Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344159 Unique Reference Number 11 April 2007 Inspection date Donna Bonner 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 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged two and four years. The two ground floor reception rooms and bathroom are used for childminding. There is a small courtyard for outside play. There are shops and transport within walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for one child under eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a clean and hygienic home. They enjoy daily fresh air when they play in the garden and walk home from school. The childminder encourages the children to practise good hygiene as they wash their hands before meals. The childminder has attended first aid training and so feels confident to act appropriately if children are ill. The childminder does not record permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. This means that in the event of an emergency, children are not cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Children's individual health needs are fully discussed with their parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder does not allow children with illnesses to attend and this helps to reduce the risk

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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 of infection. Children enjoy nutritious meals that meet their individual dietary needs. They are encouraged to eat healthily as the childminder discusses their needs with parents and patiently encourages children's choices. Children are introduced to healthy meals and snacks such as cream crackers and fresh fruit as the childminder gives consideration to the menu and is also creative in increasing the variety of foods.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a welcoming environment where they largely play safely both inside and outside, with good quality equipment. However, cleaning materials are accessible which means that children are not completely safe. Children play freely as the childminder carefully chooses equipment that conforms to safety standards. Children are safe when outside the home as they listen to the childminder's explanations about safety and so hold hands and walk within her sight. Children are cared for according to their parents' wishes as the childminder discusses and records their consent. Whilst the emergency evacuation procedures are planned and recorded, the childminder does not yet practise fire drills. This means that, there is no evidence that the efficiency of the routine ensures children are safe. Children's well being is protected as the childminder shows a good understanding of child protection issues and is confident of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

her duty to protect children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing good relationships with each other. They enjoy choosing their activities and watch appropriate television programmes. Whilst books and creative materials are readily available, there are limited games for older children to encourage their all round development and offer new experiences. Children respond well to the childminder as they talk freely with her. They enjoy trips to the park and indoor activity areas and this encourages their physical development and social skills. Children are developing their independence through appropriate responsibilities such as laying the table. Children enjoy good interaction with the childminder which shows good and trusting relationships are being built as she asks them about their preferences and is very attentive. The childminder praises their efforts and they enjoy dressing up for imaginary play which also encourages their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive good care from the childminder. Children are settled and well cared for in the home as the childminder offers reassurance to parents by gradually discussing their child's needs. The childminder keeps records of contracts, outings and travel permission and this illustrates the childminder's commitment to work in partnership with parents. Children's behaviour is managed well as the childminder is sensitive to their needs and encourages children to assert themselves by dealing with their minor disputes. The childminder uses appropriate strategies such as diverting their attention and so children behave well. They are developing good self esteem as the childminder takes time to listen to them, is patient and offers clear and calm explanations. Children also respond very well to the childminder's praise. Children develop an understanding of different backgrounds as the childminder has toys and equipment

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Helping children make a positive contribution

that reflect the local community. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for

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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 with a range of needs and abilities by adapting activities and working closely with the parent and other professionals.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met as the childminder is efficient in organising her day around the children. The routine is well planned to allow the children ample time to eat and play. The childminder meets required adult and child ratios and so children receive individual attention from her. Children are comfortable with the routine as the childminder uses her time well and takes into account children's individual needs. The childminder complies with regulatory requirements as she maintains a clear record of attendance in line with the National Standards. The childminder has undertaken relevant training including an introductory childminding course and a first aid course which helps to promote children's welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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.

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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 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): • request permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment • make sure a fire drill is practised • make sure cleaning materials are inaccessible • make sure there is a variety of toys and equipment for children aged five to eight years • make sure there is evidence of a first aid qualification

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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 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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