Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY330569 Unique Reference Number 04 June 2007 Inspection date Thecla Grant 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 works with another registered childminder and minds from her co-childminder's house. The co-childminder's husband and one child aged seven years live at the property. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding two children. The childminder walks to the local school and nursery to take children. There are two dogs on the premises.

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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. The childminder takes suitable steps to prevent the spread of infection by cleaning surfaces before children eat and making sure the nappy changing mat is cleaned after use. Children

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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 learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before lunch. However, children do not wash their hands before snack time and older children's knowledge with regard to why they wash their hands is not extended.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill because the childminder is trained in administering first aid. The childminder keeps records of accidents in the setting and appropriate permissions and records are in place regarding the administration of medication. These are shared with the parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Mealtimes are treated as an opportunity for children to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Younger children are confident in feeding themselves and their dietary requirements are suitably recorded. Meals are freshly prepared, as a result, children are well nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with enough opportunities for physical play. For example, they play in the garden after lunch and regularly visit the park to play on the outdoor equipment. Younger children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure indoor and outdoor environment. Children's work is suitably displayed on the wall, as are posters reflecting children's learning. Children enjoy playing with a good range of age-appropriate toys and equipment. These are stimulating, fun and provide sufficient challenge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is mostly aware of her responsibilities to keep children safe, however, whilst her co-childminder prepares lunch, younger children access the kitchen. All necessary safety equipment is in place and the fire evacuation plan is appropriately displayed. Children learn about fire safety through regular fire practices; however, records of this are not consistently recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably safeguarded because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. However, the government handbook regarding what to do if you are worried a child is being abused is not in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder works as a co-childminder and works well with her colleague to organise interesting activities for the children. She verbally plans children's activities on a daily basis through discussion, then records what the children have done on a white board, for parents to see. The children happily participate in activities relating to different themes. For example, the current theme is 'summer' and children have painted and decorated flowers. These are displayed on a wall frieze. As a result, children enjoy their time at the provision.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently choose what they want to play with. Older children enjoy the company of the childminder as she extends their play with the doll's house and play people. They become engrossed in organising the house with the furniture and small play figures. The childminder talks and listens to children. She provides sufficient challenges to extend their learning. For

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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 example, children enjoy the incidental mathematical session and singing songs with the childminder during the morning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also benefit from a wide range of activities outside the home. For example, they go for walks to the park and visit other childminders. The childminder takes children to the local children's centre for the 'stay and play' sessions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from activities and resources which help them value diversity. All toys are shared and no distinction is made on the grounds of gender. For example, girls are encouraged to play with small and large cars. The children readily access and play with toys and equipment which positively reflect race and culture. They celebrate festivals, such as Chinese New Year and are encouraged to taste different food from around the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience in caring for children with learning difficulties. She encourages older children to be tolerant of younger children and ensures all resources are easily accessed. The childminder successfully responds to children's interests, which results in older children making decisions about their play and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages behaviour in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development. Older children have interesting activities and resources; therefore, they do not become bored or frustrated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are effectively informed about what their children are offered during the day. They are given policies and procedures of the setting, which are located in the parents' welcome pack. The childminder has written information of the children's personal details. This includes their likes, dislikes and comfort items. As a result, children are cared for according to their parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are protected because all adults in the home and visitors during childminding hours are vetted.

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Organisation

The childminder has joint responsibility for maintaining documentation. Most documentation required for childminding is in place and appropriately implemented. Documentation is kept in a locked filing cabinet. Documentation in place works well to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

The childminder shows a suitable commitment towards her personal development and has attended training courses and workshops to improve her knowledge. The childminder works within the constraints of her registered numbers and suitably uses the space provided to meet the children's needs.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to devise a complaints procedure and keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken. This has been devised. As a result, steps taken have improved outcomes for children and the organisation of the provision.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • make sure children consistently learn good hygiene practices with regard to hand washing before snacks • make sure children having access to the kitchen are not exposed to hazards • make sure that a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' (or any national guidance booklet which replaces this publication) is available.

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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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