Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334301 Unique Reference Number 24 September 2007 Inspection date Shami Kumar 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and three. The family live in a house in the area of Whitestone which is on the outskirts of Nuneaton in Warwickshire. She uses the ground floor of the house only for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has two guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. She is currently caring for two children who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to the local park, the shops, the library and other activities outside the home.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes satisfactory steps to develop children's understanding and awareness of health and hygiene practices. She encourages the children to wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after touching the guinea pigs. The children stay healthy because

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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 the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, she wears gloves for changing soiled nappies, cleans surfaces with anti-bacterial spray and washes her hands before preparing any food.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are effective measures in place to prevent the spread of infection and the verbal and written policy and procedures ensure that children do not attend when they are ill. The childminder maintains concise accident and medication records, however, children's health is not fully protected as she has not obtained written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for all children. Children's health is supported as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate so is, therefore, able to take appropriate action in case of an emergency. However, the first aid box is not fully updated, which has the potential to affect their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children keep healthy because they receive a balanced range of foods within their meals and snacks which include vegetables and fruit. This helps them to develop good eating habits. the childminder gains information on any special dietary needs and preferences to ensure that the children have appropriate meals, which are in accordance with the parents' wishes. Children have regular access to drinks of water throughout the day which ensure that they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience the outdoor environment and have opportunities to develop physical skills and control of their bodies. For example, they visit the local park and field and they go blackberry picking. They use a range of outdoor equipment such as wheeled toys, climb on slides, jump on the trampoline and kick and catch balls which develops their co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure in the well-maintained environment. They are kept safe as a result of the childminder's satisfactory awareness of health and safety and risks are generally identified and minimised. Activities are safely stored and set out appropriately enabling children to develop their independence. Toys and equipment which the children use are checked and cleaned regularly. The children are comfortable in the setting, with rooms used appropriately for their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate safety precautions are in place, such as safety gates, which are used in certain areas, sockets are protected and dangerous substances are inaccessible to children. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are provided and regularly checked to ensure that they are in working order. However, children's safety is compromised as an emergency escape plan has not been practised. Whilst out and about, children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe as the childminder stresses the importance of road safety. For example, children are strapped in a buggy, encouraged to hold hands and wear appropriate car seats and booster seats when being transported in a vehicle. The childminder has all the relevant documentation in place in relation to outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible harm or neglect because the childminder is knowledgeable about child protection and understands her role in relation to them. The childminder has the necessary information and procedures at hand should she have a concern about a child.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's comfortable home. Children initiate much of their play as resources are accessible and this promotes their awareness of positive choices. They make positive relationships with the childminder as she spends time playing with them. Children develop their imagination, investigation and creative skills through activities, such as sticking, gluing, making models from play dough and making collage flowers using a range of craft materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children use their imagination during role play, as they pretend to go shopping, being at a cafe and play families. They settle well because the childminder is attentive and responsive to their needs. She extends children's learning and thinking by challenging them appropriately and encouraging them to have fun. For example, she encourages the children to play with the selection of dolls and use building blocks to make towers and houses. The childminder organises her day when children dance to music and develop their attention span as they listen to stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder shows value in what children say and do and she involves herself and interacts appropriately to support their learning. Children have good opportunities to develop their understanding as the childminder extends learning at every opportunity. For example, they learn to recognise numbers of house doors, and are beginning to recognise different colours. Children of different ages relate well to each other and enjoy playing and participating in activities and games. They acquire new knowledge and skills through interesting first-hand experiences, such as painting pictures and using scissors to cut out pictures from catalogues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in accordance with parents' wishes. They feel a sense of belonging as the childminder works with parents to understand their differing needs. For example, information of their individual interests, their favourite toys and food is sought so that they experience stable and consistent care arrangements. Children form secure and friendly relationships with the childminder. Although there are no children currently attending who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder is able to provide care when it is required. She will work closely with parents to ensure the children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through visits to various parks, visiting the shops and going to the library. The children discuss what they see when they are on walks or outings in the local area about a range of aspects. These include the different colour of doors, animals they see and they collect leaves and conkers. Children are beginning to learn about diversity as resources are available to support this learning. These include books, dolls, play figures, and posters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and are developing awareness of sharing and taking turns. The childminder has a calm and patient manner with them and behaviour is managed in a caring and consistent way. Children develop their confidence and self-esteem as the childminder offers them regular praise and encouragement. The childminder uses age-appropriate methods of managing behaviour, such as a 'chill out' time, when they are able to sit and reflect on their behaviour and uses distraction for the younger children. The children are confident and understand the clear and consistent house rules which have been set.

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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's welfare is sufficiently promoted, as the childminder has a professional relationship with parents. Regular discussions take place regarding children's individual needs, routines and their childminding activities. Most written agreements are in place and written policies and procedures are shared with parents. This ensures continuity of children's care and all are clear to their roles and responsibilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are looked after in a homely environment which is well resourced with play activities. They feel at home and the organisation of space and resources allows them to self-select and develop their own play and learning. Children are happy and well-settled. They are able to move around safely, confidently and independently with the childminder maintaining supervision. The childminder makes satisfactory use of her time and due to children's part-time hours of attendance they have periods of individual attention.

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Organisation

Most documentation is in satisfactory order, although there are omissions for certain aspects. Children feel secure because routines are well established and take into account their individual needs. Regular discussions with parents take place to ensure information is exchanged to highlight any concerns and to monitor children's progress, this ensures continuity of care for children. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice and these are shared with parents. Children's records are easily accessible and stored securely.

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Organisation

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

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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 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):

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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 • ensure that the contents of the first aid box is checked frequently and replaced as necessary • obtain written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • practise the emergency escape plan.

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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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