Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340955 Unique Reference Number 20 April 2007 Inspection date Ann Keen 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. He and his partner co-childmind as she is also registered. They live with their children, aged 15 and 18 years, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, north Nottinghamshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is within walking distance of the local school but also has use of a car. He attends the local childminding support group and is a member of the National Childminding Association. He is registered for six children and he is currently minding seven children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder gives high priority to children’s needs. He has a clear understanding of the requirements of administering medicines to children and asking for parental permission. He is aware of the safety issues regarding storage of medicines. Children’s welfare is promoted because he uses the same suitable system to record accidents as his co-childminder ensuring children are protected. He has good documentation in place which

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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 supports his practice well. The childminder is very aware of options for healthy eating and provides nutritious snacks and meals such as sandwiches, fruit and pasta. Children have drinks available to them at all times such as juices and water ensuring they do not get thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities for physical activity both in the garden and on outings. They use an appropriate range of wheeled toys, balls and equipment to develop their physical skills. The childminder enjoys being outside with the children so provides good opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children are well protected against infection because good hygiene practices are followed. Children are learning to wash their hands appropriately and each child has a paper towel for drying their hands to avoid the spread of infection. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment, therefore promoting good health care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children’s welfare is well promoted because children are looked after in a well-maintained and spotlessly clean house. They have suitable space in which to play and be active. Children can use the inside and outside easily so developing their choice and independence effectively. Children have access to a good range of suitable furniture appropriate for the purpose, helping to create a stimulating environment for the children. Children who need to rest are able to sleep or relax comfortably on the sofa or in their buggy. Potential risks to children are reduced as the childminder is aware of hazards in and around the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Robust systems to help prevent accidental fires are in place such as checking the smoke alarms are working, keeping a fire blanket and practising evacuation procedures with children. The garden is very secure and well kept so the risks to children are minimised. Children are suitably protected from child protection issues as the childminder has a sound knowledge of his role in safeguarding children. Children are well protected when being taken out and all documentation with regard to the car is valid and the childminder is aware of the need to have suitable seats with restraints available. When walking outside, children have wrist bands with the phone number in case of emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed, confident and happy during their time at the childminder’s house and making good progress in their leisure and personal development. Children are building confidence and self-esteem as the childminder is aware of their individual needs. He is interested in the children and chats to them, successfully supporting their self-worth. Children have positive relationships with the childminder due to his kind treatment of them. They are learning what is acceptable behaviour through the use of appropriate strategies. Although the initiative for planning activities lies with his co-childminder, the childminder enthusiastically engages in the activities provided. However, he is aware of his own limitations in knowledge. Children are moving forward in their learning, helped by the childminder’s proactive approach to their play. He counts building blocks with them and is aware of helping children to learn through practical

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities. Children improve their skills well through everyday activities such as washing the car and pegging washing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s routine is suitable for their age and provides a balanced range of activities. Children's care, learning and play are well supported through a variety of play situations like meeting with other childminders and children, visiting the local facilities and the wide selection of toys in

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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 the house. The toys and equipment are suitable for different ages providing challenge, interest and age-appropriate activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and the childminder has a clear commitment and understanding of equal opportunities. Children are learning to respect individuals and they play with a variety of resources which supports their ideas about diversity. Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder develops their self-esteem and self-assurance. Children are actively engaged in the activities, ensuring their interest is held and they receive good support and attention. The childminder responds well to children’s individual interests, for example, talking with a child about his fascination with lights.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and the childminder uses positive strategies to create acceptable behaviour. He uses a range of methods to adapt to their stages of development. Children understand clear guidance as the childminder explains what they are expected to do. The childminder is aware that some children have learning difficulties and /or disabilities and takes appropriate action.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the supportive partnership with parents. The use of a comprehensive set of policies sets out clear guidance to support children’s welfare. Children are suitably safeguarded through the childminder’s awareness of procedures for contacting Ofsted and other agencies. Children’s art work and activities are valued and given to the parents each week. Parents also receive information about their children’s day both verbally and in written form.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised environment. The childminder takes the job very seriously and is keen to develop his knowledge and skills in order to support children's development. Children feel secure and happy as their routine is arranged to fit in with their home life and their parents’ wishes. The resources are used effectively to maximise children’s care, learning and play. Children’s health is well promoted through the use of appropriate records and well thought out procedures. Children benefit from continuity of care because all required records are kept accurately. The childminder keeps the register to show the times of arrival and departures. Documents such as public liability insurance are in place to ensure children are suitably protected. The ratios of children to adults supports the children’s care so they are well-protected. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Organisation

Children’s safety is promoted through the correct use of parental permission slips and use of contact details. Procedures are in place in the event of a child being lost or a parent failing to collect them so children’s welfare is promoted sufficiently well.

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Improvements 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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Complaints 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 by 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 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): • improve knowledge of how to use the activities provided to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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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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