Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY307061 Unique Reference Number 17 August 2007 Inspection date Louise Brawn 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 was registered in 2005. However, she only recently began childminding. She lives with her husband and son aged five in Peterborough. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and attends the local toddler group. The family has a cat and an African land snail.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and comfortable home where they learn about simple good health and hygiene practices through their daily routines. The childminder maintains good hygiene routines within the home as she ensures areas for preparation of food are appropriately cleaned. This helps to prevent the risk of cross-contamination. Children enjoy a healthy diet

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 and the childminder provides nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit and raisins. The childminder ensures the children's drinking cups are replenished throughout the day so that they remain hydrated. Information about allergies and individual dietary requirements are discussed with parents and recorded on information sheets and the childminder abides by parents' wishes. All children are able to rest or sleep according to their individual routines, a travel cot and bed guard are available for younger children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected by the childminder having a good understanding of the importance of maintaining appropriate records and she has effective systems in place for recording minor accidents or incidents and for administering medication. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has a first aid kit available to treat any minor injuries. This ensures that any minor accidents are dealt with effectively.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a varied range of physical activities which contributes to their good health. They are offered regular opportunities for exercise as they walk to and from local schools and visit the local park. Children also have immediate access to a safe, enclosed garden where they have a variety of physical play opportunities, for example, a seesaw, ride-on toys, a play house and sand tray. Physical activities indoors include singing and dancing. Younger children have plenty of space indoors to pull themselves up and move around safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment, where they can move around freely and independently under the childminder's close supervision. Children's safety within the home is promoted and the risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has taken reasonable steps to reduce possible risks, for example, fitting cupboard locks and ensuring the front and back doors are kept locked. Fire safety precautions, such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms, are in place. The childminder has given some consideration as to how they might escape in an emergency, however, a fire plan has not been devised or implemented. Children are learning about how to keep themselves safe on outings as the childminder acts as a positive role model when it comes to road safety. She is also able to use buggies for younger children and appropriate car seats, if necessary, to keep children safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of toys and play materials suitable for their ages and stages of development, for example, books, puzzles, board games, play dough and arts and crafts. Play equipment is easily accessible which encourages children's independence and helps them to make their own decisions about what they want to do. Furniture and equipment is safe and meets individual needs. The garden is fully enclosed and kept secure, ensuring that children play in a safe environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection signs and symptoms and she is aware of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about the children in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care and enjoy their time with her. They have access to a wide range of toys and are provided with opportunities to initiate their own activities. They have formed effective relationships with the childminder and approach her with

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 confidence and ease. The childminder gets down to the children's level and joins in with their play, whilst also supporting their learning. Children have opportunities to develop their social skills by playing alongside other children inside the home and when taken to the local park and play group. These activities promote children's learning and stimulates their interest in the wider community.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their confidence as the childminder knows them well and praises their achievements. They happily take part in a variety of activities which ensures all areas of child development are promoted and met, such as reading, arts and crafts, jigsaw puzzles and outdoor play. Children confidently ask questions and use their initiative, for example, asking for snacks or independently accessing other areas of the house to select toys. The childminder has a clear awareness of the needs and abilities of the individual children in her care and offers them her one to one time.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a good sense of belonging because the childminder knows them and their families well which ensures they are valued and included. Children have built good relationships with the childminder, who responds sensitively to them and respects their individual personalities. They are starting to become aware of the wider society, however, the childminder has limited resources that reflect other cultures. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to obtain to ensure appropriate care could be provided for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder is a positive role model and has an awareness of effective behaviour management strategies that are appropriate for the differing ages and stages of development. She is calm and sensitive towards children and uses positive reinforcement to promote good behaviour and develop a child's self-esteem. A written behaviour policy is in place so that parents are aware of her approach. Regular communication with parents enables any behavioural changes to be shared and ensures a consistent approach is maintained.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare and development is promoted because the childminder builds positive relationships with their parents. Through discussion and written policies the childminder keeps parents informed about her procedures and matters concerning their child. This helps to support consistent care. The childminder ensures that she obtains relevant information from parents to allow her to provide appropriate care and cater for children's individual needs. The childminder has a complaints policy in place which outlines procedures to follow if a parent has a complaint.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises the home to provide a child-friendly environment in which children can take part in a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Space and resources are appropriately organised to provide children with a balance of interesting activities, both inside and outside of the home. Children are generally well supervised and they benefit from the individual care and attention given. The childminder shows some commitment to attending further training, which increases her knowledge and contributes to the quality of care offered.

p.4

Organisation

Children's well-being is positively promoted by the documented information kept, this is well organised to ensure children's details are kept updated. A register is maintained, accurately

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 showing children's actual hours of attendance and all the required documentation was available at the time of inspection.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has a sufficient understanding of the National Standards which ensures children are adequately protected in her care. Appropriate checks have been carried out to ensure children are cared for by a suitably vetted person and children are never left alone with any person not vetted.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the quality and standards of care were judged as inadequate. The childminder was asked to: complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children; develop a knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for childminding; ensure the register of attendance reflects the actual times children are being cared for and that it is completed as children arrive and depart; minimise risks to children by ensuring any sharp knives, detergents and any low-level glass does not pose a danger; ensure that electrical sockets are protected and that the fire blanket is fitted in an accessible, suitable place; obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children; keep a written record of medicines given to children and devise and implement a policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and make sure

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

parents are made aware of it; make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint, and keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken. The childminder has successfully addressed each of these issues, promoting positive outcomes for children in all areas.

p.5

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.

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): • develop and implement an effective fire evacuation plan

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

p.5

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

p.6

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