Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275307 Unique Reference Number 12 July 2007 Inspection date Elaine Marie McDonnell 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 December 2003. She lives in the Mickle Dales area of Redcar with her husband and their two sons who are aged 14 and 17 years. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently 10 children on roll aged from 14 months to 11 years, all are cared for on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows good hygiene procedures to ensure that the home and equipment are kept clean. Good procedures are also in place for nappy changing routines. Older children understand simple, good health and hygiene practices, such as hand washing as this is regularly promoted throughout the daily routine. Good procedures are in

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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 place to protect children’s overall health, for example, a sick children policy, which includes exclusion periods. Accident and medication records are available and are robustly completed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. The childminder provides a range of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks and meets any individual dietary requirements. She finds out about children's individual dietary requirements or family preferences from parents and these are recorded. Children learn about healthy living, such as good foods to eat, hygiene routines and exercise. A children's book entitled 'What makes you ill' is used to help promote their understanding of germs and the effects on their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy physical activity when playing in the garden and when visiting local play parks. They also participate in action rhymes and physical activity indoors, such as when using a ball pool. They have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs and individual routines, which the childminder is well aware of.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good steps are taken to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment. For example, a fire guard and stair gate are in place, a suitable first aid box, fire blanket and smoke alarms are available. Written health and safety procedures are in place, plus procedures for lost or uncollected children. Appropriate steps are taken to ensure that children are kept safe when playing outdoors and when on outings. For example, the rear garden is secure and is free from obvious hazards and appropriate car safety seats are available. Children learn to keep themselves safe when involved in fire drills and a written emergency evacuation procedure is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is warm and welcoming for the children with an interesting range of toys readily available for them in the lounge. The childminder ensures that resources are safe and suitable for children's use with regular checking and cleaning routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected, the childminder understands her role in relation to child protection issues and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She demonstrates a good understanding of the different areas of abuse and of possible signs. Useful child protection documents and information is readily available and the childminder has had access to training on this issue since her last inspection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a suitable range of activities that cover all areas of development. For example, they enjoy listening to stories and have access to a varied range of books including books about colour and letters, sound books, puzzle and information books. The childminder is well aware of the children's individual preferences in relation to activities and ensures that their favourite items are available to play with. Children also visit play parks, the beach and other places of interest. They participate in some craft activities, however, opportunities to experience painting are limited. Children are beginning to learn about nature as they have planted sun flower seeds which have now been transferred from pots, into the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' and uses the framework effectively to help plan activities for younger children. The children show an interest in what they do and enjoy the activities available. They respond to challenge and concentrate well when

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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 completing jigsaw puzzles. They develop confidence and self-esteem well when being praised and encouraged by the childminder for their efforts and help. Children are acquiring new skills and knowledge, such as learning to name some common and less common shapes, with support from the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have some opportunities to learn about wider society and begin to appreciate their own culture and the cultural traditions of others. For example, they continue themes that the older children are learning at school. Some books and dolls which reflect wider society are also available. Children learn about their own cultural background and celebrations when involved in activities relating to Easter and Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equal opportunities is well promoted as all children are included and involved, their individual needs and preferences are being met. Good written procedures are in place for the identification and assessment of children's individual needs. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities and currently supports a child with additional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy being with the childminder and enjoy the activities available, they are settled and happy and make positive relationships with adults and peers. Children are well behaved and the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how to manage behaviour appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well with parents and carers. Parents are kept informed about their child’s development and progress through regular discussions. Written information is also provided to parents of younger children through the use of a 'home to setting book'. Appropriate consent forms from parents are available and contract agreements are in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that adults caring for children are suitable to do so as all persons in the household over 16 years have been appropriately vetted. She has a very positive attitude towards personal development and has undertaken lots of additional training since her last inspection. For example, she is currently doing a 'diploma in home childcare' and a National Vocational Qualification at Level 3, in 'children's care, learning and development'. She has just completed a 'Birth to three matters' course and has also updated her first aid qualification since the last inspection. The childminder has also attended child protection, additional needs and behaviour support and culture and diversity awareness raising courses since the last inspection. She intends to complete a food hygiene course in the near future.

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Organisation

Attendance records show that adult to child ratios are effectively maintained. Attendance registers are kept up to date and accurate. The childminder has high regard for the well-being of all children and they receive very good adult support and attention.

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Organisation

All documents and records required for the safe and efficient management of the provision are available, well kept and up to date. There are also many good practice records available to promote the efficient organisation of the provision, for example, policy and procedure

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 documents. 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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to devise and practise an emergency escape plan. Children's safety has improved as this recommendation has been addressed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 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): • continue to extend the range of activities which promote children's creative development.

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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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