Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345331 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Jo Rowley 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and eight in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to care for a maximum of five children, under eight, at any one time and is currently minding one child over five, before and after school each day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. Their dietary needs are clearly understood and they are offered nutritious snacks and meals because the childminder has a sound

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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 understanding of healthy eating. Meals are cooked using fresh ingredients which are home grown, where possible, and snacks include fresh fruit, such as, grapes and bananas. Children are learning about being healthy through the childminder's encouragement for them to follow good hygiene routines. For example, children wash their hands before each snack or meal and after they have played outside. However, their immediate health is potentially compromised because there is no permission in place for the childminder to give medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through their participation in physical activity. They are developing control of their bodies and a range of skills through regular opportunities for outdoor exercise. These include regular visits to the park, local nature walks and walking to and from school. They also enjoy playing in the garden with wheeled toys, climbing in and out of a play tent and using balls to practise their throwing and catching skills. The children are well supported by the childminder who actively participates in their play, promoting their confidence to try out new skills and experiences.

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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 welcoming and safe environment. Their ongoing safety is a priority as the childminder is very aware of potential risks and takes appropriate steps to minimise these. For example, the childminder has a written fire escape plan which is displayed within the home and practised with children on a regular basis, she completes a daily risk assessment of her home to ensure that children can play safely, therefore, hazards are minimised and children are protected. Children use safe, clean toys and equipment and the childminder makes sure that these are appropriate for their ages and stages of ability and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to build up their knowledge about keeping themselves safe as the childminder gives them clear explanations, for example, they are gently reminded of the importance of holding hands whilst crossing roads and staying together when walking. The childminder has devised a lost and missing child policy, both clearly detailing the procedures to be followed, parents are informed of these procedures so that they are aware of what steps are taken if required, therefore children are further protected. The children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has an effective knowledge of child protection and has ensured that she has the relevant information and contact details required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settled within the childminder's home, independently choosing toys and activities. They communicate well with the childminder, asking her for help and enjoying the activities that she provides. The childminder plans a variety of age-appropriate activities which help promote their development, such as, play dough, imaginative play, reading, obstacle courses and craft activities including painting and baking. Children are able to independently self-select from a range of resources which are stored at eye level, suitable for their stage of development and, therefore, offer them different options for play. Children spend their time purposefully, their self-esteem and confidence are promoted through the childminder's role in supporting their play. Children recently made Father's Day cards and marzipan sweets which were taken home in gift boxes that the children also made by themselves, with support where

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

required. The childminder enthusiastically plans word searches, word or letter games and treasure hunts for the children, supporting each child according to their individual abilities.

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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 childminder plans topics for the children to participate in, for example, children learn about things that grow. They have an area in the garden where they grow their own vegetables, such as, carrots, tomatoes and courgettes. The children help to take care of the vegetables and then prepare, cook and eat them. They have individual folders where they keep their art and written work. For example, they have recently participated in a theme on Greece, using the internet and the local library to help develop their knowledge. The childminder is able to use her knowledge and understanding of child development to adapt activities to suit individual children. For example, when participating in baking activities the older children are encouraged to do as much for themselves as possible, whilst younger children are offered more support from the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected as individuals and the childminder makes sure that she is aware of their individual needs and is then able to meet these. She has written procedures in place which enables her to provide appropriate and consistent care for children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour management and uses appropriate methods, such as, discussion, explanation and time out, whilst ensuring that she respects parental wishes at all times. The children's behaviour is sound, they are encouraged to play together, sharing toys as they learn about turn-taking. They are encouraged to follow some set house rules so that they know what is expected of them, including being respectful of each other and using only kind words towards each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are aware of the procedure to follow in the event of them having a complaint and the childminder has a suitable system in place for recording relevant information, if a complaint arose. The childminder has developed her own written policies and procedures which are accessible to parents, providing a consistent approach. The children's awareness of society and other cultures is promoted through discussion and play, they have access to a range of toys and resources, such as, dressing up clothes and books which gives them information and provides positive images of other ways of life. Children are encouraged to respect each other, show concern for the other children around them and use manners, such as, please and thank you.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall children's needs are met. Resources are well organised and children are therefore able to determine their own play. The individual needs of children are generally met as the childminder makes sure that she has the required information about the minded children, ensuring that she clearly understands this. Their social and emotional needs are well promoted through the childminder's effective organisation of her daily work. She makes sure that there is time to offer children a range of play opportunities and experiences and also to meet the children's rest and sleep needs if required. The children's overall welfare is generally promoted as the childminder organises her work to ensure that children are supervised at all times. The childminder displays her registration certificate and, therefore, parents are aware of her conditions of registration.

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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): • obtain written parental permission prior to giving medication.

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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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