Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY343599 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2007 Inspection date Angela Margaret Ellis 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 lives in a terraced house in Wakefield. She shares her home with her children.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She has been a registered since 2006 and is registered to provide care for five children under eight years at any one time. At present there are two children on roll that attend at various times. Children have use of the whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor. Outdoor play is in the enclosed rear garden of the home. Local transport links, park, shops, library and toddler group are accessible close by.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is generally well promoted because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. She has appropriate systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Medication

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 records are available for inspection, however, the appropriate written consents from parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice and treatment have not been requested at the time of placement. Children learn about personal hygiene appropriately through their normal daily routines, because the childminder regularly reinforces suitable hygiene practices.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good health because the childminder provides a balance of home-made, nutritious meals and snacks. Fresh finger foods and fresh fruit are offered. For example, on the day of the inspection, children enjoyed eating banana and raisins for a snack and cheese sandwiches and yoghurt for lunch. The children have opportunities to feed themselves and they are well supported by the childminder who allows them the opportunity to explore their food freely, which is a natural stage for very young children. They are also offered a bottle of warm milk, which is agreed with parents and ensures they are settled and content.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children make appropriate progress in their physical development because the childminder provides a varied range of physical activities both indoors and on outings. Children have free movement between rooms and use of a variety of large and small equipment, which helps them gain confidence and enjoy moving their bodies in various ways. Young children rest and sleep according to their individual needs because the childminder acts in the best interests of the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitably safe environment both indoors and outdoors. Steps are taken within the home and outdoors each day to minimise the risks to children. Children are independent and feel confident to naturally explore. The young children are regularly reminded not to climb on furniture and distraction is used at times to avert their interest. The childminder has a sound understanding that children need a balance between freedom and safe limits.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safely and independently select activities from a wide range of toys and activities which meet appropriate safety standards. Children have confidence to take risks and try out new skills as the childminder provides appropriate types of activities and gives appropriate levels of support. She is beginning to know the children's capabilities.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder acts in their best interests. For example, she has completed first aid and Local Safeguarding Children Board procedure training. This enables her to be prepared to take any action if necessary. The childminder discusses with parents any existing injuries that a child arrives with, however, the records have not been completed.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled, confident and content in an inviting and caring environment. Effective and established routines meet the needs of children, for example, for feed and sleep times, activities and outings. Procedures for settling new children into the home are effective in ensuring children soon become comfortable in the childminder's care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The independence of the children is well promoted to develop a range of skills because the childminder provides a balance between planned and child initiated activities, home based play and outings. The free access to a wide range of good quality equipment enables the children

p.3

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 to make their own choices with enthusiasm and confidence. For example, the very young children show great interest in exploring from one activity to another, making sounds by banging the stacking cups together, making marks with water pens and looking at books. They expressed joy, through making sounds and vocal expression. Children have a good relationship with the childminder and interaction is good.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The outcomes for children's learning under three years are appropriately promoted. The childminder has received the Early Years Foundation Stage pack and is beginning to use it to influence the outcomes for children enjoying and achieving. Photographs and examples of art work are being collected for individual children and over time will show how children are progressing. This demonstrates that the childminder is beginning to support children’s learning and development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are effectively met by the childminder because she treats all children with equal concern, valuing and respecting their individuality. She ensures all children can take part in activities appropriate to their needs and abilities. This demonstrates that she is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are involved in age-appropriate activities that raise their awareness of diversity and other cultures appropriately because the childminder is building up a suitable range of books and activities. Children become aware of the local community and learn to develop a positive attitude towards others, for example they visit the local groups and parks. This helps the children learn about their local community through their routines. They also learn and develop an awareness of the seasons and wildlife through these outings.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the childminder's positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour. The childminder is astute and uses subtle distractions to avert confrontations between the children. Clear and realistic boundaries are established which effectively promote children’s understanding of right and wrong and they learn to care and respect each other. Children learn to make choices and independent decisions that interest them and this contributes to their learning and development of new skills. This is as a result of the childminder providing a stimulating environment to support children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a sound partnership that the childminder has established with parents; this contributes to the children’s well-being and provides effective continuity of care. Children clearly benefit from this effective partnership and settle well in response, which enhances their experience and makes it a positive one. The arrangement for sharing activities with parents is through verbal discussion and a daily diary. This two-way sharing of information allows the childminder to meet the children's ever-changing needs and keeps both parties appropriately informed. There is an appropriate system in place to record a complaint from a parent, in line with the regulations.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of the setting promotes positive outcomes for children because the childminder is enthusiastic and motivated. She has made a sound start to her childminding career. This is demonstrated in her commitment to keep up to date with current childcare issues, reflect on

p.4

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 her practice and make improvements to raise the quality of it. This is because she has completed a briefing of the Early Years Foundation Stage in preparation for training in the Autumn and she meets up regularly with other experienced childminders. This demonstrates a commitment to support children's care, learning and play appropriately.

p.4

Organisation

Children benefit from a balance of home-based play and outings because the childminder encourages the children to broaden their interests and experiences; this is evident in the stimulating environment provided for the children and her interaction with them. Resources and activities are organised imaginatively and creative use of the premises enables children to access childminding areas freely, under supervision. This includes areas for children to play, eat, rest and sleep.

p.5

Organisation

All of the required records are available, promoting the care and welfare of children. However, some of them are not up to date. For example, the register of attendance does not record the arrival and departure of children daily. Therefore records do not demonstrate that the childminder maintains ratios on a daily basis to ensure the safety and well-being of children in her care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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 the register of attendance records the daily arrival and departure of children • ensure that the existing injuries record is signed by parents • ensure at the time of placement that written parental permission is requested for the seeking of any future necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.5

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 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.5

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