The effective settling in procedure ensures children feel secure within the childminder's home. Children benefit from the attention the childminder gives them. Their understanding of others is promoted through a variety of resources including books, musical instruments and small world toys. Children learn about the wider world when walking in the woods. The childminder encourages them to notice nature and how the seasons change. Children with special needs are supported well because the childminder has a sound understanding of how to meet their individual needs. She appreciates that some children may require additional support or resources to enable them to reach their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The effective partnership with parents ensures children's needs are met. Parents receive a copy of the childminder's policies and procedures. The daily exchange of information and diaries that record the care provided and children's achievements keep parents informed and involved in their child's learning. Children are developing self-control and manners through the clear consistent boundaries the childminder sets. Their self-esteem is promoted through positive methods such as praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the training the childminder has completed and her willingness to update her knowledge and skills further. She is planning to attend child protection and food hygiene in the future. This will further improve the care she provides. Children make progress because of the individual attention she gives them and the appropriate range of activities that ensure they make progress and have fun.

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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 are protected because the childminder ensures that anyone living at the address or visiting the premises is suitable to do so and that ratios are always maintained. The childminder understands the importance of confidentiality. All the required polices and procedures are in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 the 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 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): • ensure any potential hazards within the setting are addressed.

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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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