Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY262222 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Valerie Craven 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a house in Little Sutton which is within walking distance of local schools. All areas of the property are used for childminding with the exception of the back bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family own a dog, two rabbits and a rat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local childminding group and helps to run a mother and toddler group on Mondays and Fridays. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is currently caring for nine children, five of whom are under school age. They are cared for on a part time basis.

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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 are cared for in a warm, comfortable and homely environment. Toys are regularly cleaned and anti-bacterial spray is used to wipe surfaces, such as high chairs which ensures that equipment is clean and suitable for use by toddlers and babies. The arrangements for the care of pets and the childminder's good hygiene practices, ensures that animals do not pose a health risk to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of the importance of hygiene. She encourages children to wash their hands at appropriate times, for example, after touching animals, and individual hand towels are used to prevent the spread of germs. The use of baby wipes helps to reduce the risk of cross infection when children have minor coughs and colds. Appropriate consents and procedures regarding medication ensure that children are well cared for. Accident books are well maintained and the childminder has an appropriate first aid kit, which enables her to deal with minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from nutritious meals and healthy snacks, such as scrambled eggs, roast chicken, cheese, ham and fruit. The childminder provides parents with sample menus and is happy to accommodate individual preferences which children may have, whilst encouraging children to be adventurous and try new foods, such as lasagne and chilli con carne. Toddlers have access to drinks throughout the day, however, babies are not always offered drinks at regular intervals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical skills are promoted through visits to the park where children have the opportunity to run and climb. Walks to and from school ensure that children have regular fresh air and exercise. Younger children rest or sleep on the sofa and babies sleep in pushchairs according to their individual routines and are checked frequently. Indoors, babies have access to toys, such as a baby gym which promote physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and well organised environment which is warm and comfortable. They have access to a good range of developmentally appropriate toys which are in good condition. Toys are stored at low level and are accessible, which helps children to stay safe whilst developing independence. However, babies can sometimes access toys designed for older children and, therefore, need close supervision at all times. Suitable equipment, such as high chairs and car seats are used appropriately and children are well supervised whilst using them, which helps to prevent accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to most of the house and the back garden. The childminder is aware of potential hazards, such as a small water feature, and recognises the need for close supervision to ensure children's safety. The childminder has implemented good safety measures, such as gates to prevent access to the stairs and kitchen, and smoke detectors which minimises risks to children. The front door is kept locked with a catch and the back garden is secure which

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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 protects children from harm. Emergency procedures have been devised, such as a fire evacuation procedure, and toddlers are aware of what to do when practising them, which promotes children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has attended a child protection course and is aware of her responsibility to children. She understands how to record and report incidents should she have concerns about children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well and they are happy and confident in her home. Babies and toddlers play happily alongside each other and are learning to share. Children have access to a wide range of developmentally appropriate toys, such as shape sorters, threading and cars, which meet their individual needs and interests. Younger children enjoy visits to a local mother and toddler group and childminding group, where they have opportunities to socialise with other children and have access to a wider range of play experiences, such as messy play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Indoors, toys, games, jigsaws and books are stored in low units, which children are able to access independently. Toddlers are encouraged to make choices and to help to tidy things away which promotes responsibility and initiative and supports children's play and learning. Outdoors, children are able to play with balls and bikes whilst regular visits to the park enable them to run and climb which promotes their physical development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop language skills, as the childminder responds encouragingly to their suggestions and interests and talks to them regularly using open ended questions and offering explanations. The positive relationship which they have helps to develop children's confidence and self-esteem and children giggle enthusiastically as they play together. Visits to the park, woods and zoo enrich children's first hand experiences whilst developing knowledge of the world around them. Older children have access to a computer and develop creative skills and imagination as they dress up, make puppets and pictures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and the childminder knows the children in her care well, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They have access to a good range of resources and are able to make independent choices. Boys and girls have equal access to opportunities and learn a little about other cultures through activities, such as dressing up for Chinese New Year. Children are able to socialise with others and are made aware of diversity through visits to the local toddler group, however, children have limited access to resources which promote diversity. The childminder has some experience of working with children with additional needs and has some relevant training, although no children with additional needs attend the setting at the present time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. Children are aware of boundaries, and consistent expectations of good behaviour ensure that children are secure and confident in the childminder's home. A

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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 behaviour policy is agreed with parents, however, behaviour management strategies differ according to the children's age, development and parental wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and carers to meet the individual needs of the children. Continuity of approach in behaviour management, potty training and eating, results in children making good progress. Parents are delighted with the care that their children receive and have confidence in the childminder's ability to ensure their children's happiness and well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder currently looks after nine children on a part time basis. She ensures that the correct ratios are maintained and spends time interacting with children throughout the day. She organises her home and resources well to meet the overall needs of the children who attend. Children at the setting also benefit from visits to a local mother and toddler group, and childminding groups, as well as parks, woodland and the zoo. The childminder has some written policies and procedures and keeps appropriate records, such as registers, accident records, and a complaints log in good order and they are available for inspection. However, she has failed to maintain a first aid certificate and this is a breach in regulations. The childminder's understanding of the standards and the 'Birth to three matters' framework are used to promote good care for children.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder has attended a course about child protection, increasing her awareness of the issues and understanding of the correct procedures, which promotes children's well-being. She has also developed her knowledge of working with children who have additional needs. Whilst the childminder demonstrates an awareness of equal opportunities and inclusion she has not yet developed a good range of resources to promote diversity.

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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

Since 1 April 2004 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

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 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): • ensure that a current first aid certificate is maintained • ensure that fresh drinking water is available to all children at all times • develop resources to promote equality of opportunity and 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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