Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344053 Unique Reference Number 18 June 2007 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 18 months, four and six in Peterborough. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding two children over five after school. The childminder walks to the local school to collect children and attends the local toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of physical activities in the home environment and when out in the local community. They walk to and from school, to the park and play cricket and football in a nearby field. These activities positively contribute to their physical development and good health.

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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 Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where good hygiene practices and routines are implemented to protect their health and they begin to understand about the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder maintains her first aid kit and first aid certificate so that she can respond appropriately if the children have an accident. However, the parents have not provided written consent to seek emergency advice or treatment which means children's medical care, in an emergency, may be delayed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefit of a healthy diet as the childminder has a good understanding of their individual dietary needs and works in partnership with parents to ensure children benefit from healthy eating. Drinks are readily available so that the children remain hydrated and children eat together in the kitchen which promotes their social skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children confidently choose toys and equipment from the range and variety available. They are provided with toys and equipment that are clean, safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a home where positive steps have been taken to ensure the setting is safe. For example, all dangerous substances are inaccessible and electrical sockets are protected. Care is taken when choosing furniture to ensure there are no sharp edges for children to bang into. As a result, the risk of accidental injury is minimised and children are able to play safely. The childminder has regard to the safety of children both indoors and outdoors. For example, responsible road safety practices are encouraged through the use of the Green Cross Code. The childminder has a fire evacuation plan in place which is shared with the parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is promoted appropriately. The childminder is aware of her duty to protect children and she is familiar with the local safeguarding children procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of play activities in a stimulating environment. They take part in imaginative play. For example, they make up games about being teachers in school and play doctors and nurses. The childminder extends their play through conversation. All children are well supported, happy and settled in their play consequently they become independent and confident. They have good opportunities to find out about the local environment as they go for walks and visit the local community.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children work together as they play board, and turn taking games. They colour using water pens and have access to creative and making activities, such as making bead fridge magnets.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework but is not currently using this as she is not caring for any children of this age. Overall, children are engaged in many fun learning experiences and a variety of activities which contribute to their development.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings around the local environment. They visit the park and local attractions when time allows. The childminder promotes positive behaviour. Children learn right from wrong and about sharing as they play with the games and toys. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. They receive regular praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder, who acts as a good role model as she says please and thank-you to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures she gathers and records relevant information and can therefore offer a good standard of care. All children are treated as individuals and with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. They gain an awareness of diversity through some of the activities that are provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are fully informed about the care the childminder provides; she shares all the necessary records and information with parents and talks at length to parents as they collect their children. Parents have provided some of the required written consents, such as for transporting children. However, they have not given consent for the use of plasters, the applications of sun cream and the use of the bouncy castle. This impacts on the partnership with parents. New parents are encouraged to share detailed routines, likes and dislikes, ensuring the childminder can plan individual care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Good record keeping ensures children's details are up to date and therefore their individual needs met effectively. Written procedures are consistently applied with some additional parental consents required. The childminder is motivated and committed to training and keeping up to date with current childcare practices. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards, is familiar with the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework, and uses her knowledge of caring for children to plan appropriate activities and to deliver good quality care to the children.

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Organisation

Children make good progress in the care of this childminder, who is well organised and child-focused. The childminder is effective in planning and organising the daily routines for children. She ensures the play space is safe and interesting, which enables children to move around freely and access the range of toys and recourses independently.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who it provides.

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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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Complaints 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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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 agreements with parents. This refers to the application of plasters, sun cream and the use of the bouncy castle • obtain written consent from parents to provide emergency medical advice and or treatment.

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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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