Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333446 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Susan Rogers 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 2006. She lives with her partner and one child aged 19 months. The whole of the ground floor, one bedroom and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for five children. One child attends on a full-time basis and four children attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to enjoy a wide variety of nutritious food that promotes their understanding of healthy eating. They regularly enjoy snacks of fruit and meals accommodate their different requirements. For example, children have a light lunch with fruit and raw

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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 vegetables and a full cooked meal with fruit and vegetables during the latter part of the day. Children are learning about social skills whilst they eat their meals, older children sit at the dining table and younger children each have their own highchair.

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Helping children to be healthy

The well presented documentation supports children's varied health needs. All medication administered, accidents and children's allergies are well documented which, therefore, protects their welfare. The effective sick child policy protects children from illness and infection and parents are encouraged to cooperate with the policy. Children's individual health requirements are well met as the childminder has a good knowledge of their different needs. They are well protected if there are concerns regarding their health as the childminder has a current paediatric first aid qualification and knows how to react if there are concerns. They are well protected in the sun having sun protection cream applied and playing in shaded areas. They are well protected in the cold weatheras the childminder ensures that they have sufficient warm clothing when they are outdoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective routines and good standards of health and hygiene promote children's health. For example,

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Helping children to be healthy

children wash their hands after nappy changes, before eating and after using the toilet. Children are well rested whilst in the childminders care as the well planned routines support their individual sleep patterns. Children develop effective physical skills through walking to and from school and visiting local parks. There are opportunities for children to develop their smaller physical skills through a wide variety of tactile activities and toys that include, jigsaws, shape sorters, craft and construction equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy feelings of security since the premises are welcoming and well organised to meet their varying needs. For example, there is a variety of play equipment readily available in the main play areas this, consequently encourages children to engage in activities. The effective storage of toys enables children to self-select activities, for example, toys are stored in see-through drawer units so even the younger children can indicate their choices. All areas of the premises are effectively well used. For example, the living room is used for play activities, the dining room and kitchen are available for messy activities and one bedroom on the first floor is used for children's rest and sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A wide variety of toys that interest and stimulate children promote their development. For example, there are construction toys, a variety of books, jigsaws and activity toys. The wide variety of toys and activities are well-suited in meeting children's different development needs. Children are learning about hazards through explanations and are, therefore, learning to become responsible for their own safety. For example, the childminder explains to children about the dangers of the road and why they must hold hands as they walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The risk assessments mostly protect children's safety, however, some low-level glass is not fully protected and compromises children's safety. They are well protected if there are concerns regarding their care as the childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding children, has relevant contact numbers and has discussed her obligations with parents. Children are encouraged to learn about the dangers of fire; they are involved in regular fire evacuation drills and offered explanations regarding the dangers of fire. Their protection is promoted as the fire prevention equipment is regularly tested and all fire evacuation practices are recorded.

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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 Children's safety is well promoted as there are effective means of evacuating children from the first floor of the premises.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy positive feelings of security since they benefit from frequent one-to-one support. Their preferred play preferences are given high priority during the organisation of activities. The childminder has a thorough understanding of children's different stages of development and, therefore, positively promotes their learning through a range of well-structured and stimulating activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Meticulous recording in children's daily diaries promotes their individual needs. The childminder records their different stages of development providing an up to date assessment of their achievements. Their self-esteem is promoted as the childminder ensures their different needs are well valued and provides them with valuable support whilst they play. For example, children enjoy a book reading session with the childminder who makes suggestions and encourages children to both recall the story and follow the written text. Their conversational skills are well promoted as a result of well-placed conversation that promotes discussion and broadens their comprehension of language. They have good communication skills since the childminder provides them with wide ranging conversation that is informative and enjoyable. Children's individual opinions are valued promoting their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued as individuals since the childminder frequently discusses aspects of their home life and incorporates this within their play activities. Children feel secure enjoying hugs and cuddles with the childminder. Effective planning makes sure that children enjoy a wide range of activities, that include, play dough, working with malleable materials, reading music activities and jig saws.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy positive relationships with each other and recognise their play is improved when they include others. Children who attend school on a part-time basis are well supported by the childminder who continues with their education through well-structured activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to understand aspects of the wider world since there are a variety of activities and equipment that give positive representation of different cultures, race and traditions. These include, jigsaws, play-people and puppets. The chilmdinder offered explanations that meet their levels of understanding since the childminder has an appreciation of the needs of minority groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy very good continuity of care; parents are well informed of their activities through meticulous recording in their daily diaries. Children settle well in the childminder's care as they attend for short periods of time prior to the placement commencing on a permanent basis. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder regularly discusses with parents all aspects of their care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, they are helpful, polite and considerate of others needs. For example, two children enjoy organising equipment prior to the nappy changing session, therefore, children are learning about responsible behaviour by participating in the organisation of the setting.

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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 They help take care of their play environment by tidying away their toys. They enjoy a positive sense of self-esteem, they are frequently praised throughout their activities. Their learning is actively promoted as they enjoy consistent support throughout their play activities, for example, children enjoy well supported play while they read a book.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities have good care the childminder has experience of caring for children with specific difficulties, has knowledge of the current legislation and has attended relevant training. Therefore, children's welfare is protected as the childminder is skilled in keeping parents closely informed and can work effectively with other agencies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected as there are effective contingency plans that ensure that children are cared for by a vetted person and all adults living in the household are vetted. Children's learning is promoted as the childminder actively develops her own skills and practice by attending additional training. Their welfare is promoted and protected as the documentation is meticulously maintained, regularly updated and keeps parents fully informed of their children's daily activities. For example, daily diaries keep parents well informed of their child's development. All policies and procedures are relevant to the setting and promote continuity of children's care.

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Organisation

Thorough organisation ensures that children's different needs are well supported. For example, planning ensures that a broad range of activities are offered which accommodate children's different preferences and learning abilities. The school collection service ensures children learning is promoted since there are opportunities to observe day to day activities of the outside world. 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. 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):

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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 • review the risk assessments to ensure all low level glass is safe.

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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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