Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340986 Unique Reference Number 13 July 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, six and four in Bedford, Bedfordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding as is an upstairs bedroom for sleeping children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding eight children on a full and part-time basis. The childminder is within walking distance of local amenities and schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's continued good health is actively promoted by the childminder who maintains high levels of hygiene in her home. Effective procedures are in place to minimise cross-infection such as cleaning toys and equipment regularly, thorough hand washing before preparing food and after changing nappies. Children are learning about good personal hygiene because the childminder reminds them to wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet. They

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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 are provided with individual towels and face cloths which are changed each day, liquid soap is available in the bathroom which encourages children's independence. They understand that effective personal hygiene procedures are beneficial to health because the childminder talks to them about germs. Children who have accidents receive prompt and appropriate treatment because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and suitably stocked first aid kits are kept in the kitchen and in the childminder's car.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the freshly prepared varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder. They sit together to eat and tuck into a selection of fruit or other healthy option. The childminder prepares a written menu which is displayed for older children to read and for parents to see. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices through meals and snacks. For example, they choose from a variety of fruit or a yoghurt for dessert. Children's individual dietary needs are managed effectively because the childminder discusses with their parents any allergies, likes and dislikes or cultural requirements. Children do not become thirsty because they can ask for or help themselves to drinks at any time during the day. The childminder provides covered jugs of juice and water and appropriate cups on the dining table and children are free to help themselves. Children's physical skills are developing well because they have

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Helping children to be healthy

plenty of opportunities to play outside in the fresh air. They enjoy using the garden which as a range of toys and climbing equipment and regularly walk to the local park. The childminder makes weekly visits to a local farm centre which has indoor and outdoor play areas. These activities promote physical skills such as climbing, balancing and swinging. Indoors, children have access to construction materials, puzzles and play dough tools that develop manipulation and hand and eye co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is given high priority by the childminder who is vigilant in her supervision to ensure safety. The proactive approach to minimise hazards includes fixing safety gates to the stairs, only using the rear rings of the cooker when preparing meals and making regular checks of the garden. The childminder has considered risk assessment regarding children's use of the trampoline through sinking it into the ground and allowing only one child to use it at a time, however, parental consent to use this specific piece of equipment is not in place. Children are safe during outings because the childminder employs effective measures to ensure safety such as holding hands, walking on the inside of the pavement and having limits for how far ahead older children can walk on the way to school. They begin to learn about safe practices when crossing the road because the childminder uses the zebra crossing and school crossing patrol

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and she talks to children about stopping, looking and listening for traffic. The childminder has devised written procedures to follow for evacuation in the event of an emergency. Children benefit from the wide selection of play materials which are safe, suitable and cover all areas of development. They are stored in low-level boxes and drawers which enables children to select themselves. They are encouraged to help tidy away when they have finished playing which begins to develop a sense of responsibility and care for equipment and to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder is fully aware of the importance of recording and reporting any child protection concerns. She has some previous experience of managing such issues and is familiar with the importance of maintaining confidentiality. She has devised a written policy and has collated a file of relevant documentation and contact numbers to refer to in the event of concerns arising.

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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 attending and are happy and confident in the childminder's home. They move freely between their chosen activities and are able to play independently. The childminder is skilled at managing the requirements of children of various ages and plans a range of fun and stimulating activities to suit all the children who are expected to attend each day. Separate plans are devised for school holidays that are linked to themes such as 'countries of the world'. They also enjoy taking part in cooking activities, art and craft and messy play. Children enjoy the balance of activities which includes time for free play at the childminder's home, regular organised outings to a local farm centre with other childminders, monthly meetings to a childminder's support group and ad-hoc visits to the local park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engrossed in their chosen activities. For example, a young child selects a number of character trucks relating to 'Bob the builder'. The child lines them up and moves them around, talking to them all the time. The childminder comments on how well the children are playing and asks them questions about what they are doing. She is always available to provide support and reassurance as the children need it. They are confident to approach her or gain her attention to ask for items they want. Children's development is promoted because the childminder is willing to become involved in their games, she demonstrates to them how to squeeze the play dough in order to feel the texture. A child proceeds to touch and explore the dough and presses the end of the rolling pin into it and looks at the hole they have created. Older children make decisions about the activities they take part in. For example, they show

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interest in a book about knights and castles and proceed to ask the childminder for drawing paper and pencils so they can copy pictures from the book. The childminder willingly provides the items they want. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere the childminder creates promotes children's growing confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and with respect. The childminder is fully aware of their individual requirements and ensures that all children are able to participate in activities. For example, she plans a cooking activity and provides children who have allergies with appropriate ingredients to allow them to join in and make cakes to take home. Children have free choice of a suitable range of play materials which show positive images of diversity including books and characters. They begin to learn about the wider world through activities linked to themes such as 'countries of the world'. The childminder is confident to talk to children and to answer any questions they have about people who are different to themselves. The childminder is willing to take on any child following thorough discussion with their parents to ensure that any specific requirements can be met effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well because they have access to a range of interesting and fun activities that are appropriately challenging. They understand the expectations for behaviour and the daily routine which helps them feel a sense of belonging in the childminder's home. Children benefit from the childminder's use of positive language and her consistent approach. Their efforts and achievements are valued. The childminder notices what they are doing and comments on how well they are playing. The childminder has built effective working relationships with the parents of the current minded children that is based on good communication and trust. This has a positive impact on children's feelings of security in the setting. Parents are provided with copies of the written policies and procedures and newsletters to inform them of any

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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 changes to the daily routine. Each child has a diary in which the childminder records relevant information for their ages. For example, children under two years have nappy changes, food intake and sleep times recorded and children aged two to four years have information recorded about the activities they have enjoyed. This ensures that parents have access to relevant details about how their child has been on a daily basis. The childminder has an appropriate system in place to record any complaints that may arise form parents relating to the National Standards.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, development and welfare are promoted in this welcoming, highly organised setting. The childminder has devised comprehensive written policies and procedures which are clearly reflected in her daily activity with children. Children enjoy the positive interaction from the childminder who ensures she organises her commitments to enable her to give them all sufficient individual attention. All the required documentation is in place, professionally presented and kept up to date. The childminder regularly reviews her own practice and procedures and makes changes as necessary. For example, the time for the children's evening meal has recently been changed to ensure that the after school routine is not hurried and children have time to eat their meal before their parents arrive to collect them. Children benefit from the effective use of the available space. They are able to move between their chosen

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Organisation

activities and can relax as they wish. The childminder is aware of the value of attending further training and is anxious to keep her knowledge up to date. She plans to attend relevant courses now that her childminding business is established in order to continue to enhance her practice. Overall children's needs are met.

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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 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):

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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 • improve the risk assessment in relation to gaining parental consent for children to use the trampoline.

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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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