Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY266735 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2007 Inspection date Justine Ellaway 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 partner in Derby. The whole ground floor 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children under five on a part-time basis and four children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends several local parent and toddler groups. The childminder has two dogs, a rabbit and a budgerigar.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy varied and regular opportunities for physical activity which fully promotes the development of their large muscle skills. Children play every day in the garden if the weather is fine. They are well stimulated with lots of different toys to occupy them. They move about

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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 freely, climbing in and out of tents, riding on scooters and other sit and ride toys. Children also go on regular outings, for example, to local parks and farms. During term time younger minded children go to three different stay and play sessions where they engage in physical play. Children's good health is promoted when they play outdoors in the warm weather as children wear sun cream.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s good health is well promoted because the childminder employs suitable hygiene procedures through the daily routine. Her house is very clean and tidy. She uses a tablecloth to cover the table for a baking activity after the children have been playing at the table. The childminder keeps her dogs in a separate part of the garden so that children can play safely. The childminder encourages children to wash hands at appropriate times such as after toileting and before eating. They are also encouraged to wipe their noses independently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s good health is promoted when they are ill. Accident records contain relevant information including parents signatures. Permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice has been requested to ensure children's health needs are met in the event of an emergency. The childminder ensures she gathers information on any conditions the children might have to ensure their needs are fully met. Medication records are appropriately completed and signed by parents both to give permission and to acknowledge the medication given.

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Helping children to be healthy

The risk of spread of infection is effectively reduced. There is a clear policy for sick children in place which has been shared with parents. Children have their own hand towels with their names displayed above so they know which is theirs. They also use liquid soap for hand washing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as healthy options are provided. They enjoy sandwiches with a variety of fillings as well as fruit and yoghurt. Drinks are constantly available and children have their own bottle or beaker which is constantly filled and they help themselves to this frequently. The childminder gathers information about any dietary needs at the time of placement and regularly discusses with the parents what the children have eaten. As a result children's dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. Children’s work is displayed which promotes children's self-esteem. There is an attractive display of photographs of each of the children who attend to promote a sense of belonging.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a very good range of interesting and stimulating toys and resources. Careful consideration has been given to the children who attend so that there is a good variety for children of all ages. The range of outdoor toys is very varied and provides lots of enjoyment for children, who spend long periods of time outdoors engaging in play. Children confidently and independently select the toys they want to play with as they are well organised and presented. All of the toys and equipment are in very good condition and any broken toys are discarded. As a result children play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure and safe indoor environment. Risks and hazards are fully minimised, for example, the childminder has a stair gate, drawer and cupboard locks, a fireguard, socket covers and table corner protectors. The front door is locked to prevent children escaping. The childminder uses a password system for the collection of children to ensure their safety.

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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 Children’s safety and welfare is maintained when they are outside. The garden is safe because it is fully enclosed, and very well set out for children including a decked area. The childminder provides a good level of supervision when on outings. She has a book of emergency contact numbers including details for herself in the event of an emergency. She holds hands with younger children when she is out and about with them. The childminder follows the requirements for car seats to ensure children's safety when they go out in the car. However, she has not sought written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle or to take them on outings which potentially comprises children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children show a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. A child looks behind her and waits until another child moves before she starts skipping. The childminder teaches the children about safety when out and about.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare is well promoted because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She has a copy of the appropriate guidance information. She is clear on the procedures for reporting and her responsibility to act quickly on any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very comfortable with the childminder. They are confident to ask her for things and talk to her whilst they play. They move freely between the indoors and the outdoors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a broad range of play opportunities and activities which support their development and learning. Children engage in free play with the toys and resources, which maintain their interest for long periods of time. They also participate in planned activities such as craft and baking. Holiday periods are very well organised as the childminder plans a range of craft activities that she intersperses with the free play and outings to keep children stimulated and engaged. Younger children's social development is well promoted, as they go to three stay and play sessions per week and meet up with another childminder once a week during term time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Interaction is good and promotes children's development. The childminder is very effective at encouraging children to do things for themselves, such as putting on their shoes and deciding what they want to play with which promotes their independence. When she notices that the children may be getting restless she introduces another activity to keep them stimulated. Children receive lots of positive praise and attention whilst they play. A child draws a picture of the childminder and she says 'it is good'. They laugh about the size of her ears in the drawing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are met well. The childminder gathers information from parents at the time of placement and has ongoing discussions. She knows the children she cares for very well. She knows what things they like to do and takes this into account when planning activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive consistent and appropriate care. The childminder has useful information for parents displayed on a notice board. She has a good relationship with parents and carers and provides verbal feedback when children are collected. The childminder has a folder of positive references from parents which comment on how they value the care provided. The childminder

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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 is fully aware of appropriate methods to manage complaints and has established a log to use in the event of any complaints.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become aware of wider society through an appropriate range of resources and discussion. The childminder has resources such as dolls, books and toys that show people of different race and with disabilities. She talks to the children about differences when they occur. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities receive a good level of support and have their individual needs met. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the issues and a proactive approach to work with parents to ensure children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour. There are very effective procedures to help children learn about right and wrong. The childminder is calm and friendly in her interaction with the children. Children's self-esteem is fostered well as they get lots of praise and attention from her when they are playing. She uses appropriate methods to manage inappropriate behaviour such as distraction and explanation. Children of all ages play very well together. They show care and consideration for others, for example, they do not take toys that other children are playing with even if they are waiting to play with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by adults who are vetted, promoting their safety. The childminder is aware of when she needs to notify Ofsted regarding changes to her circumstances and to ensure that all adults undergo appropriate checks.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improve her knowledge and skills to positively impact on the children she minds. Since the last inspection she has attended training in Home Based Learning Through Play, a 'Birth to three' Workshop and Disability, Equality and Inclusive Play. She regularly meets with other childminders and shares good practice.

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Organisation

Children receive a good level of support to positively support their care, learning and play. The childminder gives each child equal attention when they play. If she is playing with one child she carefully supervises the other children to make sure they are okay.

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Organisation

Good organisation of time, space and resources supports the care provided for children. There is very good organisation of the home and garden to meet the needs of the children who attend. The childminder has established a dedicated playroom within the house where children can play in comfort and safety. The garden is landscaped to provide an interesting and safe place for children to play. They thoroughly enjoy the decked area at the end of the garden with the play house, sand pit and table and chairs. Good organisation of time means that a range of activities are planned around free play and outings. The organisation of resources effectively promotes children's independence. Older children's resources are kept separately in the room where they like to sit and 'chill'.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. All documentation is in place for minded children and is well organised. Most of the relevant permissions are in place to protect children and keep them safe.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop written information for parents regarding the childminding facilities and provision and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has established a useful information board which parents can see and includes things such as her written sick child policy. As a result consistency of care is promoted. Permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is requested to ensure children's needs are met in the event of an emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 1 April 2004 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): • request permission from parents for taking children on outings and transporting children in a vehicle

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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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