Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281293 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2007 Inspection date Sandra Davies 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 February 2004. She lives with her husband and child aged seven years. They live in an established residential area of Saltburn, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a lounge-diner. The main bedroom is available for sleeping and the toilet is located at first floor level. There is no outdoor play area.

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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 is currently minding four children under eight years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken to toddler groups, the library and the beach.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming home environment. Children’s health is supported by the encouragement of appropriate personal care routines. For example, hand washing after using the toilet and before meals. Medication and accident procedures are in place, including written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and a sick child policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder takes account of parents' wishes for their children and discusses dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. Drinks are offered regularly and include water and diluted fruit juice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The availability of physical activities contributes to the good health of the children. There are opportunities for fresh air as children enjoy going to the park, the beach and local woods.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Effective safety measures allow children to move freely and explore independently. The furniture, toys and equipment provided are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. Play equipment is rotated and some toys and resources are stored so that children can reach them easily, make choices and develop their independence. They are of a suitable design and condition and are well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has appropriate systems in place to ensure children's safety inside and outside the home. For example, secure premises, carrying out risk assessments and safety procedures when walking with children. Fire drills have been carried out and a fire officer has visited to give advice on safety. There are satisfactory procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Due to the childminder's welcoming, friendly nature, the children settle well and play happily at her house.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a good range of activities that cover all areas of development. For example, creative activities using craft resources, imaginative play when dressing up, socialising at the toddler group and physical play at the beach and park. Language development is encouraged through the range of books and by the childminder reading with children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder gives consistent support, praise and encouragement to the children, developing their self-esteem and communication skills are well supported through quality adult-child interaction.

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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. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, resulting in all children feeling valued. The childminder talks openly about diversity and answers children's questions as they arise. They are beginning to access a range of resources and activities which increase their awareness of diversity. Children have good opportunities to learn about the local community and culture. They have had contact with the fire brigade, the police and community wardens and have made Easter and Christmas crafts. Comprehensive information is sought and recorded to ensure that individual care is given and the childminder demonstrates a willingness to work with other agencies for the benefit of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a positive, calm atmosphere in which children can feel relaxed and secure. Children learn to understand good behaviour and play harmoniously together. Parents are consulted to ensure that the behaviour management methods used are consistent. The childminder is not aware of the need to keep a record of any incidents of physical intervention, should the need arise. Good behaviour is encouraged and praise given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Trusting partnerships, between the childminder and parents, have been established to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Parents are given good quality written information on the service offered, before the placement, including policies and a complaints procedure. Information is shared on a daily basis when the child is collected. Parents are given a copy of the latest inspection report.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, are well maintained.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed good childcare skills, enabling her to give a professional service. She demonstrates her commitment to providing good quality care for children by attending further appropriate courses. For example, child protection and healthy eating.

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Organisation

Children's care is fully promoted through the childminder's approach with regard to confidentiality and children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. There are effective systems in place for the sharing of information with parents about the service and their children's activities. This contributes well to the continuity of the children's care.

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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 the childminder was asked to ensure that parents sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry and to practise an emergency escape plan with the children. Medication records are now signed and fire drills have been carried out; these enhance the safety of minded children.

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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 the last inspection there have been no 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

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): • ensure that a record is made of any incidents of physical intervention.

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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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