Childs Olwyn Sarah

Inspection report for early years provision

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506428 Unique Reference Number 07 September 2007 Inspection date Anne McKay 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 2000. She lives with her husband and children in the Ashfield district of Nottinghamshire. Minded children have access to the whole of the downstairs of the house and to the bathroom upstairs. The house is close to local schools, parks and shops. There is a secure rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about sound hygiene practices through the daily routine. They learn to wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet and understand that they do this to get rid of germs. The childminder sets a good example through her own hygiene practices that minimise the risk of cross-infection. She uses opportunities in the children's play to introduce discussions about being healthy. For example, children talk about why they clean their teeth. Efficient systems are in place to record minor accidents and clear information is recorded

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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 regarding any treatment given. Written consent is given by parents for any medication that is administered. These records are shared with parents to ensure children receive consistent care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play outside in the fresh air most days and have their physical development promoted through suitable activities at the childminder's house and at local activity and toddler groups. Children are offered a drink regularly to help prevent them from becoming thirsty or dehydrated. However, they are given juice rather than fresh drinking water and this has the potential to compromise their health. Children are given a diet of meals and snacks that includes some fresh fruit, salad and vegetables but also includes regular portions of food that are less healthy, such as white bread and a variety of processed food. This minimises the nutritional balance of the food the children eat and does not fully promote their good health. Individual dietary needs are catered for according to parent's wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a welcoming, child-focused environment. They can move around freely without risk of injury because the space is risk-assessed and action is taken to minimise any potential hazards. Suitable safety equipment is in place to protect children from accidents. Children have access to a good range of toys and activities that are suitable to promote their development in all areas. The toys set out for them by the childminder are accessible so they can make their own choices. All toys and activities are maintained in a good, clean condition and are checked regularly as part of the ongoing risk assessments, to ensure they are safe for children to play with. There is a clear evacuation plan that is practised with the children so they know what to do in an emergency. Children are supervised at a level that is appropriate to their age and level of understanding, so they are kept safe whilst developing independence skills and exploring

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

their environment. Children are protected by the childminder's good knowledge of safeguarding children procedures and her understanding of how to put these into practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled in the childminder's care. They have positive and secure relationships with her, so they are happy and confident to play and learn. Children have very good social and communication skills. They chat freely with each other during their play, ask questions and enter into conversations with each other and with the childminder. Children enjoy a mixture of free play and some organised activities, such as painting, collage, baking or play-dough. They show curiosity in their play, for example, as they discover the quality and texture of dry sand as it trickles though their fingers. Children enjoy playing imaginatively and initiate role plays in which they re-enact experiences from home or invent adventures. Children show interest in their play and enjoy learning. They play co-operatively and harmoniously together. Their play is supported by the childminder as they include her in their games. She is skilled in asking

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

questions that challenge children and encourage them to think, so they learn whilst playing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of belonging through their secure relationships with the childminder and through such practices as named coat pegs and having their own beakers and mats. Their individual needs are met well by the childminder who liaises closely with parents

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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 and carers to ensure she has sufficient and relevant information to enable her to provide appropriate care. The childminder has suitable knowledge and skills to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She exchanges information verbally with parents on a daily basis to ensure she is up-to-date and provides written notes for children aged under two. This promotes continuity of care. Parents are given an informative welcome pack containing copies of the childminder's policies and procedures, so they are well-informed about the care she provides and about her business practices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about wider society and explore aspects of their identity through playing with a range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity. Children play co-operatively and begin to respect others by learning to share. Their behaviour is managed sensitively by the childminder according to their age and level of understanding. If children misbehave the childminder takes time to explain why their behaviour is unacceptable so they can learn to behave better. She encourages positive behaviour by praising children. This approach helps to promote children's confidence and positive self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a secure environment that is well-organised and maintained to a good standard. The areas used by children are thoroughly risk-assessed and action is taken to minimise any potential hazards so they can play confidently and safely. Children access a good range of resources and have activities and play opportunities planned for them that are appropriate to promote their development. The childminder attends relevant courses such as training on using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further develop her knowledge and understanding of child development. The childminder's good practice is underpinned by written policies and procedures. Essential records are in place, are accurate and up-to-date. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make a number of improvements. She has developed her planning to ensure she includes a range of activities and play opportunities each day that promote children's development in all areas. She has improved children's safety by obtaining emergency contact details for all the children in her care. Children's health and welfare is now more effectively promoted by the childminder who has implemented a system for recording any existing injuries that children arrive with.

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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 can be seen 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 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 fresh drinking water is available at all times and ensure that food is nutritious.

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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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