Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY263156 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2007 Inspection date Pauline Garfield 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 10 years in Whiston, Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed patio area available 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 two children under five years and four children over five years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog, rabbit and two hamsters.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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. The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to take to ensure children remain healthy. For example, she has a clear policy on the administration of medication, which she discusses with parents. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment where they learn the importance of personal hygiene. They are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. The childminder wears protective clothing when changing nappies and the changing mat is cleaned and sterilised after each use. Good arrangements for the care of pets ensure they do not pose a health risk to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed a healthy eating course and encourages children to try new foods through activities, such as fruit tasting. Children are encouraged to access fruit from a bowl and drinks of water or milk are provided. Parents' wishes are respected regarding food offered to children, and all details are recorded and agreed prior to childminding.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activities. They walk to and from school each day and have regular visits to the local park. Children benefit from the effects of fresh air as they play on the patio area at the side of the house with balls and skipping ropes. Access to a range of physical activities contributes to children's good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The toys and equipment children use are of good quality and meet the varying needs of the children that attend. Children self-select from toys stored in accessible boxes. They are rotated to maintain interest and stimulation. The childminder ensures the equipment children use is appropriate to the age and stage of their development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety, for example, to tidy up toys so they do not fall and hurt themselves. The childminder completes daily risk assessments before children arrive to ensure the premises are safe for children to use. Most risks are identified and minimised. However, the patios doors, which are the main entrance to the home, are not kept locked and keys are not readily available. This means that the premises are not secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are appropriately protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection matters. She has a clear understanding of the signs of possible abuse or neglect. The childminder has a child protection policy in place which contains the relevant contact details. This results in children being safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has attended child development courses and plans activities according to children's individual needs. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The interaction between the childminder and the children is good. Children are praised and encouraged for their achievements. They clap their hands together with glee when they build a tower from stacking cups. The childminder says, 'Who's a clever boy?' The childminder

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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 promotes mathematical development. For example, she uses mathematical language, such as 'big' and 'little' cups. The childminder interacts with children as they construct a train track.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are helped to develop their communication skills as the childminder sings the number rhyme 'Five Little Speckled Frogs' to the children. They have access to some books. The childminder encourages children to use their imagination and make cups of tea. They complete simple jigsaws and the childminder helps to develop children's vocabulary through sounding out the noises that baby animals make. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young children show affection for each other, smile and give each other hugs and kisses. They are very well behaved. The childminder encourages children to have good manners and say 'please' and 'thank you'. She encourages them to share toys and resources. The childminder has an understanding of how to support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She understands how to work with parents and other agencies to meet the needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. The childminder communicates with parents through daily conversations and newsletters. Parents' newsletters inform them of any health issues, such as head lice, and any planned visits or outings. Children's awareness of the local environment is promoted through regular outings. The childminder has a good awareness of how to provide activities that promote positive images of children from the wider world, for example, through books and imaginative play.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home within the well-organised setting. They enjoy a range of activities and experiences organised and planned by the childminder. Policies and procedures are in place and promote children's welfare, care and learning. Children's registers are up to date and adult to child ratios maintained. The childminder has a diary in which she records significant events. However, the childminder has not notified Ofsted at the earliest opportunity that significant changes have been made to the premises. This is a breach in regulations. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection two recommendations were raised relating to the child protection statement and activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. All concerns raised have been fully addressed. Documentation is in place for child protection which includes details of social services, and toys and resources that reflect diversity and anti-discriminatory practice have been improved. All of which ensure children's safety and welfare is maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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

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 provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • ensure Ofsted are informed of any changes to the premises • ensure the premises are secure and keys are readily accessible.

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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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