Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY280604 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2007 Inspection date Lynn Dent 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 good. 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 2004. He lives with his wife and three children aged five, eight and 15 years in Borrowash in Derbyshire. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder works with his wife who is a registered childminder. The childminder is registered for a maximum of five children and has 15 children on roll. When minding with his co-minder they may care for a maximum of seven children. Currently they are caring for 15 children between them. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. He attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the park and local places of interest. The family has pet rabbits and guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is maintained as the childminder ensures that the premises are clean. He also ensures that used nappies are disposed of immediately after changing children and washes his hands. Children understand that good hygiene is required to ensure that germs do not harm their bodies. The childminder has a clear policy in place regarding the care of children who are ill. As a result healthy children are protected from infections. This is because children are not cared for until 24 hours have passed after they have been sick or had diarrhoea. The childminder has completed training in first aid and can clearly explain how to treat minor accidents. Consequently, children receive good care at this time.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in cooking activities. These are used to help them understand about healthy eating. As a result they can explain that a fruit smoothie is good for them. Older children explain the importance of having five portions of healthy food a day. Good account is taken of children's dietary needs and preferences as this information is detailed in their records. The childminder also encourages parents to provide specific foods if they wish. Babies and toddlers are held when being fed a bottle of milk. Consequently, they feel comfortable and secure.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive regular opportunities to participate in active outdoor play in the garden, visits to the park and local attractions. During this time they play ball games, use climbing equipment and enjoy playing games with a frisbee. This shows they participate in a range of activities that promote their growth and development. A variety of activities within the home help to develop their finer skills, for example, drawing, colouring and making cards and craft items. Older children use computer type games for short periods. Younger children are supported to place toy animals in a shelf on the role play area and to press buttons to make toys work.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risk of injury because the childminder takes action to ensure the premises are safe. For example, gates are in place to prevent younger children accessing the stairs. The older children are good at remembering to close this when they visit the toilet. Children cannot access the kitchen as another gate is installed. Good organisation means that children can independently and safely access an appealing range of toys and resources which are in good condition and are developmentally-appropriate.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety continues to be maintained when away from the home because they childminder is aware of the potential dangers when removing children from the car. Children understand they must stay close to the childminder when away from the home. Older children are mindful of the safety of the younger children. As a result, when playing a balancing game with small plastic hoops they move into another area of the home. This helps to ensure they do not drop the hoops on other children. The childminder can explain the requirement to protect children's welfare. As a result he is confident to report concerns about possible child abuse or neglect to the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder dedicates quality time to playing with the children. Consequently, they are happy and making goods progress. Children spend time engaged in a wide range of play experiences and activities. For example, they enjoy imaginative play and dressing up, share books, participate in cooking activities and play with a good range of developmentally-appropriate toys. The childminder shares a tactile story book with younger children. He encourages the children to use their senses to explore the book and talks to them about how it feels. Children have time, space and opportunity to develop their own play. They show this as they use their imagination to develop role play and choose to play games or to draw. Children play harmoniously for sustained periods of time, alongside or with their friends according to their developmental stage.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's needs are fully met because routines are flexible and take account of their individual needs. Younger children are put down for a sleep. However, when they do not settle the childminder encourages them to play. On the day of the inspection a child arrives upset. The childminder offers cuddles and encourages her to make a get well card. During this time the childminder interacts effectively with the children, helping them to make decisions about the design of their cards and praising them when they correctly identify the colour of the crayons. This shows that the experience is used to develop children's learning and to support their emotional development. Younger children are learning about their environment as they explore toys with their mouths and hands. They look at the toys and turn them around to examine them. Babies use smiles and crying to communicate. They receive the appropriate response

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

from the childminder as he knows the children well and can identify their needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a good sense of security and belonging because the childminder spends time interacting with them. Younger children are actively involved in the experiences provided because the childminder ensures that they can play and interact with the older children. For example, during imaginative play the childminder helps the younger children to place toy animals on a shelf in the role play kitchen. All children receive equal opportunities to participate in the experiences provided. Consequently, they feel included. Children learn about the local environment as they go on visits to the local attractions for example, a farm. They learn about people who may be different to themselves as they celebrate a range of festivals and events throughout the year. At Easter they paint eggs and make flowers. Toys and resources help children to understand and respect children from other cultures and with disabilities. The

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder is a positive role model of a male carer. Consequently, children benefit from this.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show good behaviour. This is because they are treated with respect by the childminder. As a result they show this to others. The childminder sets clear rules which children can understand and follow. For example, they know to walk inside the home and are mindful of younger children. Children respond well to praise and encouragement. Consequently, they have good self-esteem. As a result they learn to self manage their behaviour. Positive relationships with parents are fostered. Parents receive clear information at induction. Consequently, they understand the service provided. The childminder actively seeks parents' opinions of the service by using questionnaires. Consequently, this enables the childminder to adapt the provision if required. Effective two-way communication is established through daily discussions and diaries.

p.4

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 This ensures children's current care and developmental needs are identified and met. Records about the children are detailed. Therefore, these effectively underpin their care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the children's needs are met. The childminder has completed a range of training. As a result the service provided for children is good. Children are protected from unknown adults or those who may pose a risk to them as the childminder deters people from visiting during minding hours. The childminder is vigilant in keeping a register of the children and any visitors, for example, the Ofsted inspector. Effective organisation ensures children have time and space to play, rest and participate in activities. The childminder spends time effectively interacting with children. Consequently, they are happy to be there.

p.5

Organisation

Children's care is effectively underpinned by a range of clear policies and procedures which are shared with parents. The child protection policy has been updated. However, it does not currently include the relevant telephone numbers for the Local Safeguarding Children Board, the local police or Ofsted. Consequently, this information is not readily available to parents. Documentation is well-organised and readily available to support the children's care. Consequently, children's individual needs are identified and met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to provide a range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. To practise the emergency evacuation procedure. To obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has taken the appropriate action to meet the recommendations. A range of activities and resources are provided that promote equal opportunities. A record shows that the evacuation procedure has been practised. Written consent from parents is in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Therefore, children's play and learning is enhanced. They take part in routines that help to maintain their safety. Written consent ensures that emergency medical advice or treatment is sought quickly.

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. 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

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • update the child protection procedure. This is with reference to including the contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board, Ofsted and the police.

p.6

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