Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY263348 Unique Reference Number 07 June 2007 Inspection date Jane Williams 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 2003. She lives with her daughter in a semi-detached house, close to Mansfield town centre which has all local amenities. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor, back bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. Sleeping facilities are provided on the ground floor. There is also a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet fish. There are currently 11 children on role, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder has an early years and education qualification and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a bright, clean home. The childminder promotes the good health of children through sensible daily routines that include using antibacterial sprays on surfaces to ensure they are kept clean. Children are learning the importance of their own personal hygiene and how to prevent the spread of infection. They wash their hands after using the toilet and are encouraged to use tissues for their noses. Clear systems are in place in the event of illness

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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 or accidents. Appropriate medical and accident records are in place and the childminder ensures she obtains parental signatures. In addition, children's well-being is ensured because on outings the childminder takes with her detailed emergency information relating to the children. However, not all children's records have permission from parents to obtain emergency treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished and encouraged to eat a healthy diet. They enjoy nutritious meals that are well-balanced and include a variety of fruit. They learn about food through activities such as strawberry picking, fruit tasting and trying foods from different cultures. Positive steps are taken to promote the good health of children as they have independent access to water. Children enjoy good access to fresh air and exercise. They are able to play in the garden with a variety of equipment that develops their physical skills. They can practise crawling through tunnels, throwing and catching balls and riding on tricycles. Younger children are able to explore sand and discover how balls travel down clear tubes. Children have opportunities to visit local parks that cater for a variety of ages.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and parents are welcomed into a warm and pleasant environment. Information for parents and children's work is attractively displayed. Children are able to play safely because the premises are tidy and well-organised. The childminder ensures hazards are kept to a minimum. Children are secure because doors and gates are kept locked. A wide range of toys and equipment that are clean and appropriate mean that children have good opportunities for play and learning. Their safety is promoted through appropriate written procedures. For example, policies covering the non-collection of children and emergency evacuations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe through fire practises and learning how to use playground equipment safely. When children go on outings their safety is ensured. For example, permissions for parents and appropriate documents for transporting children in vehicles are in place. The welfare of children is promoted effectively because the childminder has arrangements in place to safeguard children. She has good knowledge of child protection issues and is confident about the procedures to follow if there are concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from being cared for in a stimulating environment. They are happy and fully engaged in an excellent range of activities. Children are able to make good progress in learning and development because the childminder is attentive to their individual needs. They enjoy choosing books and sharing stories. Their language is developed as they are encouraged to repeat and listen to the sounds of words. Their vocabulary is extended as they talk about the stories. Children are praised when they start to use new words and encouraged to see links with other words. They eagerly take part in valuable activities such as story-telling using puppets. They practise memory skills and sequencing stories as they recall the tale they have heard. Children are beginning to learn about number as the childminder takes opportunities to count with them during activities. Children enjoy creative activities. They have fun sticking and gluing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to make sheep with cotton wool for their display about the seasons. When out walking they collect natural materials to create pictures that are displayed attractively. Young children have good opportunities to explore different materials such sand and play dough. Older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 take part in experiments to see what plants require in order to grow well. Children's imagination is encouraged through role play and dressing up.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual needs are met as the childminder plans activities that promote their good development. Their independence is encouraged and fostered because children are able to confidently access the resources and make choices. The childminder has good knowledge of child development. She skilfully supports children in their play and provides play opportunities that children are keen to engage in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and their individual needs well met. The childminder promotes equality of opportunity through a written policy that is shared with parents. She ensures she learns about the children and their families so that their needs are met. Children are actively encouraged to learn about the differences in people through interesting and stimulating activities. A range of festivals are celebrated and children of all ages are able to participate as the childminder plans appropriate activities. They enjoy making masks and visiting a Chinese market for the Chinese New Year. The festival of colour is celebrated as the children create pictures with icing sugar and paint. Children are able to recall past festivals and parents are able to share their children's learning as the childminder has created a book with photographs and children's work. Access to an good range of books about people, cultures and beliefs mean that children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

able to learn about others in a positive way. Children learn about the local community and how to take part in it through fund raising activities, visits to the local libraries and places of interest. They develop social skills during visits to the local mother and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are supported as the childminder understands the need to adapt activities and resources to meet individual needs. She works with parents and professionals to ensure children's good development. Children learn to behave well through the positive environment that the childminder creates. An appropriate written behaviour policy and positive aims are in place. These are shared with children and parents. Children are well-behaved and this is promoted through the childminder's calm, warm and caring attitude. She is a positive role model and encourages the children to share and help one another. Older children are supported through discussions and activities relating to bullying.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The welfare of children is supported effectively through the partnership with parents and carers. On admission parents receive a well-organised booklet that provides comprehensive information about the setting and a set of policies. Photograph albums provide parents with an opportunity to see the types of activities their children are involved in. Each child has an individual wallet that includes work that they have done. Information about children is also shared informally on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who is committed to their well-being. She has appropriate early years qualifications and ensures she maintains a first aid certificate. Children's development is promoted well because she has attended additional training to increase her own knowledge and understanding. Through reading childcare publications she keeps up to date with current issues. Children are able to experience a varied range of activities and play opportunities because of good use of space and resources.

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Organisation

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 welfare, care and learning of children is effectively fostered because comprehensive policies are in place. Documentation is generally well-organised. Records of attendance, information about the children and contact details are maintained. Information about the setting and children's learning and development are shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three recommendations were made. The childminder was requested to ensure parents provide written permission before medication is given, devise and practise an emergency escape plan and ensure a record of complaints is maintained. The childminder has now put these in place and so the outcomes for children have improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • ensure permissions for emergency advice or treatment are obtained from parents for all children.

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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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