Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY284232 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2007 Inspection date Anne Walker 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 parents, adult brother and sister in Somercotes, Derbyshire. Her mother is also a registered childminder working from the same address. Most of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed courtyard area for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She works with her co-minder and two assistants from the same premises. When working with her co-minder they may care for a maximum of 12 children at any one time. Currently there are 14 children cared for across the course of the week, most of whom attend on a part-time basis. There are six pre-school children and the remainder attend before and after school. Children are taken and collected from a number of local schools. They are either transported in a car or walk, depending on the distance. 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 cared for in a clean, comfortable environment. Their good health is promoted through daily hygiene procedures which prevent the spread of germs such as individual hand towels, anti-bacterial soap and tissues readily to hand to wipe noses. Pre-school children learn how to contribute to their own good health as they clean their teeth after eating and wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The recording of administration of medicines and accidents is clear and effectively ensures children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with a balanced diet of home cooked meals for lunch. They enjoy shepherds pie and vegetables and are willing to try new tastes. Regular portions of fruit and vegetables are included in main meals and snacks on a daily basis. Planned activities such as fruit tasting week in the school holidays and cooking, fosters children's interest in food and healthy eating. Clear information is recorded to ensure that individual dietary needs and preferences are respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Fresh air and exercise is provided on a regular basis. Some children walk to and from school where the distance is not too great. The park and the outside space of the childminder's home is used to enable children to play actively. There is a range of play materials that support the development of children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder works closely with her co-minder and their assistants to ensure there are sufficient adults, deployed effectively to supervise them as they play, have their meals and rest. The home and outdoor areas are generally suitably risk assessed to ensure that children are kept safe however, hazards in the outhouse could be accessed by children and potentially puts them at risk of harm. There are appropriate strategies in place to keep children safe when travelling in the car and when walking to and from school. Clear identified collection points when picking children up from school and nursery ensure a safe handover. The childminder, her co-minder and assistants carry mobile phones when out of the home to ensure that she can manage any difficulties or emergencies safely and in the child's best interests.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a range of play materials and equipment that are maintained satisfactorily. Suitable regard is given to ensuring that young children have play materials that meet their developmental stage so that they are not at risk of harm from small pieces. Children's increasing independence is fostered through the use of suitable furniture which ensures they can access toilets, sinks and tables as necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of her responsibilities with regard to child protection and has a suitable understanding of where to share concerns. The written policy is

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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 not wholly pertinent to the setting. It does not provide clear guidance for employees or parents to assist them in working with the childminder to ensure children's safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children collected from nursery readily share information about their morning and quickly settle to play, showing confidence in their environment. Children eat lunch together and enjoy talking to each other and their carer. These social situations provide a comfortable environment for them to develop their language skills through expressing thoughts and ideas. There is a well organised daily routine that provides a balanced day for the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children that have had a structured morning at nursery are encouraged to select their own play. They are productively engaged in using the dressing up clothes and home corner equipment and play imaginatively. Children also enjoy drawing, craft activities and small world play. They sing action rhymes together with their carer and look at photographs of themselves taking part in past activities. The organisation of other play resources, such as books, games and jigsaws less effectively supports their independent choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a good range of planned activities for the pre-school and older children. They take part in craft, baking and outings that are varied and adapted to reflect their different developmental needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good information is recorded to identify their individual needs and parents' wishes. These are known and acted upon. Strategies are in place to support children with disabilities or additional needs if required. Children are welcomed and their art work is displayed. They enjoy looking at photographs of themselves taking part in past activities. All these things help them feel secure and valued. Boys and girls are fully encouraged to make choices and participate in all play. There is a good range of planned activities and some resources which support children's awareness of the wider world. The children are developing a good understanding of people's similarities and differences as they sample foods from other countries and make craft items that promote their awareness of others' beliefs and customs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are cooperative. They understand the boundaries and expectations and readily comply with these and respond appropriately to gentle reminders about sharing and taking turns. This is fostered by consistent practice and the use of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with a range of information at the outset which includes written policies and procedures. Appropriate care is provided for children through regular discussions and things such as a notice board with the weeks menu and play planning.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are looked after in a homely environment where space has been safely organised to meet their needs and enable them to move between rooms as they choose.

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Organisation

The childminder has maintained a first aid certificate which enables her to deal appropriately with any accidents the children may have. She holds a recognised childcare qualification and has attended some short courses. Recently she has embarked on a further professional qualification to develop her skills and enhance the service she provides for children.

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Organisation

Required records are in place and generally used effectively to underpin the day to day running of the business. Some areas require improvement to fully demonstrate how the business is organised and run to safeguard children. Records are stored confidentially and organised so that they are readily accessible at all times. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to request written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment. This has been put in place for all children and ensures that the childminder has clear parental instruction and is able to make decisions in the best interests of the child if needed.

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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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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 positive steps to promote safety with regard to preventing access to the outhouse and developing the child protection policy and procedures so that everyone working with children fully understands their responsibilities

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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 • develop the organisation of play materials so that children can access a greater range independently • improve the records kept about assistants and the hours they work and ensure that children's hours of attendance are recorded at the point of arrival and departure.

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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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