Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344560 Unique Reference Number 24 May 2007 Inspection date Olwen Pulker 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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and four in a suburb of Telford, Shropshire. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a cat.

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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 seven children all of whom attend part-time. The childminder drives children to and from school and nursery.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean and well-maintained home. They are protected from the risk of infection and cross-contamination by the implementation of suitable policies

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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 and procedures, such as the exclusion of ill or infectious children. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for their children. This helps to ensure that she is able to deal with accidents and emergencies effectively. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene as they wash their hands during their daily routine, but they are not consistently reminded to wash their hands before eating and consequently their health is not always fully protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a snack lunch of sandwiches, fruit and a milk drink. Children are given cooked teas such as spaghetti bolognaise or a chicken dinner and are provided with regular drinks of mineral water, milk or high juice to ensure they are not thirsty. Children have a mid-morning snack of milk and biscuits and share a bowl of fruit pieces after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, as they dig in the sand, ride on wheeled toys and play on the small trampoline and slide. Garden games and regular visits to the local playground to play on the fixed equipment improve children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children mostly use the lounge/diner which is organised suitably for their play. The childminder monitors toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. A selection of well-maintained resources are made available daily; several play options are placed in storage boxes on the floor so that children are able to access them safely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. Their risk of accidental injury is lessened because the childminder has taken steps to minimise hazards. Children's awareness of safety is developed through their daily activities; they learn to cross roads and use play equipment safely and, given the children's interests in mini beasts, the childminder teaches them not to touch bees or wasps. Although the childminder has considered an emergency evacuation plan she has not shared this with the older children and consequently they are not informed of how to keep themselves safe in the event of fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder has attended training and shows a good understanding of the procedure to follow if she is concerned about a child's welfare. However, there is no record kept of children's existing injuries and therefore children's welfare is not fully promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a variety of toys, activities and equipment suitable to their ages and stages of development. The childminder interacts positively with the children in their daily routines and play, she encourages them to count and learn colours as they play with toy vehicles and to extend their writing skills as they write their names in their record books. Children become confident communicators, they are well supported by the childminder who enjoys listening and talking to them. They show great interest in playing with the plastic animals; they confidently identify a shark, octopus, bear and hedgehog. Children delight in recalling seeing a green, furry caterpillar on the pavement when out looking for mini beasts and proudly show

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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 the pea and courgette plants growing in containers in the garden. They know that the plants need watering in order to grow. Children are developing independence and self-esteem by selecting their activities, helping with shopping and taking responsibility for tidying away toys. Children form positive relationships as they share and play cooperatively together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They are comfortable and confident in the welcoming environment and make themselves at home. Their individual needs are catered for and they build a trusting relationship with the childminder, which fosters their sense of belonging. Children are encouraged to choose from a range of toys regardless of gender, however, they have access to few resources or activities that promote a positive view of the wider world. Children learn about their local community as they go for walks and visit the parks and supermarket. The childminder does not have any experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but demonstrates a willingness to work closely in partnership with parents and professionals in order to meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are able to share toys and play well together. They learn good manners and respect for others as the childminder provides a good role model. Children understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age-appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good, with a strong emphasis on support and consistency. Policies and procedures are in place and are effective in ensuring that children are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Verbal dialogue and the sharing of record books between the childminder and parents ensures that information is exchanged daily and promotes continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at home within the relaxed environment. Their safety is promoted well as they remain under the childminder's supervision at all times. The childminder organises her daily routine to provide different play opportunities both inside and outside the home. Her time is spent with the children so that they are happy and purposefully engaged.

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Organisation

Adult to child ratios are good, ensuring that the younger children spend individual time with the childminder to promote their learning and sense of belonging. The childminder has most of the required documentation in place to ensure she is able to carry out her work effectively, such as contracts and children's details. Children's hours of attendance are accurately recorded and all information is available for inspection. The childminder has produced some written policies and procedures to support the service she offers and to promote children's well-being, safety and care.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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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 registration 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 satisfactory. 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): • consistently encourage children to learn about personal hygiene with particular attention to washing their hands before eating • practise the emergency evacuation procedures regularly to ensure children develop an understanding of safety procedures and maintain a record of existing injuries to fully promote children's welfare • ensure that all children have access to an appropriate range of activities and resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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