Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY137291 Unique Reference Number 14 June 2007 Inspection date Melanie Eastwell 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 four children aged 17, 15, 10 and seven years in Raunds, Northamptonshire. All areas of the childminder's house are available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder has good routines in place to maintain a healthy environment. For example, she has very high standards of hygiene, surfaces are cleaned before food is prepared and the high chairs are thoroughly cleaned after children's meals. Children begin to learn about simple personal hygiene such as wiping their hands before they eat and washing their hands after using the toilet. Younger children benefit from the effective practices employed by the childminder when changing nappies. The mat is cleaned using anti bacterial

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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 agents, nappies are immediately disposed of in the outside bin and the childminder washes her hands between each child she changes. Children who have accidents are managed promptly and sensitively by the childminder who has a current first aid certificate. A well stocked first aid kit is kept in an accessible place and a smaller kit is kept in the car.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy plenty of opportunities to play outside in the fresh air. The childminder takes them for walks to the local school and on outings to country parks where they have space to explore and run around. Inside the childminder's home younger children are able to explore and practise their physical skills. Children's individual requirements for rest and sleep are respected. The childminder discusses their sleep patterns with their parents. They sleep in a travel cot in a separate room and the childminder makes frequent checks on them. Currently, all the parents provide the food for their children. The childminder encourages them to make healthy choices and she is able to offer fruit to the children if they need extra snacks. The childminder ensures that food is stored in the fridge, is thoroughly reheated and allowed to cool before giving it to the children. They do not become thirsty because drinks are available

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Helping children to be healthy

at all times. The childminder refills the drinks bottles as required during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is given high priority by the childminder who is vigilant in her supervision and maintains her home in a way that promotes safety. Stair gates are in place, smoke detectors are fitted on both levels of the house and the fire blanket is kept in an accessible place. Children understand that they have to walk inside which helps to prevent accidents. Children practise the emergency evacuation drill with the childminder. She is equally aware of safety when out walking with children. She uses a wrist strap to give toddlers independence when walking while ensuring their safety. Children begin to learn about safe practices when crossing the road because the childminder talks to them about stopping, looking and listening for traffic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of interesting and fun activities and play materials. The childminder ensures that all her equipment is maintained in a safe and suitable condition. The play materials cover all areas of children's development. The childminder is creative when selecting activities and makes regular use of a toy library to borrow new and different activities and play materials. She has devised a toy catalogue to enable children to select their own play materials in a safe way. Most of the equipment is stored in the childminder's garage and for safety reasons she does not allow the children inside. They understand to wait at the door while she collects the play materials for them. This ensures that children enjoy a good range of toys that promote their development. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has completed extra training in safeguarding children. She is fully aware of her responsibilities

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to record and report all child protection concerns and to maintain confidentiality when managing such issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They are confident to move between the activities and to ask for items they want. The childminder manages their individual needs very effectively and is skilled in anticipating when children require distraction or new activities. Children enjoy taking part in a good variety of activities that are appropriate for their age and the childminder always has alternatives prepared to ensure they are kept engaged during the

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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 day. They enjoy making cards for Father's Day and use glue sticks, foam shapes and large sequins to create a picture, and pencils to 'write' inside the card. Children's efforts and achievements are valued by the childminder who gives constant praise, encouragement and reassurance to them. This develops their confidence and self-esteem. Children benefit from the childminder's involvement in their play. She talks to them about what they are doing and asks questions. They enjoy helping the childminder and fetch the letters when the post is delivered, put shoes and coats away in the cupboard and collect items for younger children such as soothers. Children enjoy exploring a variety of bottles which have been filled with coloured water and glitter. They turn them around and watch intently as the glitter moves

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

around in the water which develops their curiosity. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework because she records their progression and achievements through written observations, samples of their work and photographs. These records ensure that children are provided with suitable activities to further encourage their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and with respect. The childminder knows them all very well and is able to be highly effective in meeting their needs. She works in close partnership with parents to ensure that their wishes are accommodated. Parents have access to their child's folder and are invited to add their own comments. Children benefit from the daily information that is shared between their parents and the childminder who prepares written details of food intakes, nappy changes, sleep times and activities. Parents receive information about the setting and the childminder's policies and procedures, and she ensures they have access to information regarding health issues such as chicken pox as the need arises. An appropriate system is in place to record any complaints about the National Standards which parents may raise with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy playing with the range of play materials which show positive images of diversity. They begin to learn about the wider world because the childminder organises celebrations of festivals such as Chinese New Year. All children are welcomed into the childminder's home. She discusses each child's needs with their parents to ensure that specific requirements can be accommodated effectively. Children behave well. They benefit from the childminder's calm, consistent approach and they understand the boundaries that are in place for everyone's safety. The childminder uses appropriate methods to manage children's behaviour for their ages and ensures they have sufficient, stimulating activities available to them which helps to minimise behaviour issues arising.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, development and welfare are promoted in this well-organised setting. The childminder has a professional, friendly approach and understands the importance of keeping the required documentation available for inspection and up to date. She has devised a comprehensive set of policies and procedures, the contents of which can be seen in her daily practise with children. The childminder is keen to keep her knowledge up to date and has attended a variety of training courses. She has recently completed the 'Quality First' scheme with the National Childminding Association and feels this has enhanced her day to day activity.

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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 childminder is committed to individual children and organises her arrangements in order to allow sufficient one to one attention for everyone. She ensures that ratio's are always met and provides a good balance of activities both inside and outside her home which encourages children's development. However, the childminder does not reflect on and review her own practice to identify areas of strength and areas which can be further enhanced to ensure the continuing care, learning and welfare of children. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to continue to develop her knowledge and understanding of ways to promote learning for children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has attended a training course with particular reference to special needs and has purchased a book to introduce sign language for babies. She feels her knowledge has increased and continues to do so as she accesses future training courses. The action taken by the childminder enhances her activity with children who have specific requirements.

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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 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): • consider ways to review and reflect on current policies, procedures and practice to further enhance children's care, learning and welfare.

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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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