Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343664 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2007 Inspection date Vivienne Dempsey 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 lives with her husband and two children aged four years and six-years-old in a three bedroomed house in Hartlepool. The ground floor and first floor bathroom and her children's bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years with a maximum of two children under five years with one under one year. She attends local childminding groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives within walking distance of local schools and amenities. Currently there are four children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's continued good health is promoted because the childminder gives high regard to providing a healthy environment thorough effective practices such as using anti-bacterial spray to clean kitchen surfaces, cleaning floors every day and washing toys regularly. Children are protected from the risk of cross-infection because the childminder employs effective practices

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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 when changing nappies. For example, she cleans the changing mat after every child, disposes of nappies promptly and washes her hands thoroughly after every child.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sound procedures are in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication, and parents sign to acknowledge entry, keeping them informed at all times. Children's health is protected because the childminder has clear policies and procedures in place. For example, the risk of children contracting illnesses while they are cared for by the childminder is effectively minimised through the clear exclusion policy, which is shared with parents. Children enjoy daily opportunities to play outside in the fresh air. For example, they play in the garden, visit the local park and farm. Children's physical skills are promoted through these activities and regular outings to the local soft play area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of healthy meals and snacks that are freshly prepared by the childminder. The snacks and meals include fruits and vegetables and all children sit together to eat at the table which promotes social skills and manners. Children do not become thirsty as drinks are available at all times. They begin to learn about personal hygiene because they wash their hands before eating and after toileting. Each child has their own towel, which minimises the spread of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy as they are cared for in a secure, warm and welcoming setting. Space is well used to create a child friendly environment, where children freely access toys and resources. This helps children to feel confident in their environment and enables them to develop their play in comfort. Children are well stimulated as they enjoy playing with a wide range of good quality toys and resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is given high regard by the childminder who maintains a safe environment at all times. For example, exit doors are kept locked with the keys accessible, children have supervised access to the kitchen and a safety gate is in place on the stairs. An emergency evacuation plan in in place, fire drills are practised regularly and a record is maintained, developing children's awareness of fire safety. Smoke alarms are in place and tested regularly, a record of testing is also maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of child protection concerns arising. She is aware of the importance of reporting concerns and to maintain confidentiality when managing such issues. The childminder has all the required documentation and contact details in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very well settled and relate well to the childminder because she joins in with their play and is very positive in her interaction. The children enjoy the close contact with the childminder and respond well to her encouragement. Children are happy and secure as a result of the childminder's praise and support. Children's independence is developed because they are able to choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which are easily accessible and suitable for their age and stage of development. They are showing a great interest in books and enjoy reading stories with the childminder. The childminder asks lots of open ended

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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 questions encouraging children to discuss the stories and pictures, developing their language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being motivated and interested. The childminder uses a tracker system, linked to the outcomes of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum, to record children's development. However, planned activities are not linked to the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. Their needs are met well through daily routine as discussed with parents. Children's achievements are praised and encouraged which helps to build their self-esteem. The childminder has a positive attitude towards equality issues and is aware of the importance of children having access to multicultural resources. She has started to enhance her provision through toys and books and plans to continue to extend these. The children behave well because the childminder has clear boundaries and simple house rules. They benefit from the childminder's calm, consistent approach and her appropriate use of distraction and explanation about why certain behaviour is unacceptable. Children benefit from the effective working relationships that are in place between their parents and the childminder. Parents receive verbal and written information each day about how their child has been and

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised environment in which they feel at home and at ease, which helps them gain confidence and independence. The childminder is aware of the children's individual needs and provides for these. All documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision is available and kept confidentially. Documentation is well kept, organised and up to date. The childminder has a positive attitude towards her personal development and is keen to access the next available training course in relation to the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has an appropriate first aid certificate.

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Organisation

All adults in the household have been vetted and the childminder has completed an appropriate course in relation to her role. Adult-child ratios are maintained and children receive appropriate adult support and attention. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of 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): • develop the implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework for younger children.

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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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