Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY102123 Unique Reference Number 25 April 2007 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 2002. She lives with her husband and five children aged ten months, two, nine, 13 and 14 years in a village near to Peterborough. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and attends the local toddler group. The family has a dog and a bird.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder implements good hygiene procedures that minimise the risk to children of cross-infection. For example, children are learning to wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet. Outside shoes are

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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 removed as children enter the house, and the floor cleaned prior to children’s arrival to enable babies to crawl around the floor safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

Clear procedures are in place to meet the health needs of children. Children's individual needs are well cared for by the good use of medication records. The children's health needs are further enhanced as the childminder ensures that her first aid certificate is kept up-to-date, as is the first aid kit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills as they engage in activities that contribute to their good health. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise whilst playing in the garden. The children play in the park, attend a toddler group and play games using a parachute on the field opposite the house; all of which promote physical exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished and are beginning to learn about healthy eating because the childminder encourages them to eat nutritious food, such as fresh fruit. Drinks are readily available for the children so that they can access them when thirsty. Children enjoy a packed lunch, provided by their parents. They eat together at the table which makes it a social occasion. Children's individual dietary needs are well met as the childminder and parents work well together ensuring that special requirements are adhered to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, generally secure and safe environment which is inviting to children. The front door is kept locked and a hook provided to place the keys out of reach of the children. However, on the day of the inspection the childminder omitted to remove the keys posing a danger to children. They are able to move about with confidence as the childminder has organised space effectively so that they have the ability to make choices in their play, helping them to develop their sense of independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from using a vast range of play equipment, which is appropriate for their individual age and stage of development. Toys are carefully stored in baskets that are at a low-level, which encourages children to select and choose what they would like to play with. Children are protected from harm as the childminder checks the equipment regularly and ensures that it is maintained in good order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment which is free from hazards, and the childminder is very safety conscious. Children are involved in learning about their own safety and are developing a good understanding of the importance of staying safe. For example, children help to tidy up their toys to prevent tripping. Children are kept safe as the childminder has a good understanding of fire safety procedures. She has a fire evacuation plan, which is displayed so that parents and children become familiar with it. The children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe when on outings as they learn about the Green Cross Code. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect, and has an understanding of where to report any child protection issues to. This helps to ensure children are protected.

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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 good. Children benefit from the childminder planning a range of interesting and imaginative activities which are age appropriate. They enjoy an exciting range of play equipment. Creative opportunities with paints and play dough are popular with the children and they enjoy making Easter cards for their parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy baking cakes and playing imaginary games as they pretend to ‘fix things’ with a play tool set. The childminder explains that they should wear their protective goggles while they are working, which the children delight in putting on.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are settled, happy and enjoy their time spent with the childminder. The children have good relationships with her, which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. The children are excited and enthusiastic when they are playing at the childminder's house. They are inquisitive and ask lots of questions which helps their learning. For example, a child explores the contents of a drawer in the train track table, 'look a train, look a tree.'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their skills as they play and the childminder maximises opportunities to support their learning by asking them appropriate questions to extend their thinking and language. Children acquire basic mathematical skills as they count during routine activities and sing nursery rhymes. This is further reinforced as children play with turn taking games and complete jigsaw puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their confidence and self-esteem because the childminder regularly praises them for their achievements and good behaviour which children respond positively to. Children are given lots of choices during their day with the childminder ensures they have an overall balanced day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children understand what is expected of them and learn to respect the childminder's simple rules, such as sharing the toys. The children are praised for good behaviour and individual achievements, building their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder uses age-appropriate methods to deal with unwanted behaviour and discusses this with parents for consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes about a diverse society through the everyday discussions with the childminder. There are a range of resources that reinforce these issues such as dolls, books and small world play. Children's individual needs are respected by the childminder and much effort is made to ensure that the parents' wishes are adhered to in order to meet the children's individual requirements. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met. The childminder successfully supports children who have English as an additional language and is able to offer good quality care to children who have disabilities. She works closely with parents to ensure that they are provided with appropriate support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership that the childminder has developed with the parents. Parents' views about their children's needs are actively sought before the children start to ensure their needs are met. The childminder shares children’s progress daily with the

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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 parents as they collect their children. The majority of the required written consents from parents are in place. However, some are not in sufficient detail to fully underpin the care offered such as, the use of the large trampoline and the application of sun cream. The childminder has an appropriate complaints procedure in place which is in line with current regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is good because of the efficient organisation and the childminder's day-to-day management of the provision. Children are relaxed and confident in her care. Children's play opportunities are fully supported by the way that the childminder organises the premises. She ensures that the daily routine includes time to play indoors, outside and time for trips out into the community. The childminder's consistent commitment to training and keeping up-to-date with current child care practices greatly enhances the quality of care provided for the children.

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Organisation

Children's needs are effectively supported through the childminder's effective recording systems. Records and documentation are mostly in place and meet the required standard, which contributes to the continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

Overall the range of children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Ay the last inspection the childminder agreed to, ensure the register of attendance reflects the actual times of the children's arrival and departure and to devise a written sick children policy. The register is now an accurate record of their attendance and a sick children's policy is now in place. Having completing these recommendations the quality of care has been developed.

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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): • develop the written agreements with parents regarding any specific care or activities provided

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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 the front door is secure, but that the premises can be evacuated in an emergency.

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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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