Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY239861 Unique Reference Number 05 April 2007 Inspection date Anna Davies 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 one child aged nine years in Orton Goldhay, 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a full and part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young children are well protected from the risks of infection and cross-contamination as they use sensible hygiene practices, such as hand washing, as part of their daily routine. The childminder acts as a good role model as she washes her own hands between nappy changes.

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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 effectively promotes children's awareness of preventing the spread of germs by discussion and 'germs are not for sharing' posters displayed in the bathroom. This encourages children to be responsible for the promotion of their own health. The risk of cross-infection is minimised because parents are made aware that their child should not attend if he or she has a contagious illness. This effectively protects the good health of all children. The childminder is able to respond appropriately in the event of a child having an accident as she maintains an up to date first aid certificate. However, many items in the first aid box are out of date which does not ensure that there is a full range of suitable resources available to give effective first aid following an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities as they walk to the local school each day. Children have regular opportunities to visit the local park where they are able to develop their physical skills on equipment such as a climbing frame, swings and rocking toys. Children play outside in the garden on age-appropriate equipment. For example, younger children practise climbing and balancing on a toddler slide whilst older children's physical skills are appropriately challenged on a larger climbing frame. Children attend local dance and movement groups where they enjoy moving to music and participate in yoga classes designed especially for young children. The childminder has developed good routines so that children are able to rest or sleep during 'quiet times' during the day, according to their individual needs and parental wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is very effective in promoting healthy eating with the children. For example, she provides a good variety of nutritious meals and posters of healthy foods and '5 a day' reminders are displayed in the dining area to stimulate discussion. Children are involved in the preparation of healthy foods such as fruit bread and carrot cake at the local 'Sticky Fingers' sessions. This helps children to learn about nutrition in a meaningful way. The childminder ensures that children are included in the menu planning. For example, children help the childminder to make a shopping list that includes what they wish to eat. The childminder ensures that children get plenty to drink throughout the day. Their cups are frequently replenished and kept within easy reach, so that they can help themselves to a drink as and when they become thirsty.

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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 safe, warm and clean environment which is child-friendly. For example, children's artwork is displayed which shows that their efforts are valued and appreciated. The childminder ensures that most necessary safety precautions are taken both inside and outside her home. For example, she ensures external doors are kept secure, that socket covers are in place and that hazardous materials are kept out of reach of children. As a result, children are able to move about safely and freely. Children regularly practise emergency evacuation procedures so that they know how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. However, smoke alarms are not fitted at every level of the house which may compromise children's safety in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to use a broad range of good quality toys, resources and equipment, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys are stored in low-level units, cupboards and toy boxes which allows children to make independent choices in a safe way. All toys and equipment are checked regularly to ensure that they remain safe for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure and clear knowledge of child protection procedures which is effective in safeguarding children's welfare. She has the relevant guidelines to support her if

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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 she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder shares a written policy with parents which effectively informs them of her responsibilities towards safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled. The childminder provides a positive learning environment in which children are encouraged to participate in a good range of purposeful activities which successfully promotes their all round development. Children are supported in their mathematical development as they count buses and bikes whilst out walking and correctly fit shapes into shape sorters. Younger children are able to construct with basic bricks and use different materials to create models during junk modelling sessions. Older children are able to use more complex construction sets to further develop their manipulative skills. Children have many opportunities to be creative and express their imaginative skills through art and craft activities. For example, children collect leaves and bark from the local park to make a collage and print in paint with the items collected. Younger children are involved in the same activity as they use their senses

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning from many 'hands-on' experiences such as planting and watering their own plants and growing herb pots in the garden to stimulate their sense of smell. Children are learning to be skilful communicators because the childminder spends a lot of time talking to them and effectively supporting their play, for example, young children are encouraged to repeat key words in order to develop their vocabulary. Older children are encouraged to write their own names on their pictures and are beginning to link sounds and letters, for example, children recognise and say the first letter of their name as they point to the letter on an alphabet poster.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages children to make choices and decisions about their activities and there are a wide range of age-appropriate resources from which they can choose. These are all well-organised and easily accessible in low-level storage units and toy boxes. This fosters children's independence and self-assurance appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder successfully supports children as they play and is able to identify their next stage of learning. As a result, children display high levels of confidence and good language skills because the childminder talks to them about what they are doing and offers them appropriate reassurance and encouragement when they are unsure. The childminder playfully interacts with children, for example, young children mimic the childminder's 'dancing' movements as they listen to musical toys together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home and this enables them to feel a good sense of belonging and self-worth. All children are highly valued and respected as individuals and the childminder meets their needs well. For example, the childminder ensures that each child who celebrates their birthday is able to choose the activities for the day and enjoy their celebration with other children by singing 'Happy Birthday' and sharing a cake. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to caring for children with disabilities or learning difficulties and would work with parents and outside agencies if necessary in order to meet children's individual needs. Children have access to a good range of activities and resources which help them to learn about diversity. For example, children create Rangoli patterns in

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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 celebration of Diwali and taste traditional food to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year. The childminder provides many opportunities through dressing up clothes, books and posters to encourage the children to understand the many different roles and cultures within society. For example, children dress up as a firefighter or nurse and wear traditional Indian and Chinese costumes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed well because the childminder has a good understanding of appropriate behaviour and how this is promoted through a stimulating environment and effective strategies, such as, frequent praise and encouragement. On-going reinforcement of sensible house rules, such as, 'no jumping on the furniture' means that children are treated in a consistent manner which successfully promotes their self-assurance.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents, which contributes to their care and well-being. A good range of policies and procedures are shared with parents which informs them about her practice and her responsibilities as a registered childminder. Parents are involved in their children's learning, for example, a display board of children's art work in the hallway shows them what activities the children have enjoyed doing. Parents are kept fully informed of children's routines and development through daily discussions and additionally, by the use of information 'diaries' for younger children. All parents speak highly of the care that the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's knowledge and understanding of quality childcare is good and her knowledge of the National Standards and the required regulations is appropriate. Children receive good levels of adult support which makes them feel safe and secure. Children develop self-assurance and confidence as they explore the environment and interact with the childminder. They are cared for in an environment that is well-organised and supportive which enables children to move about freely and independently and develop their confidence to initiate their own play and learning.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation is in place, such as, attendance, medication and accident records. Written parental consents ensure that children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. A good range of policies and procedures ensure that the childminder's care operates smoothly and efficiently to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. These are currently being developed and reviewed. The childminder has undertaken further training opportunities, for example, courses on 'healthy eating', 'fire safety' and 'policies and procedures' which demonstrates her commitment to maintaining and developing good practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to put a written emergency evacuation procedure in place and record the date of the practise and the time taken to safely evacuate the premises. The childminder has an emergency escape plan displayed for children and parents to see and practises this with the children regularly. The childminder records these appropriately in a log book.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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 that the first aid box is appropriately stocked and that all items are within their use by date • provide a smoke alarm at every level of the house.

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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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