Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY316304 Unique Reference Number 12 September 2007 Inspection date Shirley Ann Jackson 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight and two years and 10 months. The whole of the house is used for childminding, with care taking place predominantly on the ground floor. Their home is close to local shops, schools, parks and library. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is currently one child on roll aged one year.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has clear procedures in place for dealing with accidents and administering medication. However, children receive mixed messages about positive hygiene practices as their hands are not always cleaned after playing outside and before eating. Children's nappies are regularly changed by the childminder to keep children clean and comfortable. However, the changing mat is not cleaned after each use. This does not protect children from the risk of cross infection.

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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 Parents of minded children provide food for their own children, so children are able to enjoy familiar food. This is stored appropriately by the childminder to ensure it stays fresh. Drinks are readily accessible to children during their time with the childminder. Children have their own individual cups and they are reminded by the childminder during the day to have a drink.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise as they frequently use the childminder's garden. Here they enjoy playing with a slide, balls, tent and wheeled toys. The childminder takes the children for walks in the local area, for example, nearby shops, library and parks. This gives children the chance to develop their large motor skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move freely around the childminder's home, depending on which activities they are taking part in. The childminder has identified and minimised most potential risks. However, the full-length vertical blinds in the conservatory are easily accessible to the children and pose a risk to their safety. Children's safety is promoted when on outings with the childminder as she uses a buggy with harness and appropriate car seats when using the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can play with a suitable range of toys and resources. These are good quality and are well maintained. A number of resources are stored in plastic boxes on the floor of the conservatory. This gives children the opportunity to choose what they would like to play with. The childminder supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure they suitable for their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards the children in her care as she has a suitable awareness of the indicators of abuse and neglect. She is aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child in her care. She is aware of the correct procedure to follow if an allegation is made against her. This helps to protect children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are offered a range of suitable resources and activities to play with, a number of these are easily accessible to the children. This gives them choice in their play and builds their independence skills. Children's early communication skills are fostered as the childminder listens to their noises and responds accordingly. She talks and sings to the children during the day, encouraging their listening skills. Children develop self-esteem and confidence as the childminder interacts positively with them, helping them in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's social skills are developed as the childminder takes them to local toddler groups. Here they have the opportunity to play with different children and interact with different adults. Children's imagination and creativity is fostered as the childminder provides resources and props for children to use. Children imitate what they see, for example, trying out their communication skills on the toy telephone.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children benefit from routines which are consistent with those followed at home. They build secure and trusting relationships with the childminder, such as, climbing on to her lap for a cuddle. The childminder encourages young children to make sense of what they see and hear as she sings along as they play on the musical instruments.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder helps to raise children's awareness of diversity by providing a suitable range of resources which reflect positive images of the wider community. All children can access all resources and the childminder respects their choice, which builds their self-esteem. Children learn about the local community as they visit the local shops, library and parks. Children's individual needs are well met as their home routine is followed, as discussed with their parents. The childminder clearly knows the children well and offers activities and resources which interest and stimulate them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well settled in the childminder's home and confidently choose what they want to play with from the resources offered. This builds children's self confidence and builds independence skills. Children have positive relationships with the childminder and her own children, helping them to feel secure and settled. The childminder is calm and children follow this lead and behaviour is generally good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds positive working relationships with parents. They share information about the child's individual needs before their care starts, ensuring continuity of care. The childminder is available to chat to parents at the end of the day. She shares information on how their child has been and what they have done. This helps to keep parents informed and involved.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home effectively to encourage children to play freely and to access a number of resources for themselves. Children confidently look through toy boxes and pull out what interests them. The childminder is on hand to support children in their play and to help if needed, for example, when putting the puzzle together. The childminder clearly enjoys being with the children and is enthusiastic about her new business.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation is in place and is well maintained. The childminder's registration certificate is clearly displayed for parents to see. The childminder has made a positive start to her childminding business. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she 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 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): • ensure that vertical blinds in the conservatory do not pose a risk to children's safety • ensure effective hand washing procedures are in place before children eat and after playing outdoors • reduce the risk of cross infection by cleaning the changing mat after each use

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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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