Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY101028 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2007 Inspection date Silvia Richardson 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, four and nine years. They live in a house close to shops, parks, library and public transport links.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding four children on a part-time and sessional basis, ages eight months, one, six and seven years. Additionally the childminder is caring for one child over eight years. The childminder works with an assistant on an occasional basis. The family keep tropical fish in a fully enclosed tank. The childminder has appropriate insurance cover for childminding and use of a vehicle.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children relax and play in a clean and well kept home, promoting their health and welfare. They are encouraged to adopt good personal hygiene habits through hand washing after using the bathroom, playing outside and before having meals and snacks. Children enjoy a good range of nutritious meals with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, helping them to be healthy. Drinks of water are offered frequently, so that children are well hydrated, especially in warm weather. Children have excellent opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle, because they often go to the park after school and have easy access to a well organised back garden. A good range of play equipment is available outside, so that children practise and develop physical skills, such as balance and co-ordination. Children enjoy eating their meals outside too during summer months, enjoying plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Suitable records are kept, supporting children's health

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and move around relatively safely in the setting, because some suitable measures are in place helping children to stay safe, such gates positioned at the bottom of the stairs and across the kitchen doorway. Fire precautions include working smoke alarms and a fire blanket in the kitchen, but this is inappropriately positioned behind items stored on top of the fridge, making it more difficult to access quickly and easily in the event of a fire. The childminder supervises children closely, keeping them safe, however, a trailing lead in the garden and a plastic bag with musical toys in, pose potential hazards to children. Children are safe and comfortable when sleeping, because the childminder checks them regularly and monitors them closely. Children are learning how to stay safe when walking to and from school, because the childminder talks to children about road safety. They always walk in front of her where she can

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

see them and know to stop at the kerb and cross roads together. The childminder knows how to respond appropriately should safeguarding concerns arise, helping children stay safe and protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the home because the childminder is attentive to their needs. Children are well supported and enjoy a wide range of activities, particularly in the garden, because these are attractively set out. Children make choices from the range of equipment and enjoy their play experiences, because the childminder sits with them, talks to them and praises their achievements. School age children are able to rest and relax in the lounge and sit up at the table in the dining room with board games and art materials, meeting their needs leisure needs at the end of a busy school day. Children enjoy family meal times, sitting together at the table either inside or outside, helping them to experience a sense of belonging. Children have plenty of space to move around and spread out, so that they can take part in lively or quieter activities as they wish. Children get on well together and are developing good

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

social skills, because they are well supervised and supported in the setting. Children settle well and are making good progress, because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of how to manage a group of children positively and successfully, promoting their well-being.

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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 good. Children enjoy positive experiences of difference, because the setting reflects diversity. The range of resources, such as dolls and books, help children to feel good about themselves and their identity. Children are managed positively with opportunities to reflect on their behaviour and feelings, helping them to appreciate the value of co-operative play. The childminder will have a chat with children and help them understand both unacceptable and desirable behaviour, as part of a group of children, playing together in the setting. The childminder manages the children well, so that they enjoy visits to the library and trips to the park as a group. Parents are kept well informed of children's progress and development through daily and end of week conversations with the childminder. Parents of younger children receive some helpful written details about sleep times, meals and nappy changes, so they are well aware of their children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

routines, promoting children's welfare. Children with learning needs and disabilities are well catered for and the childminder is trained to Level 2 in British Sign Language, so she is able to communicate well with children and/or parents with hearing difficulties.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Adult members of the household are properly vetted ensuring their suitability to work with children. The childminder is trained in first aid, enabling her to respond appropriately should an accident occur. The childminder's husband is available to assist occasionally with the children, such as picking them up from school or minding younger children, while the childminder collects the children. These arrangements, with parental consent, enable the childminder to be flexible with routines, meeting children's needs effectively. Suitable childminding policies and procedures are set out in writing and shared with parents and the childminder's assistant, so that all parties are aware of common practice and work consistently. Children enjoy freedom of movement and choice of where they wish to play, because the home is very well organised, with a good range of activities set out in the home and garden. Resources are easily accessible, so that

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Organisation

children may help themselves and take them to the table, where they can play games as a group. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has extended her knowledge of child development, enhancing her ability to provide appropriate activities for children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been two complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A warning letter was issued to the provider on 10 May 2007 in relation to non-compliance with conditions of registration. An action was also raised in relation to National Standard 14: Documentation. A suitable response to this action was received from the provider on 17 May 2007. Ofsted was satisfied that the national standards and conditions of registration were now being met. The provider remained qualified for registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

On 18 July 2007 concerns were raised relating to National Standard 2: Organisation and National Standard 6: Safety. The provider was set an action under National Standard 2. A response was

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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 received on 7 August 2007 confirming an attendance register is now being used and is up to date. Ofsted are taking no further action in this matter. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 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): • promote safety, ensuring the fire blanket is easily accessible in the kitchen, electric leads are secure and accessible resources are stored appropriately

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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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