Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285626 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2007 Inspection date Lynn Masterman 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 satisfactory. 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 2004. She lives with her husband and their two children aged four and seven years in a village near Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. The children have access to a secure outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding six children under the age of eight and one child over eight. They attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children to and from the local school. She takes children on outings and visits local play areas and amenities within the area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a well-balanced diet. They make choices from a varied range of nutritious food such as fresh fruit, meat, cheese and raw vegetables. The childminder works in close partnership

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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 with parents, and has sound knowledge of children's individual dietary requirements, for example of children with specific likes and dislikes. Children have access to regular drinks throughout the day. They choose from milk, water and low sugar fruit drinks. Young children are offered the opportunity to experience a variety of finger foods. This helps to develop their awareness of taste, texture and smell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a clear understanding of personal hygiene. For example, children know and understand that washing their hands removes germs and can prevent them from becoming ill. They receive praise for completing the task independently. This helps to promote healthy practices and contributes to their personal care and comfort. The home is clean and the use of appropriate hygiene practices, such as anti-bacterial spray on surfaces where children's food is prepared, reduces the risk of cross infection. A verbal sickness policy, which is shared with parents, ensures children with contagious illnesses do not attend. Consequently, the risk of infection to other children is minimal.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to regular physical exercise to develop their physical skills and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Appropriate use is made of the outdoor play area and children are encouraged to enjoy the benefits of being out in the fresh air. They have access to a suitable range of outdoor play resources, which helps to promote their physical development, for example scooters, rockers, trampoline and slides. They enjoy climbing, jumping and running as they take part in mini obstacle races. This helps to make exercise fun. The childminder respects children's individual needs for a rest and these are incorporated into the daily routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to understand the rules and everyday practices that keep them safe. Appropriate steps are taken to promote children's safety and prevent accidents. For example, main doors remain locked when children are present and locks fitted to kitchen cupboards prevent children accessing dangerous substance. Smoke alarms are fitted to each level of the house and the evacuation procedures are routinely practised with children. However, the fire blanket is not appropriately sited to aid ease of access in the event of fire. The childminder has a good understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits. For example, children know they must hold hands when crossing roads, and look and listen at all times. This helps children learn about potential danger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have opportunities to select independently from a good and varied range of age appropriate play resources which are clean, well maintained and meet safety standards. Play provisions are checked on a regular basis to ensure they are suitable and present no hazards. Particular attention is given to play provision used by younger children, for example, there are no loose parts which may cause a child injury. Resources are stored securely at child height which promotes their independence, confidence and the opportunity to make informed choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has secure knowledge of child protection issues. She has a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities and the procedures to be followed should she wish to express a concern regarding the welfare of children. This ensures children are appropriately safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. Lots of reassurance and cuddles enables children to feel safe and secure. They relate very well to the childminder and are extremely comfortable in her care. She spends her time sitting, listening and playing with the children. She is responsive to their individual needs, which helps children to develop their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder has a good understanding of the stages of children's development. She makes effective use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to ensure young children develop their existing skills and learn new ones. She provides a range of activities, which provides opportunities for young children to develop their sensory skills through natural materials, such as treasure baskets, sand, water, paint and play dough.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to be independent, make informed choices and have fun through play. Consideration is given to the children's age and stages of development with a view that all children are included and can participate. Children access a good range of well-planned activities, which support their language, mathematical thinking and imaginative development. For example, children play a colour matching game. They colour match the objects and put the cards in to pairs. The childminder offers support and encouragement as the children name the colours red, blue and yellow. The childminder asks the children 'how many cards make a pair and how many pairs do you have?' This helps children to learn about colour, number, taking turns and working together cooperatively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder keeps parents well informed of their children's experiences. For example, parents have individual booklets, which contain photographs of all the activities their children have experienced and the places of interest they have visited during the summer holidays. This helps parents to be part of their children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are effectively met as the childminder takes time to get to know the children. She works in partnership with parents to ensure routines are linked with home. For example, parents are requested to provide a detailed care plan of their children's routine and individual needs. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Her calm approach helps children to feel at ease and they are reassured by affectionate facial expressions. This helps to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong in a warm and caring environment. The childminder has a consistent approach to the management of children's behaviour. For example, children are encouraged to share, take turns and to have respect for each other's individual choices. This ensures that children's good behaviour and their successes and achievements are acknowledged and praised.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound approach to promoting equal opportunities and children are provided with a satisfactory range of resources that are not gender biased. However, opportunities and the range of activities provided for children to learn about the wider world through play are not fully exploited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's close and successful working relationship with parents. The childminder regularly exchanges information about the children's daily activities and their

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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 achievements. She offers a flexible and supportive service, which effectively meets the needs of children and parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All statutory documentation meet the requirements of the national standards and is appropriately stored to maintain confidentiality. A suitable range of policies, procedures and parental agreements contribute to the organisation of the setting. This ensures children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Parents are kept well informed about their children's achievements and their daily routine.

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Organisation

Children move around the home confidently and are clearly at ease with the environment. Space is used appropriately and consideration is given to ensure children are able to access a variety of play opportunities and experiences. The home provides a safe and secure base for children, which enables them to feel secure and express their individual needs. 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 last inspection the childminder was asked to provide parents with information regarding the procedure for making a complaint and to obtain the current child protection procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has clear knowledge of the procedures to be followed should a written complaint be received from parents. The complaints procedure is shared with parents at the initial visit to the setting. The childminder has obtained a copy of the procedures to be followed regarding the safeguarding of children. Consequently, the welfare of children and parents is appropriately protected.

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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 satisfactory. 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 the fire blanket is appropriately sited

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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 • ensure children have access to a broad range of resources and activities which reflect diversity.

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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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