Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY252480 Unique Reference Number 14 September 2007 Inspection date Diane Mary O'Neill 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, six and two, in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. The whole house except for the kitchen and the main bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five, four under eight and one over eight years. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She also attends the local toddler group. The family has a pet dog that has restricted access when minded children are present.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of good health and hygiene practices. These are well promoted due to the childminder’s secure knowledge and understanding of simple hygiene practices and procedures. For example, she encourages regular hand washing before and after meals and after using the toilet. Children are further protected as the childminder always has available liquid gel hand wash on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder uses discussion as well as providing a good selection of foods, which aids growth and development. The childminder ensures meals are eaten at set times within a well planned daily routine. She takes account of parents’ wishes and provides food that the children like, as well as maintaining a healthy and nutritious balanced diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is suitably maintained. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification and ensures sufficient medical supplies are available. All accidental injuries and the administration of medication is recorded in line with registration requirements. However, the childminder does not have written parental permission for the seeking of emergency medical treatment. Therefore there is the potential for children’s welfare to be compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have well organised opportunities to participate in a range of physical activities. This contributes effectively in the promotion of their health and well-being. Children are provided with daily opportunities for outdoor activities, such as playing in the garden and having trips to the local parks, where they have access to different play equipment.

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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. The childminder has identified and minimised the risk to children by regularly checking equipment, toys and premises. However, emergency evacuation procedures are not practiced with all the children on a regular basis, therefore their learning and safety is potentially compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to most areas within the childminder’s home, enabling them to reach the equipment easily and enjoy a variety of play experiences. For example, they enjoy free play, playing with trains, cable car tracks and vehicles, building bricks, dolls and books, and taking part in outdoor activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has suitable awareness of her responsibility to protect children in her care. She knows how to record and report concerns in line with the local Safeguarding Children’s Board child protection procedures. She also has the relevant guidance in place from the Department of Health to sufficiently maintain this level of protection for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident and settled within the childminder’s home. There are varied and well planned routines which ensure they are stimulated, challenged and develop in all areas of

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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 their learning. The childminder interacts well with the children, talking and joining in with their play. This helps them to develop their speech and communication skills. For example, when they are looking at picture books, the childminder asks them to find certain things, such as a horse, dog and sunflower, showing they recognise these objects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to make individual choices as they easily access the toys. For example, they enjoy helping to build the train and cable car tracks and finding the right fitting pieces. Children have good opportunities to extend their play through trips within the local area. They go to the park where they are able to explore and play with different physical activities, which help to build their confidence and abilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Although well planned activities are provided for younger children, the childminder does not have an awareness of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. Therefore, opportunities to extend plans and activities to support younger aged children are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder makes sure that she is aware of their individual needs and is able to meet these. For example, there is a daily routine which allows time for them to play, rest and interact with each other. Through daily conversations with the parents she can ensure she meets their individual needs. The childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour management and uses age-appropriate strategies. The children’s behaviour is acceptable and they are learning to play together, sharing and taking turns. There are consistent boundaries in place to help them learn about what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to have an awareness of society and the world around them. This is through trips out in the local community, playing with some of the equipment, such as books, puzzles and dressing up clothes. They use the local library to obtain further books and information to assist their learning. The childminder has suitable knowledge and understanding of learning difficulties and/or disabilities that children may have. She has useful documentation on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which helps to develop her knowledge and understanding to assist in the care of any children who may require extra support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s care is enhanced through the childminder’s positive working partnership with parents. This impacts on the confidence and security of each child. Each parent has sufficient time to discuss their child’s progress on a daily basis. The childminder has a suitable system in place for the recording of any complaints raised by a parent.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel part of an extended family and are comfortable in this well-organised and inviting environment. They initiate their own play and explore readily accessible toys and resources. This helps increase their confidence and self-esteem as they become more independent. The childminder successfully helps them to develop in all areas of their learning.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps well organised and written polices and information that is openly shared with the parents, keeping them fully informed about the care of their children. Most forms of documentation are in place, there are some areas for further consideration by the childminder.

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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 She is keen to further her own knowledge and development to enable her to continually offer good childcare to children in her care. Overall children’s needs are met.

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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 written parental permission is requested for the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure an emergency escape plan is practised • further plan and provide activities for younger children in line with guidance from the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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