Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY295357 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2007 Inspection date Lorna Lorraine Hall 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 2006. She lives in a three bedroom house with her parents and two adult children. The whole ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor 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 currently minding two children under two. When working with her mother who is also a registered childminder she may care for six children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has two cats, a dog and a rabbit as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is greatly promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and drinking for young children. During discussion, the childminder said that

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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 she would ensure the children receive the correct amount of fruit and vegetables everyday. She is also aware of the health benefits children derive from being sufficiently hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good emphasis is placed on promoting the children's good health through physical exercise. There are lots of opportunities for the children to enjoy the fresh air. They walk to the local shops and post office. This also provides meaningful opportunities for them to observe features of their environment. Children play with tunnels, balls, push chairs and wheel borrows enables them to gain control over their body. Minded child observed clapping her hands and dancing to music.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective measures are in place to minimise the spread of infection. Parents receive information about the care and exclusion of children who are ill. Children wash their hands after visits to the toilets, nappies are disposed off appropriately, and work surfaces are cleaned with antibacterial fluid.

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Helping children to be healthy

The arrangements to ensure the animals are hygienically maintained are good. For example, the dog has a separate area in the garden that is not accessible to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Space is well organised to enable the children to explore their environment freely and safely. This means that toddlers can learn to walk using soft furniture to support them. They confidently access free standing sensory activity ring.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Learning resources are carefully chosen and correctly stored to ensure the children can see at a glance what is available. Toys are purchased from reputable manufactures to ensure they offer sufficient challenge to the children. Good attention is given to ensure quality and sufficient resources are readily available to support and promote the children's all round development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective systems are in place to promote the children's understanding of safety outside the home. For example, they hold hands and closely observe the traffic when crossing the road. As an extra safety measure the childminder carries the children's contact detail on outings. Suitable safety devices are in place to promote the children's understanding of safety especially in the kitchen. During discussion, the childminder demonstrated a good understanding of the emergency escape procedure. However, the procedure is not practised with all the children. This means that in an emergency some of the children would not know what to do.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted well because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show interest and delight when they are playing. They play enthusiastically with multi-sensory free standing activity ring. Minded children enjoy sitting on the childminder's lap looking at books and listening to stories. Good relationship is made with childminder and it is evident that the children are happy in her care. Lots of eye contact and smiles and children regularly approaches the childminder for a cuddle.

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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 Through observations and discussion with parents, the childminder ensures minded children are developing appropriately. Children's speech is further encouraged by the childminder who spends a lot of time talking and playing with the children. Children gain self-confidence because the childminder encourages and acknowledges their achievements through praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's understanding of other cultures is promoted in a meaningful way through books, music and the celebration of festivals from around the work. They enjoy snacks which incorporates fruits from other cultures. Their sense of belonging is successfully fostered through praise acknowledgement of the art work. Parents are asked to provide detailed information to ensure appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive attitude with regards to caring for children and families who have learning disabilities. She has experience of caring for such children in a school environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved because effective methods are in place to manage their behaviour, and the childminder models good behaviour in the presence of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s care is successfully promoted through the childminder's good relationship with the parents. For example, parents visit the childminder's home prior to their children starting. The visit is to discuss the service they require and for the childminder to show them the polices and procedures which guides her in her work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Much emphasis is given to promote two ways conversation with parents to ensure care is consistent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound understanding of Ofsted's complaint procedure. However, it needs updating to ensure the recording system is in line with current regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder’s written policies and procedures based on the 14 National Standards and related guidance. Indicates her commitment to provide quality care for the children she cares for.

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Organisation

The organisation of space and resources means that the children enjoy free and structured play several times during the session. Through interaction the childminder ensures all the children spend their time purposefully. Individual needs are met because the childminder organises her day around the needs of the children.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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): • practise the emergency evacuation with all the children • obtain copy of 'what to do if you're worried a child is being abused summary' in Local Safeguarding Children Board • update documentation to record complaints in line with regulations

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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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