Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345118 Unique Reference Number 28 June 2007 Inspection date Lynn Masterman 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 2007. She lives with her husband and four children aged 15, 12, 11 and nine years old. They live in a small village near Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of childminder's home is used for childminding. The family have tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding three children under the age of eight and one child over eight who attends on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and parks. She 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 environment. They are beginning to learn the importance of appropriate personal care. Gentle reminders and explanation help children to understand that washing their hands after visiting the toilet and the use of tissues to keep noses clean reduces the risk of passing on germs. A suitable exclusion policy, which is shared

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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 with parents, ensures children with contagious illnesses do not attend. This further reduces the risk of cross infection to children. Appropriate systems are in place for administration of medication and the recording of accidents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she is able to give children appropriate care in the event of an accident. Consequently, children's health is appropriately protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a suitable range of healthy snacks, such as toast, fruit and raw vegetables during the day. The childminder has a positive approach to healthy eating and offers low-sugar food and drinks. She is aware of the importance of regular fluid intake and children are able to access drinks independently throughout the day. The childminder offers a flexible arrangement regarding meals and most parents supply children's food. She has sound knowledge of the children's individual dietary requirements and works in partnership with parents. For example, she knows children's likes and dislikes and specific dietary problems. This contributes to children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children regularly visit the local park where there is large play equipment, which provides children with the opportunity to develop their physical skills and explore the environment. For example, they enjoy using the swings, slide and climbing frame, which helps children to develop their balance and co-ordination. They run, skip and jump and listen for familiar sounds, such as the birds singing and the leaves rustling on the ground. Rest routines are incorporated into the daily routine. Children have opportunity to take a nap or sit quietly and look at a book.

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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 safe and secure environment where risks have been identified and minimised. This enables the children to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has a good emergency plan, which includes the procedures of how to evacuate the premises in the event of a fire. The procedures are routinely shared and practised by the children. This helps children to be aware of their own safety and of others. The childminder monitors the safety of children in her care by giving consistent supervision. For example, she explains to the children why their shoe laces must always be secure to prevent accidents. Appropriate procedures are in place for outings and the use of suitable car seats ensures children are transported safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children select activities from a good range of age appropriate play resources, which are organised and stored in low-level storage boxes. This provides the opportunity for children to make choices and promotes their independence. The childminder is beginning to make use of effective monitoring systems to ensure resources are well maintained, of a high quality and meet the required safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sound awareness of child protection issues and the procedures. She is able to recognise potential areas and indicators of abuse. The childminder is fully aware of her role and responsibilities, which ensures children are appropriately safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children enjoy a close and considerate relationship with the childminder. Her warm caring approach helps children to feel happy and relaxed in her care. She spends her time talking and playing with the children. She is sensitive towards their individual needs and manages her time

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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 appropriately to ensure they receive individual attention. They are learning to socialise confidently with their peers as they regularly attend local groups in the area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a suitable range of purposeful activities and are able to self select from a range of age appropriate play resources, which promotes their overall development. The childminder makes appropriate use of opportunities to extend children's learning as they look at photographs albums of past outings. For example, she asks 'can you remember when you visited the farm and we saw the animals?' The children point to the cow and the childminder reminds the children this is where our milk comes from. This helps children to become skilful communicators and make links with past experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder recognises the value of providing children with play opportunities to develop their skills in preparation for nursery. Children create a birthday card to send to a friend. They choose different coloured balloons and name the colours blue and pink. The childminder suggests they write their name. They receive praise and encouragement for holding the pencil and making their mark successfully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are familiar with daily routines and are beginning to form good relationships with the childminder and her family. The childminder is aware of the children's emotional needs and aims to make the transition from home to the setting a secure and positive experience. Children show a strong sense of belonging and express their needs confidently. For example, when asking 'can I have drink please?' This results in children being independent and feeling safe and secure, through which they develop self confidence, a belief in themselves and healthy self-esteem. They are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met appropriately. This is due to the childminder taking time to get to know the children and working with parents to ensure their daily routines are followed successfully. For example, the childminder recognises when children need a nap or some quiet time.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a consistent approach to the management of children's behaviour. Appropriate methods for the management of behaviour are discussed and agreed with parents, such as the use of distraction and time out. Children are encouraged to share, take turns and show respect towards each other. For example, the children are reluctant to share the cars when playing with the car track. The childminder suggests to the children to ask nicely if they can join in by using 'please and thank you'. This helps children learn right from wrong in a caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a satisfactory approach to equal opportunities and children are provided with a suitable range of resources that are not gender biased. They are beginning to learn about similarities and differences through discussion with the childminder. However, the play resources to promote children's awareness of the wider world through play are limited. Consequently, children's awareness of diversity is not fully explored.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is beginning to develop positive working relationships with parents. They are provided with verbal information regarding the activities their children have been engaged in and any other relevant information. This ensures children's individual needs are successfully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is well-organised and comfortable. Space is used appropriately to ensure children move around independently and safely. This results in children feeling settled and secure in their surroundings.

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Organisation

Regulatory documentation is up-to-date, presented appropriately and stored securely to maintain confidentiality. There is an acceptable range of user-friendly policies and procedures and verbal agreements are shared effectively with parents. These contribute to the organisation of the setting, which helps to promote satisfactory outcomes for children.

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Organisation

Required adult-child ratios are met and provide appropriate levels of care and supervision to ensure children are appropriately supported. The childminder has completed relevant training courses and has the appropriate skills to care for children. 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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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): • develop further resources to promote children's awareness of diversity.

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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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