Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY348691 Unique Reference Number 20 August 2007 Inspection date Lindsey Pollock 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 April 2007. She lives with her husband and daughter aged six years old. The ground floor of the premises and the bathroom are used for childminding. 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 five children and currently cares for two children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. The childminder has a clear understanding of health and hygiene guidelines, which helps children to stay healthy. Children learn about personal hygiene in everyday routines and activities, which promote good hygiene practice. For example, they have a growing awareness of the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet. Appropriate documentation is in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication. The childminder has not yet completed a first aid course to fully

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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 safeguard children should an incident occur. Children enjoy daily physical activities in the fresh air, which contribute to keeping them fit and well, including walking to and from school, nursery, the shops and the park. They develop their coordination skills as they use outdoor equipment, such as ride on toys and small trampolines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for meals and drinks are discussed with parents so that children's individual dietary needs are satisfactorily met. Children are offered drinks throughout the day to ensure they are not thirsty. Children are offered a variety of meals and snacks, which include some fruit and vegetables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. The areas used by the children give them space for different activities. A varied range of play materials and equipment are available to them. These are of good quality and are kept in a safe and clean condition. Easily accessible storage enables the children to make choices and help to tidy up safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are safeguarded by the childminder's awareness of safety. For example, she ensures the garden is secure, and that all equipment is properly maintained. Risks to children are minimised by the use of safety equipment, however, some electrical sockets are accessible to children. Although the childminder has sought advice from the fire officer and acted on his recommendations, she has not yet practised this with children to raise their awareness of what to do should an incident occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection means that children are kept safe from possible abuse or neglect. She knows the procedure to follow if she had any concerns about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's care. They benefit from warm and affectionate interaction with her. New children are given lots of support to help them settle in. The childminder's sound understanding of how children learn and develop means their care and play experiences meet their needs and their overall development is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing with the toys provided, supported and warmly encouraged by the childminder. They use a variety of resources, such as construction blocks, puzzles, games, creative materials and books, which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They make decisions about their play and learning, adequately supported by the childminder. A varied range of activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being generally motivated and interested. They enjoy outings to the local parks and to the local shops; this encourages their social development. They take part in some art and craft activities and thoroughly enjoy playing out in the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals and are treated fairly and with equal concern. They have an adequate range of opportunities to learn about the wider world and their local community as

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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 they participate in walks and trips. However, resources to promote their awareness of diversity are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and are developing an understanding of what is expected of them. The childminder takes the time to explain and uses appropriate strategies, taking into account individual levels of understanding. Children therefore learn to show care and concern for others and are kind and considerate in sharing toys and playing together harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being. Trusting relationships have been established with parents to help promote children's welfare, development and progress. Information is shared on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's organisation of all aspects of her care contributes to children being secure, settled and making progress. She has a sound understanding of her responsibilities under the National Standards. For example, ensuring the correct adult to child ratios are met at all times. This ensures children receive sufficient adult support to feel secure and confident. Space and resources are organised appropriately to allow children to play and learn.

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Organisation

Records, policies and procedures are in place and are kept appropriately. All records are shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about the service and the activities provided for their children; confidentiality is maintained at all times. This contributes to continuity in 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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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.

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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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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

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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 children cannot access electrical sockets and practice evacuation procedures so children know what to do in an emergency • increases resources and activities to raise children's awareness of 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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