Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343323 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2007 Inspection date Janet, Elizabeth Singleton 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 two children aged 11 years and five years in Preston. Most of the ground floor of the childminder's house and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have their health needs met in a positive manner because the childminder ensures they can play in a hygienic and clean environment. The nappy changing procedure is good and limits cross contamination. The children are beginning to learn about good hygiene practices as the childminder talks to them about washing hands before and after meals and talks about germs.

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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 enjoy a healthy balanced diet as the childminder provides freshly prepared and home cooked meals including fish pie, macaroni cheese and includes fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. They are provided with a drink at all times and the childminder follows the wishes of the parents and carers in regard to the children's diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

All the required documentation to ensure children's medical needs are met are in place, up to date and all necessary consent forms secured.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are taken out to the park and to the toddler group and enjoy physical activities as they access the slide and climbing equipment. They access the rear garden to enjoy the outdoor area and further physical activities to promote their growth and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children play safely and are cared for in a very welcoming, warm, safe environment. They make good choices and decisions about their play as they access a good range of suitable and safe equipment, for example, the shopping trolley, pretend food and cars on the floor mat. They play freely within the home as they have the space to play without restriction. They move confidently between the conservatory and the lounge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing a good understanding of safety because the childminder supports the younger children as they learn to take control of their bodies. The childminder maintains a high level of supervision of the children at all times, being in very close contact, and supporting them as they play. All required safety equipment is available and in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All the required documentation such as consent for outings is sought from parents and further safeguards the welfare of the children. Their safety is protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is confident of the action to take should a child protection issue arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy and achieve as they are provided with a varied programme of good activities which meet their needs and includes free choice of toys and equipment. They are provided with good opportunities which keep them mostly interested and occupied as they choose resources and make choices from the boxes of quality toys. They attend toddler groups and are able to mix with other children making friends and accessing additional equipment and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their confidence by having very positive relationships with the childminder because the interaction is very good. They enjoy trips out to the Zoo and delight in walks to the park. The childminder, although she encourages and plays with the younger children, is aware children's concentration levels differ and is unsure how to attend to this, as a result children may move around without purpose. The childminder uses praise effectively and as a consequence children's self-esteem and feelings of self-worth are promoted.

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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. The childminder understands equality of opportunity for all children as she ensures they can take part in all the activities provided. They are fully included as the childminder has a good understanding of learning difficulties and disabilities and is confident of the appropriate action to take should she be concerned about a child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand how to manage their own behaviour in a positive manner. They are beginning to take responsibility because the childminder gives good explanations and sets clear boundaries, for example, not climbing on the furniture.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder fosters good relationships with parents by sharing information which contributes to the children's well-being. Policies and procedures are shared to ensure parents are fully informed of the care their child receives whilst at the childminders. They receive a newsletter and complete an 'All about me book' to ensure the childminder has all the required information on their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an environment and practice that is very well organised to meet their needs by making good use of space, time and resources. The childminder has all regulatory documentation in place which is extremely well maintained, organised and up to date. All children's personal documentation is very well organised within individual files for each child.

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Organisation

The childminder has links with other childminders and support from the local childminder network group. The childminder constantly evaluates her practice to ensure she meets children's needs and is familiar with new childcare policies.

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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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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): • increase your understanding of the differing needs of children aged under three, for example, by implementing the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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