Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY334027 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Vivienne Dempsey Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a registered childminder since May 2006. She lives with her husband, her adult daughter and son, and her younger son aged 8 years. The whole of the ground floor, back bedroom and first floor bathroom are used for childminding activities. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The home is close to local shops, school and other amenities. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and child-friendly environment. Their health is protected as the childminder has clear policies and procedures in place. For example, the risk of children contracting illnesses while they are cared for by the childminder is effectively minimised through the clear exclusion policy. Children learn and are beginning to understand about personal

p.2

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 hygiene, as the childminder encourages children to wash their hands after toileting and before meals and snacks. Individual towels are provided for drying hands; this helps to minimise cross infection, further protecting children's health.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good systems in place to record accidents and the administration of medication. Parents sign to acknowledge entry, ensuring continuity of care. A first aid box is in place, however, it is not regularly checked. This has the potential to hinder the childminder from acting promptly when children suffer minor accidents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a balanced diet. Their meals are prepared using fresh ingredients, some of which have been organically grown in the childminder's allotment. Drinks are available throughout the day. All of which ensures children are very well nourished and remain hydrated.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, children enjoy visits to the local parks, nature walk, soft play area and access the fully enclosed garden. This helps to raise children's awareness of the importance of physical exercise and promotes exercise as fun. This helps develop children's positive attitude towards a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are extremely well cared for and fully protected in a secure, welcoming and safe home. The childminder fully encourages children to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. For example, she arranged for the local police officer to visit the home to talk to children about road safety. Children move around safely because toys, resources and equipment are very well organised. They benefit from being able to access these independently, thus promoting their independence and enabling them to have choices about what they do.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear emergency evacuation plan is in place and regular fire drills are practised. This develops children's awareness of fire safety. The childminder is well trained and understands her role in child protection and can act if necessary. This ensures children are protected at all times.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely confident in the setting and interact positively with the childminder and her family, creating a very homely and caring environment. Children show very high levels of interest and happily take part in a wide range of good quality activities and play. For example, they enjoy making plate faces, dressing up and playing with the small world animals.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder fully supports their play and learning. For example, children thoroughly enjoy retelling the story of 'Little Red Riding Hood' using a variety of props. The childminder interacts enthusiastically and appropriately. This helps children to develop their imagination and language skills. Children are interested and motivated with the activities and resources the childminder provides. Trying new activities and facing new challenges develops their self-esteem and confidence. Children make good progress in all areas of learning.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has implemented the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses observations to record younger children's progress and development.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's, the childminder's and her family's self-portraits are displayed in the entrance to the childminder's home, this promotes and develops the children's sense of belonging. Children settle very well as the childminder is aware of their individual needs and routines. They enjoy being with adults and peers. The childminder ensures children's understanding of the wider world is developed as she provides a wide range of activities and resources, such as books, jigsaws and small world figures. Children also enjoy celebrating a variety of festivals and events. For example, Chinese New Year and Easter.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are extremely well behaved as the childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour, taking into account children's level of understanding. A behaviour management policy is in place and shared with parents. The childminder is proactive in welcoming children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are considerably well met as the childminder has a very professional and caring relationship with parents. An extensive daily diary is provided for parents, giving them information about their child's day. Opportunities for a two way sharing of verbal information is also provided; this ensures continuity of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a very well organised, safe and welcoming home. The childminder is very enthusiastic to develop the service she provides. This includes attending regular training to keep her up to date on childcare issues and developing her childminding practice. She has an appropriate first aid certificate and has ensured all people over 16 years old living in the home have been suitably vetted, therefore safeguarding children.

p.4

Organisation

A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are in place, these are shared with parents to ensure that children receive the appropriate care. All documents and records are stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality and are readily available for inspection.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 first aid box is regularly checked and updated.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5