Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269619 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2007 Inspection date June Rice 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 has been registered since 2003. She is registered for four children. There are five children on roll. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and three years. They live in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The premises are close to local schools, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an outside play area. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder ensures the environment, toys and equipment are clean and well maintained. She implements clear policies and procedures to ensure children are protected from cross infection. For example, infectious children are excluded and they use individual hand towels after washing their hands. Children benefit because she has attended food hygiene training and she follows parents' instructions to ensure food is suitably stored, cooked and reheated. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands after the toilet and explain 'we have to, to stop germs going

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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 in our belly.' They also explain they have to wash their hands after feeding the guinea pig. Children learn about healthy living and enjoy physical activity. For example, they use a variety of small scale equipment, such as a trampoline, slide and bikes. They enjoy using the dance mat and visit local parks to play more energetic games. They wear sun cream and sun hats; this helps them to understand the need to protect themselves from the sun. They are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Children are well nourished and learn about healthy eating through a daily, well balanced diet that is agreed by parents. They have the benefit of fresh fruit and freshly cooked meals that takes account of their different likes and dislikes. Babies enjoy lots of finger foods including fruit and plenty of fresh drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit because the childminder has taken good precautions to ensure the premises are safe and secure. For example, she uses safety gates, protects doors from slamming, and ensures hazardous materials are out of reach. She carries out a visual check every morning and access to the home prevents unauthorised persons gaining entry. Children use suitable and safe equipment that conform to BS EN safety standards and are age appropriate. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. For example, they practise an emergency evacuation using different exits and are beginning to understand the need to leave the home quickly. They learn about road safety, 'stranger danger' and poisonous liquids through their daily routine and general discussions. However, children occasionally play at the front of the home which is not secure and this puts them at risk. Children are suitably protected because the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understands her role in child protection. However, she is not wholly familiar with the procedures that need to be followed in the event of a child protection issue.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit because the childminder plans activities that are varied, well resourced and easily assessable. Their imagination is fully encouraged through the good interaction from the childminder who spends lots of time talking to and playing with the children. They have developed very good relationships with the childminder; they are settled and there are lots of smiles. Children are beginning to develop confidence and good self-esteem. For example, babies are supported and praised as they raise themselves up and take hesitant steps. They smile as their attempts at clapping are acknowledged and the childminder joins in. Children are comfortable in each other's company; they interact well with the childminder and often include her in their play. For example, they feed their babies then put them down to sleep explaining, 'My babies are tired.' Their imagination is further encouraged as the childminder uses questions

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to help extend their play. For example, 'Which drink do you think the baby will like, the lemon drink or milk?' Children enjoy a good range of toys and activities that encourage their physical development. For example, they use a slide, trampoline and swing ball. They initiate physical activity and jump across the room. Their developing skills in counting and mathematical language is skilfully encouraged by the childminder who talks about little, big, backwards and forward jumps. They count how many jumps it takes to get from one side to another. They respond to appropriate challenge as they receive help and guidance to match pictures in an activity book. Babies enjoy the experience of touching grass for the first time, exploring different materials and tasting finger foods.

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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. Children's individual needs are met effectively because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure appropriate information is shared. This has a positive impact on the care and well-being of children. Children become aware of wider society through the childminder's positive approach to equal opportunities. They learn about diversity though a suitable range of toys, equipment and books which positively reflect differences throughout society. For example, they use small figures with wheelchairs to talk about differences in physical abilities and use ethnic play food during role play. Children are very well behaved and are learning to understand responsible behaviour. For example, they are encouraged to share, use polite language and good manners. They are aware of their own needs, go to the toilet independently and ask for something to eat and drink.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit because the childminder has a sense of purpose and commitment to continual improvement and their well-being. She continues to access suitable training that includes first aid, food hygiene and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This has a positive effect on their care and learning. Children benefit from an environment that is well organised. For example, she utilises her space effectively and this enables them to move about freely and independently. They thrive from the benefit of being included in small groups with similar ages. Their routine, play and activities are planned around their individual interests, ages and abilities. All required documents are in place and completed appropriately. Parents have access to a portfolio that includes policies and procedures, such as equal opportunities, confidentially, health, fire and safety.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were recommendations to improve written agreements with parents and resources for older children. The provider has taken positive steps to improve these areas. For example, she has introduced detailed policies, procedures and written agreements, and she provides a suitable range of resources for the range of children she provides care for. This has improved the organisation of the provision and extended their learning opportunities through play.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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): • ensure children are fully supervised when playing at the front of the premises • continue to develop understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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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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