Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265920 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2007 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 children aged two and five in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 one child under five, and two children over five before and after school. She walks to the local school to take and collect children and attends the local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in a clean and well-maintained home. Older children are encouraged to become independent in their personal hygiene and very good nappy changing procedures ensure cross infection is minimised. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands after using the toilet and provides separate, colour coded hand towels for each child to use. She encourages and gently reminds the children to wash their hands before eating

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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 their snack and provides a good role model for them. Children know that they need to wash their hands when they are dirty and enthusiastically access the sink. The childminder holds all of the required documentation to accurately record all accidents and administration of any medication that may be required. She holds an up-to-date first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box is easily accessible ensuring she can attend to any accidents that may occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are very well met because the childminder works closely with parents. The childminder records and discusses the parent’s preferences regarding food and their individual children’s needs. This ensures she meets the needs of the children in her care. Drinks are always accessible and the childminder encourages the children to choose from a variety of nutritious options at snack time. Children learn to extend the range of food they like as they are encouraged to taste new, interesting foods from other cultures. Children are able to suggest their favourite foods which the childminder incorporates into the menus. These are displayed for parents so that they are aware of what their children are going to eat. The children enjoy growing fruit, vegetables and herbs, which they nurture, pick and eat as a part of their diet. This helps the children to begin to learn about healthy eating. Children sit at the table to eat

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to a broad, interesting and challenging variety of activities, which they enjoy and which promotes their good health. The childminder considers the individual routines of the children when planning activities and children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Children develop muscle skills and co-ordination, through activities such as playing with construction toys and climbing on outdoor equipment in the garden and local parks. The childminder has a clear understanding of the development of babies and young children and has regard to the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework which she uses to promote their development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit greatly from playing in a well-organised environment where they can move around and play in safety. Toys and resources are thoughtfully set out around the home and children benefit from having warm and inviting areas in which to pursue their play. Children self-select toys and equipment in the childminder’s home from a very good range which are stored at a height whereby they can see the toys, self-select and help to tidy them away. The childminder carries out regular visual and written risk assessments on the toys, resources and equipment in order to minimise potential risks to children. She implements effective procedures to clean and maintain the toys and children busy themselves as they help to clean them in the garden and have fun with the water as they do so.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The garden is safe for children to enjoy fresh air and explore a wide range of equipment that is suitable for their ages and needs. Regular trips and outings provide further opportunities for the children to experience outdoor play. The childminder helps the children begin to understand about keeping safe. For example, on outings young children are secure in their buggies and older children begin to learn about road safety. The childminder provides reflective strips for the children and buggies so they can be seen when it is dark. Very good fire fighting equipment and procedures are in place and practised with the children. These practices are evaluated to inform future risk assessments and contribute towards helping keep children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and safeguarded from harm whilst in her care as the childminder has a clear understanding of her role concerning child protection. She is very aware of the signs and

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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 symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow should she have concerns. She holds all of the required paperwork to record existing injures and incidents to protect children and has undertaken training on this subject to inform her practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children clearly enjoy their time at the childminder's home and are happy and keen to participate in a range of activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a broad range of appealing toys, which the children clearly enjoy and show considerable interest in, stimulating their play and development. Children play well alongside or with each other and happily share the toys as they play together. Children show interest in what they do and settle quickly to their chosen activities. They engage with interest and at times for extended periods. For example, when they have finished with the puzzles they ask to paint. The childminder sets up the easel and they spend a long time painting pictures with brushes and then with their hands. They thoroughly enjoy getting messy and covered in paint.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have quiet times with the childminder, sitting with her reading stories. This shows they are happy in her company, are relaxed and clearly feel at home. Children’s care, learning and play is enhanced through the childminder’s understanding of child development which is evident in the way she supports the children as they play. Interaction between the childminder and children is lovely, she is consistently nearby offering guidance and help to extend their play and learning when required. She joins in with their play. For example as they play on the see-saw she sits in the middle, making them laugh as they rock.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Regular outings and trips to parks, shops, toddler groups and local places of interest help children to learn about the wider world and to socialise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows each child extremely well. She treats them with respect, meets their needs and values their individuality helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a positive understanding of all equal opportunities issues which helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. A good range of resources is available in the home that promote positive images. Children begin to learn Spanish and Portuguese as they listen to songs in the car and begin to count and sing with the tapes. The childminder helps to keep them active as she ‘Salsa’ dances with them making exercise fun. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings within the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, show respect for the childminder and for each other. Clear expectations and consistent boundaries help develop children's sense of right and wrong, this helps them to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children respond positively to requests from the childminder and she encourages them to be polite and courteous. For example, children say thank you when they are passed a drink or their snack. The childminder praises the good behaviour and this helps build children's self-esteem. She laughs with them when they accidentally draw on their nose with felt-tip pens and provides a mirror so that they can see what they look like. Children develop a strong sense of self through this positive attitude.

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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 There are currently no children with learning difficulties or disabilities within the childminder's care. However, she demonstrates a sound understanding of caring for children with these additional needs. The childminder understands the importance of close liaison with parents and outside agencies to meet all the children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents develop good open relationships with the childminder who encourages discussions on all aspects of their child’s care and progress. She works with them to enhance the safety, health and welfare of the children. Parental comments reflect their appreciation of the children's care. The childminder keeps a daily diary for each child which she shares with parents as a supplement to daily verbal exchanges. This helps provide the children with continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the childminder’s well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children benefit from the well thought out and planned environment. This ensures that children are offered a wide range of stimulating activities, allowing children room to play comfortably and freely in defined areas inside and outside the home.

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Organisation

The childminder is keen to attend training and keep up-to-date with current childcare practices. She has completed a quality assurance scheme and has enrolled to undertake a relevant degree. This shows a commitment to continued evaluation and improvement.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the importance of maintaining documentation and confidentiality. All documentation which is legally required is in place together with a wealth of other well written polices and procedures which underpin the care provided. The only procedure missing from these documents relates to uncollected children and minor changes to others to reflect the National Standards. By adding and amending these policies the childminder with have written documentation to underpin all aspects of the good care provided.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that regulatory clearance procedures are followed which ensure all adults who have access to children are suitable to do so. This related to an extended visit by her mother. The childminder complied with this recommendation and therefore ensures children remain protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint made to Ofsted that required the provider to take action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was raised with Ofsted regarding the childminder caring for two children under the age of one and the transporting of children safely in a pushchair. These concerns relate to Standard 2: Organisation, Standard 5: Equipment and Standard 6 : Safety. An Ofsted Inspector conducted an unannounced visit on 25/10/2006 to discuss the concerns. Based on the information obtained during the visit a breach of National Standard 14 was found and an action raised. This related to recording children's attendance. The provider remained qualified for registration.

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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 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): • further develop the existing policies. This relates to procedures to be followed if a child is uncollected and the referring of significant incidents to Ofsted

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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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