Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY273400 Unique Reference Number 20 September 2007 Inspection date Kristin Hatherly 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two of her children an adult daughter, a daughter aged 10 years and a granddaughter aged 11 months. They live in a house in the suburbs of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire close to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children and currently cares for seven children for a variety of sessions. The childminder regularly attends a local toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practices in promoting their health through the childminder's good understanding of the importance of preventing the spread of infection and maintaining a clean and well-maintained home. They learn daily routines such as washing their

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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 hands before and after meals. Children's welfare is further promoted because the childminder has a current first aid certificate and a sickness policy which includes suitable procedures if children are unwell or become ill when in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through the provision of balanced, nutritious snacks and meals. This is further promoted as the childminder has recently attended a healthy eating workshop. The individual dietary needs and requirements of children are met through the recording of information with regard to likes, dislikes, allergies and religious and cultural preferences. There is a menu on display which shows the childminder's good understanding of providing balanced nutritious meals which includes an awareness of the need to provide a good variety of fruit and vegetables. Children learn the importance of having regular fluids as young children are constantly provided with beakers of water which are topped up regularly and older children are encouraged to help themselves to drinks throughout the session which keeps them well hydrated and comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to take part in activities in the fresh air that promote their growth and development. They have fun in the garden as they play on tricycles and scooters and engage in various games such as tennis and cricket.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have use of all of the downstairs in a clean and well-maintained home. They enjoy a wide range of activities and resources appropriate to their age and development such as craft, cooking, construction and dressing up. Suitable furniture and equipment which is cleaned and checked regularly ensure that children are comfortable and that they can play and eat together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder understands the need to supervise children at all times. Safety measures are in place to minimise hazards such as evacuation plan on display, smoke alarms in working order, a fire blanket and fire drills which are carried out regularly and recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and their welfare promoted because the childminder has attended Safeguarding Children training and has experience and a good understanding of appropriate procedures when dealing with child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a varied range of indoor and outdoor activities and resources which meets their individual needs well and enable children to progress appropriately. Children's self-confidence is promoted well by the childminder who builds warm positive relationships with the children and has consistent expectations and clear routines. Children share, take turns and play together well. They develop their independence through being provided with opportunities to select their own activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children express their ideas during play using a wide range of resources which capture their interests, for example during imaginary play and during craft activities. Younger children develop their confidence and independence as they receive regular cuddles and encouragement. Children enjoy playing in the garden which develops and supports their physical skills. They begin to understand their own needs, and with adult support, become aware of the needs of others.

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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 Children behave very well. All of which promotes their emotional, physical, social and intellectual development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop an awareness of diversity through the childminder's good understanding of the need to promote equality of opportunity in her childminding practice. They play with a variety of resources relating to equal opportunity such as dolls and celebrate a variety of festivals. Children are treated as individuals and receive equal care and concern which helps them develop a positive self-image.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of her obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. She is confident to work with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and to liaise with specialist agencies which ensures children are provided with relevant activities and play opportunities to promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are successfully met because the childminder has developed friendly and professional relationships with parents. Secure systems are in place to establish and exchange information. For example daily journal for children under five year and verbal feedback at the end of sessions for older children. She ensures that parents are kept up-to-date with any training she may be attending and any certificates gained. These practices ensure that children's care, welfare and development are effectively promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in a well-organised home enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play. Space and resources are organised well to meet the needs of the children and consistent adult support is given. This enables a range of activities to be provided with appropriate levels of adult support and also allows children to make choices about their play. As a result, children feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is safeguarded because generally all required documentation such as appropriate consents, medication and accident records are in place and well organised, which ensures the efficient and safe management of the provision. This further promotes children's care and learning. However, the register does not show the actual hours of attendance of the children. Overall children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The childminder manages the setting well and works closely with parents to ensure consistency. The childminder is committed to improvement and attends training regularly to develop and extend her work with the children. She has recently completed the National Childminding Association Quality First programme all of which ensures that the children progress well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure records are kept of all accidents including those that happen off the premises. The childminder now records all accidents both in the home and when outside, thus further ensuring the safety of the 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 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 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 children's actual hours of attendance are recorded.

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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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