Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286036 Unique Reference Number 09 October 2007 Inspection date Jasvinder Kaur 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 14 in Rugeley, Staffordshire. The whole ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back yard for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent toddler group. The family has some pet fish.

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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 good. Children are encouraged to eat healthily and the childminder is active in ensuring good hygiene in relation to storing and serving of food safely. At meal times and snack times children enjoy sandwiches, vegetables and fresh and dried fruits. A selection of drinks is readily accessible for all children at all times. Appropriate drinking cups are provided for younger children so that they can be more self-reliant. All children enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes. The childminder is well aware of children's dietary requirements and preferences through consultation with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Good hand washing facilities are provided for all children. Babies have their hands wiped before meals and regularly throughout the day. Children are protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illnesses. Good hygiene practices are implemented as regards to nappy changing. The childminder is aware of the necessity of keeping a record of medication administered to children. Accident records are well maintained and shared with parents, who countersign all entries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Good opportunities provided for all children to have physical play in the fresh air. The resources provide sufficient challenge for a varied age group of children. They walk to and from school on a daily basis and regularly play in the back yard, at their local park and pre-school groups. This ensures they understand the benefit of exercise and keep physically fit. There are suitable arrangements for rest and sleep according to children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children feel secure and safe as the childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment. They are encouraged to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. Safety issues are highlighted in house rules, and children are warned about any hazards while they are playing. Adequate organisation of household furniture and equipment enables children to move around safely in the house and in the back yard. However, safety needs to be improved in respect of sharp objects in the kitchen, the socket in the lounge and the smoke alarm on the first floor. This compromises children’s well-being. Children are supervised at all times. They are protected by the childminder’s sound knowledge of evacuation procedures in the case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are suitable for the purpose and provide a welcoming environment to children. The childminder creates a family-oriented and safe setting. Appropriate furniture and equipment is available to help children to become independent and take part in group activities. Space is used creatively and there is a variety of toys and equipment available for children which enables them to develop their learning skills. Good organisation of toys and resources provides free choice to encourage children's independence.

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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 The children are protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She has attended the relevant training and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make good progress through a variety of experiences which develop their learning skills. They are interested in the range of indoor and outdoor activities provided. They interact well with the childminder and demonstrate a sense of trust. Their communication skills are developing through listening to stories and, with the encouragement of the childminder, through learning new words. Children show interest in books, use odd words to communicate and respond appropriately to the details in pictures, for instance by making relevant animal sounds. There is a good selection of resources, including a wide range of books, art and craft materials, large equipment for role play and toys with different colours, shapes and sounds which help them to advance their learning skills. A variety of themed activities including insect hunting is planned to enhance children’s learning and knowledge of the environment. Children seem very

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

involved in the activities provided for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and have a good relationship with the childminder as she responds to their individual needs. This includes toddlers who have little verbal communication to express how they feel and what they need. Children work creatively and enjoy using a variety of techniques including making a bird house with sticks and modelling with play dough. They are encouraged to play on their own to develop their independence and to explore and investigate. Children are engaged in activities requiring hand and eye coordination and first-hand learning experiences, for instance growing tomatoes and green peppers. Their mathematical skills are supported through appropriate activities, routines and resources. The childminder has introduced the children to travelling on public transport so they will feel comfortable doing so. This means children’s development is supported appropriately by providing stimulating and interesting

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a sense of belonging. They appear to be settled as the childminder is well aware of their needs. Young children are provided with set routines of rest, play and feeding times which help them to feel secure. All children learn social skills and enjoy being with adults and peers at the childminder’s house and at the toddler group. They develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world through appropriate resources that promote equality of opportunity. They taste different foods and make lanterns and dragons while celebrating the Chinese New Year. Children are involved in decision making when selecting play and taking part in household activities such as helping the childminder with tidying up and fetching little things to help her. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have special needs, the childminder is able to provide care which would include them in the life of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the setting through discussing children’s needs with parents and relevant organisations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are well mannered, happy and confident as the childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour which takes into account children’s levels of understanding and maturity. They are praised for good behaviour and are encouraged to play together, take turns and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Older children show care towards younger

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 and hug them spontaneously. Behaviour management is discussed with parents through verbal communication and well documented policies. The children benefit from the childminder’s positive and professional relationship with parents which mean that children’s needs are met. Parents are informed about and involved in their child's experiences and care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s needs are met, as the sufficient organisation of space and resources allow them to play and learn. They benefit from welcoming premises where they feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. Required adult to child ratios are maintained at all times to meet children's needs effectively. The childminder regularly attends courses to keep abreast with developments in childcare. She holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. She has suitable arrangements to protect children and has undertaken relevant vetting procedures. This ensures that children receive appropriate care.

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Organisation

All documents are maintained and stored appropriately. They are readily available for inspection and shared with parents to keep them informed of their child’s care and routines. Parents’ contributions are valued. They are made aware of the complaints procedure should they have any concerns about the provision. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the childminder's qualifications, policies and information about the service provided.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder agreed to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and extend the range of resources that reflect positive images with regard to disability, gender and culture.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The above recommendations have been successfully met. The childminder has obtained the required permission from parents. She has provided some resources and uses the library for appropriate books. She has further resources on order.

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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 to Ofsted.

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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

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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): • take reasonable steps to minimise hazards to children, with particular reference to the smoke alarm, electric sockets and sharp objects in the kitchen.

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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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