Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY285250 Unique Reference Number 07 August 2007 Inspection date Debra, Elizabeth Mitcheson Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in May 2004 to care for five children under eight at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, both part and full time. She lives with her husband, also a registered childminder, who cares for children when he is not working full time in alternative employment. She has three children aged 13, 12 and 7 years and resides in Accrington. The whole of the ground floor, with the exception of the bedroom, of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder has two dogs and she takes children to nursery, walks to the local park and community groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted at this setting. This is a result of the practices and procedures the childminder has in place. Children are introduced to healthy eating and a menu on display demonstrates the varied choices of nutritious meals and snacks they have, that includes all the major food groups. Children are well hydrated and recognise when they are thirsty. They request

p.2

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 a milkshake and delight as they blow bubbles through a straw. Babies snuggle contentedly into the arms of the childminder as they enjoy their afternoon bottle of milk. Children's individual dietary needs are accounted for as detailed documentation is in place to gather information from parents regarding children's food intake, intolerances, religious and cultural requirements.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides an environment that protects children from infection. She follows a robust cleaning regime that includes appropriate care of the pet dogs, nappy changing procedures, hand washing, vacuuming, wiping down all surfaces with an antibacterial spray and safe storage and preparation of food. Their health is further promoted as procedures highlighted in the childminder's health policies demonstrate practices in relation to medication, children who are sick and those who may have an accident. However, these do not include notifying Ofsted of any food poisoning affecting 2 or more children looked after on the premises, any child having meningitis or outbreak on the premises of any notifiable disease and a current first aid certificate has not been maintained. Children demonstrate their own awareness of personal hygiene and without prompting ask to go to the toilet using their own hand towel.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

With subtle prompting from the childminder they explain the toileting procedure, the importance of washing their hands and flushing the toilet after use to prevent the spread of germs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Daily activities, both indoors and outdoors encourage children to take part in physical challenges that help muscle growth and good levels of fitness. Babies are observed to find their feet in a baby walker, under the close supervision of the childminder. Older children practice and refine skills of balance, running, jumping and climbing as they access an excellent selection of equipment in the rear garden. Photographic evidence demonstrates how children develop their physical skills at a local activity centre, ‘Little Treasures’. They are observed to be clearly having fun and enjoying the challenge of the large equipment. The childminder is fully aware that children need rest and sleep as part of their development and this is supported with appropriate equipment, such as a travel cot with their own bed linen and comfortable, low level sofas in both the lounge and conservatory.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a child orientated environment. This is due to the child sized furniture and fittings, artwork, photographs of activities and other learning materials which are visible throughout the setting. They are able to independently explore and make free choices from a fabulous selection of toys and equipment that are stored in low level storage units at the child's level. Space is creatively used and well structured in providing a daily programme of age appropriate activities.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The purchases of domestic style furnishings and equipment have been carefully selected with children in mind and are in good condition. They are safe and well maintained and include soft leather and fabric sofas, dining table and chairs, work station, baby chair, pram, car seats, smoke detectors and appropriate floor coverings to enable babies to play on the floor safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are relatively safe and well protected from most hazards. All exits are secured and safe procedures are in place when travelling outdoors with children or when they are collected from the setting. Detailed risk assessments are in place for most areas of the setting. However, these do not include an assessment in relation to the lounge fire. Children show a good understanding of safety procedures. They participate in tidying away toys, removing small toys out of reach of the babies and taking part in regular fire evacuation procedures.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children’s welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of protecting them. She is able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, to record them and knows who to report her concerns, as she has had first hand experience of this. There is a detailed policy but this does not include procedures to follow were allegations of abuse which is alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well promoted. This is a result of the childminder's programme of activities which encourage children's physical, intellectual, emotional and social areas of development. They are observed to purposefully engage in a variety of activities. These include access to mark making equipment, arts and crafts, books, construction toys, rattles, soft toys, musical instruments, treasure basket, computer programmes, role play, small world, dressing up and outdoor play. Photographic evidence demonstrates children's learning outside the premises and raises their awareness of other members of their local community.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development and knows her children well. She is well rehearsed on the 'Birth to three' framework and uses this when planning activities. She speaks fondly of the children in her care and is observed to interact at appropriate times during their play to extend learning. This is observed as she uses skilful questioning and the introduction of props in response to children asking to build a road. For example, "what will we need to make a road ?" and responds to the child's request with a train, track and small world characters to set the scene.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has begun to focus on what children can already do through discussion with parents and completing 'all about me books'. This has been developed into the child's record of achievement and is also used to plan the next steps in their learning. Therefore, ensuring that children are making good progress in all aspects of their care and learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good selection of resources and activities which help raise their awareness to diversity and anti-discriminatory practice. These include participation in celebrating festivals, such as Divali, Christmas and other religious events. Positive images of people from a variety of backgrounds are promoted through play and resources such as, small world equipment, books, jigsaws, felt people and dolls. There are sound arrangements in place for all children, including those with special learning difficulties and disabilities. These would include practical adaptations to the home if required, hands on practical experience, discussion with parents and working in close partnership with other professionals to provide appropriate and inclusive care for all. This ensures that children are highly valued as individuals at this setting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Working relationships with parents are excellent in ensuring children's needs are met. Parents are given a comprehensive brochure on the setting which includes all the policies and procedures. They discuss how happy they are with the care available and glowing accounts are evident in an array of thank you cards and messages kept by the childminder. Robust systems are in place for sharing information and include, daily discussion and sharing written information in their children's diaries. These include observations, record of activities and daily routines.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children interact positively with their peers and known adults. Their behaviour is exemplary. They are clearly aware of their boundaries, as methods used to mange their behaviour are developmentally appropriate and agreed with parents. For example, distraction, praise and activities that are stimulating to maintain the children's interests. They use good manners as they say please and thank you without prompting and play in harmony with their peers throughout the visit. This is because the childminder is an excellent role model. She is observed to be gentle, caring and ensures that the children feel reassured at all times. She continually praises them and also uses stickers to reward positive behaviour. This gives children a real sense of achievement.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel safe and settled. This means the childminder has effectively organised the space, time and resources to support children's care and learning. Her good knowledge and understanding of child development has benefited from experience as a mother and the strong commitment she shows in keeping abreast of current childcare issues. She has completed child protection training and a course 'making sense of special needs'. She searches the internet for information relevant to childcare and is in the process of securing further training in first aid and the National Vocational Qualification in Childcare and Education level two (NVQ 11) which she considers will continue to improve her practice, ultimately benefiting the care of her minded children.

p.5

Organisation

Most documentation is in place, up to date and with confidentiality being acknowledged and maintained. This includes children's details, accident book, medication details, attendance record and complaints log. The childminder explains that she is aware of notifying Ofsted of any significant changes or events at the setting. However, she is unable to demonstrate that she has informed Ofsted regarding changes to the premises. This includes the change in use of the playroom into a bedroom and recently built conservatory that is used by the children. Records relating to individual children are retained and available for inspection. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to enhance the safety of the premises by ensuring that potential hazards are minimised and positively manage children's behaviour.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed the above issues and in doing so has improved the safety and welfare of children in her care.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 the risk assessments carried out on the premises include the lounge fire • update, policies in line with changes in regulation, first aid training and notify Ofsted of any significant changes to the premises.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6