Chamberlain Lynda

Inspection report for early years provision

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207427 Unique Reference Number 10 September 2007 Inspection date Diana Pidgeon 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 satisfactory. 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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children on the borders of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The family has a pet rabbit. There are parks, shops, schools, toddler groups and playgroups within walking distance of the home. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding, with toilet facilities provided on the first floor. 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 five children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll, two of whom are under eight years of age and both of these attend part-time. The childminder holds a recognised early years qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean and well-maintained environment. From an early age they learn the importance of washing their hands and there are appropriate arrangements in place for older

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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 children to do this independently. Children dry their hands on disposable paper towels, which minimises the risk of cross-infection. Although the childminder maintains appropriate records of any injuries to children and has a basic knowledge of first aid, she does not hold a current certificate. This means children may be at potential risk as her knowledge is not fully up to date.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure any individual dietary needs are met and that any food provided by them is properly stored and prepared before being served. Children are beginning to understand about what foods are good for them and they enjoy eating a variety of fresh fruit for their snacks. Children have plenty of fresh water to drink so that they are not thirsty. They have many opportunities to be active and to develop their physical skills. For example, toddlers enjoy exploring in the large lounge and playing 'hide and seek' around the furniture. Through activities in the community children are able to play actively in the park or to join in sessions such as 'gym tots' at a local leisure centre. These support their physical development. Younger children rest according to their own routines, so that they remain healthy.

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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 warm and welcoming home environment. The lounge provides good space for children and is made welcoming through the accessibility of age-appropriate play materials. This allows children to move around freely and to make independent choices in what they wish to do. The childminder provides high levels of direct supervision and takes effective steps to minimise any risks to children's safety. The home and garden are secure and proper precautions have been taken to prevent accidents. Careful thought is given to travelling with children. The childminder uses appropriate seats if children are carried in her car and a range of buggies and harnesses are available and used appropriately when walking with children. Careful consideration is given to the care of children in any emergency. This includes having secure arrangements to protect children in the event of a fire, such as regularly tested smoke

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

alarms and a detailed evacuation plan. Children's awareness of keeping themselves safe is raised through teaching the children and involving them in activities, such as fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibilities towards protecting children. She demonstrates a clear knowledge and understanding of how to recognise and deal with any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. Warm, caring relationships between the childminder and the children are evident. They play happily together and children confidently select activities for themselves and instigate games of their choice. The childminder shows an interest in them, in what they do and what they say. She encourages and praises them when they have achieved success, helping to support their self-esteem. Very good use is made of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support all areas of younger children's learning and development. The childminder makes careful observations of what children know and can do and uses this to identify their next steps in learning. For example, she provides a large balloon so that toddlers can practise their kicking skills safely. She engages in games of 'hide and seek' and supports children's language skills through singing activities and sound games.

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities both inside and outside the home. They benefit from good use of community facilities such as visits to the park, the library and toddler groups. Children learn to mix in group situations and this develops their social skills. A good range of toys and play materials are available in the home and garden and these offer variety and challenge for the ages of the children who attend. School age children make independent decisions about their leisure activities and are able to play creatively, imaginatively or physically, according to their own needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued because they are treated as individuals. The childminder works closely with parents and respects their wishes, so that children receive continuity in their care. Good relationships are formed with the childminder and this means children are happy and settled in her care. The childminder is aware that some children have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and takes appropriate action to ensure their well-being is effectively promoted. She helps all children to appreciate the wider community through the use of non-stereotypical resources and activities. She uses simple signing with all of the children to help them broaden their ability to communicate effectively with others. As a result of these positive steps children are learning to respect diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn acceptable ways to behave through praise and encouragement. The childminder is calm in her approach and offers sensitive support and guidance so that children learn right from wrong. Through attending groups children learn how to share resources and to cooperate with others. The childminder shares information effectively with parents so that children are cared for according to their wishes. At the start of any arrangement parents are provided with useful written information, including a copy of the childminder's policies and procedures. Written agreements and consent sheets are signed and this enables both parties to agree on the care provided. Daily diaries are maintained and passed between the childminder and home so that children's achievements are recorded. This ensures information is securely shared.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's experience of caring for children and her attendance at a variety of relevant courses including sign language, health and hygiene and food safety. She holds a recognised early years qualification and this helps her to meet their care and learning needs. However, her first aid certificate has expired and this has the potential to compromise children's overall welfare. Although she is booked to attend training in the near future, this lack of a necessary qualification has impacted on the overall judgement from the inspection.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her time well so that children receive good levels of support appropriate to their age and stage of development. She ensures all adults coming into contact with children are suitable to do so and maintains a record of visitors to the premises when children are present. Overall the childminder shows a suitable understanding of the National Standards, although she has a limited understanding of when Ofsted needs to be informed of changes, particularly relating to structural changes in the premises.

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Organisation

Documentation is clear and she provides additional written information for parents that reflects her practice. Records, such as registers and children's details are clear and organised. Accident and medication records contain appropriate levels of detail to ensure parents are reliably

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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 informed. Appropriate systems are in place to retain documentation for the required period after children have left. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder increase the children's access to activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and that she requests written consent from parents for seeking emergency advice or treatment. As a result, the childminder has purchased a number of resources that show positive images of race, culture and ability and these are readily accessible for the children to use. She has introduced topics such as 'Chinese New Year', which helps children learn about different customs. These actions are helping children to learn about the wider society. Written parental consent to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment is now held for all of the children. This contributes to their overall welfare in the event of a medical emergency.

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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 satisfactory. 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 a current first aid certificate is maintained • improve knowledge and understanding of the changes that should be reported 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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