Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334731 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Justine Ellaway 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 one child aged one in Derby. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is fluent in British sign language.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s good health is well promoted because the childminder follows effective hygiene procedures. She washes her hands before preparing food and when changing nappies she wears

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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 disposable gloves and cleans her mat down with anti-bacterial spray after each change. Pets feeding bowls are kept out of the way of minded children. Children are helped to learn about good health and hygiene practices. The childminder encourages children to wash hands after toileting and before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s good health is promoted when they are ill. Accident records are appropriately maintained and signed by parents. Medication records are appropriately completed, all information recorded and meets the requirement of the standards and parents sign to acknowledge the entry. Permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice has been requested to ensure children's needs are met in the event of an accident or emergency. The childminder has a very clear policy on her procedure if a child is ill, which is shared with parents at the time of placement to promote consistency of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The good health of children is maintained and risk of spread of infection reduced. There is a clear policy for sick children in place which has been shared with parents. Younger children use wipes or an individual flannel.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activity which effectively promotes development of their large muscle skills. The childminder takes the children out every day, either in the garden or for a walk. Children also go to two stay and play sessions per week where they engage in physical play with equipment. Children who are not yet walking play with toys on the floor and are encouraged to move about, reach and stretch. The childminder positions toys well within the home to encourage children to progress to their next stage of development, for example, standing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as meals are varied, healthy, discussed with parents and meet the needs of the children. Healthy options are offered for all meals, for example, breakfast is cereal and snack is fruit, cheese, raisins, crackers or toast. Freshly prepared meals are pureed down for younger children. Children are always offered fruit for pudding. The childminder mixes in the fruit with another dessert, for example, yoghurt to encourage children to eat it. Drinks are regularly available, babies have cooled boiled water in between milk and meals, older children have a filled beaker of juice that they can access at all times. Children have a choice of water, squash or fruit juice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s social skills are promoted at meal times. The childminder sits and eats with the children. Younger children sit at the table in their high chairs to encourage their social development. Careful consideration is given to babies feeding and sleeping routines. The childminder plans her routine around their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. The lounge, hallway and kitchen/diner are laid out with toys or toys are stored or displayed attractively to promote children's independence. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor for different activities, and are supervised in the kitchen/diner to ensure they are safe. There is sufficient space for floor play, rest and quiet as well as a table and chairs for activities. Good consideration is given to the needs of children in terms of their sleep and where travel cots can be positioned to ensure children can sleep peacefully. The childminder has considered how she will amend her arrangements as the children get older.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 have access to a good range of toys and equipment in very good condition. They are attractively presented so that children can help themselves. Good consideration is given to the age, stage of development and needs of the children, for example, there are lots of stimulating light and sound and tactile toys for younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure and safe indoor environment. A clear written safety policy is shared with parents. Risks and hazards are minimised, for example, the childminder has socket covers and stair gates. The childminder has collection procedures that ensure the safety of minded children, the childminder explains in her information for parents that she needs to be informed if someone else is coming to collect the child. There are very clear written procedures for if a child goes missing or is uncollected. The childminder has appropriate equipment in the event of fire, including a fire blanket, smoke alarms and a very clear written emergency evacuation procedure. However, the childminder has not yet practised her evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare is maintained when they are outside. The garden is child friendly with lawn and decking and is fully enclosed. The childminder always supervises children when outside. She ensures she takes necessary items such as emergency numbers and her first aid kit when she goes out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare is promoted because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She has a very clear written policy which is shared with parents and explains her role in terms of reporting concerns. She demonstrates an appropriate understanding of the different types of abuse, and possible signs and symptoms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from lots of positive interaction from the childminder. She holds younger children and comforts and cuddles them when they are tired. As a result children are comfortable and settled. The childminder plays with the toys to stimulate children's interest. She is considerate of younger children's needs to be stimulated by their environment and ensures they can see around the room. For example, when they are sitting having their lunch they can also look through the window at the garden and the weather.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A well planned range of activities meets children's needs. Children engage in free play along with creative activities such as painting and cutting and sticking. Activities are based on the child's stage of development and help them to develop skills such as hand eye co-ordination. Older children learn about colours and numbers through activities and free play. Children go to local stay and play sessions within the community to develop their social skills. They have time to play independently to encourage development of their creativity and imagination, as well as their independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well. A good relationship with parents is promoted. The childminder encourages parents to regularly communicate and be honest about any concerns or issues they have to promote consistency of care. She provides a very useful and professional folder of information including her written policies and procedures. There is an additional parents booklet which contains relevant information which is given to parents at the time of

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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 placement. A diary sheet informs parents what the children have been doing whilst at the childminder's for example, what they have eaten, when they have slept and any information about their development such as attempts to stand or walk. Additional permissions are sought such as where children should sleep and permission to apply sun cream. As a result children receive consistent and appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to understand responsible behaviour. There is a very clear behaviour management policy with clear and simple explanations of how behaviour will be managed. Appropriate methods are used to manage inappropriate behaviour that is relevant to children's understanding. Distraction is used for younger children and explanation and discussion for older children who can understand the implications of their behaviour. Positive behaviour is well promoted, the childminder is friendly and calm in her approach. She uses lots of praise and encouragement with children whilst they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound awareness of issues relating to children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to ensure their needs are met. Children learn about the wider world through an appropriate range of activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled and have a good relationship with the childminder. Good organisation of the environment and resources encourages children's independence in choosing what they want to play with. Good use of time means that the childminder spends all of her time with the children as she plans activities and gets toys and resources ready before they arrive. As a result children receive a high level of support and care as they play and benefit from periods of one to one attention.

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Organisation

A professional, clear and informative folder of written policies and procedures promotes children's health, safety, enjoyment, and achievement. All of the required permissions and contact information is in place to ensure children receive appropriate care. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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): • practise the emergency escape plan.

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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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