Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222981 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Ann Marie Cozzi 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 11 years. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a bedroom is available for sleep/rest purposes for a baby in a travel cot. 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 four children under five on a part time basis, and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are happy as they are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. This is because the regular cleaning of the premises and equipment contributes towards creating a healthy environment. Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines, such as using their own cup, washing their hands when they arrive home from school and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate steps to care for children who have accidents are taken, as the childminder has an up-to-date knowledge of first aid. However, there is a weakness in the systems to ensure that consent for emergency medical treatment is sought from parents/carers. This compromises children's welfare in the event of an emergency occurring. Written information relating to the administration of medication and the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious is in place and discussed with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is maintained to good effect because they have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and physical exercise. The food which is provided by parents is stored, prepared and served hygienically. Children are provided with a balanced range of snacks, such as toast and fresh fruit. They are reminded to have regular drinks throughout the day this ensures that they remain hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk to accidental injury is minimised because supervision is sufficient in ensuring they are always in sight or hearing of the childminder. Children's awareness of keeping themselves safe is increasing because the childminder through activities and discussions helps them to realise, for example, the importance of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Many positive steps have been taken to promote safety within the home. This includes the use of written risk assessments, to ensure that equipment used is age appropriate and by the childminder minimising risks, for example, ensuring the premises are secure. As a result, children are on the whole able to explore their surroundings safely. However, there is a weakness in this area and as a consequence, children are exposed to risks, such an unstable slide in the rear garden and access to the stairs leading to the first floor of the property.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the systems in place with regard to fire safety which includes the proper location and use of smoke alarms. An emergency escape plan is in place and the childminder ensures that children receive an equal chance to practice this plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The protection of children is recognised by the childminder as being important. Children's safety and wellbeing is safeguarded because the childminder has an adequate knowledge of child protection issues and procedures.

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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 enjoy a variety of creative activities and use different tools to develop their skills when painting, cutting and sticking. They are able to make decisions about what they would like to do because the childminder organises activities in line with their interests and resources are readily accessible to them. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework resulting in the younger children's individual development needs being well met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are planned well and take account of the age and stage of development the children are at. Younger children for example, have opportunities to promote all their senses through good interaction with the childminder and the use of appropriate play equipment, such as role play and social activities. Older children are supported by the childminder, for example, with reading practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures that children have the opportunity to make trips to a local toddler group and children's activity centre in order to provide children with more opportunities to relate and interact with other children and adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged and supported to participate in all activities through the warm and positive language used by the childminder. They are developing an awareness of the wider community through some of the resources that reflect positive images and these form an integral part of their play and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive consistent praise and recognition for their achievements and this in turn, reinforces good behaviour and promotes their self esteem. Children have a growing awareness of themselves and the childminder values their feelings and contributions. This enables children to relay their fears or express their needs without any hesitation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's sense of security and belonging is fostered through the working partnership between the childminder and parents. The childminder works closely and cooperatively with the parents, encouraging a regular exchange of information through the use of the 'daily record book'. A good range of information relating to the care and service offered is available for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The space is organised effectively, this enhances care and maximises play opportunities. Children are happy, comfortable and settled in this caring environment which is welcoming. Although there are a wide age range of children attending, the management of care is promoting an awareness of how to keep each of them safe, healthy and be able to make choices.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended training such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework, the Diploma in Home-based Childcare and the Special Educational Needs code of practice. She has a commitment to enhance her knowledge and understanding in child protection.

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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 has in place most documentation to promote the safe and efficient management of the provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to consider developing a written fire safety procedure and developing a written medication procedure. This has resulted in ensuring improvements in the safety and welfare of children. She also agreed to consider keeping written records of children's developmental progress. This has resulted in the working partnership between the childminder and parents effectively promoting children's development and sense of security and belonging.

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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 may see on request. The complaints log may contain complaints other than those known 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 further current systems to ensure consent for emergency medical treatment is in place for all children • develop further assessments of risks and hazards in the home in order to further improve children's safety with regard to the security of the slide in the rear garden and children's access to the first floor of the property.

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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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