Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281510 Unique Reference Number 23 October 2007 Inspection date Janice Rizvi 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 2004. She lives with her family in Swadlincote, Derbyshire. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the library and the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and has 11 children from one to seven years currently on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She is minding two children aged between one and four years during the day. The childminder provides care weekdays, before and after school in term time and all day in the school holidays. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder has a dog, cat, and one budgerigar. She also has three rabbits, which live outdoors.

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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 good. Young children are establishing effective routines in respect of personal hygiene. They are cared for in an orderly environment. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and hand washing. For example, children colour their own peg to clip on to their individual towel to help them identify which one belongs to them. Younger children are supported to learn self-help and toileting skills. Sick children are cared for sensitively and parents called if needed. Children with infectious illnesses are kept away from the other children where possible and excluded. This helps to protect others from the spread of infection. The childminder records any accidents and has maintained her first aid training. She has records available to obtain parents' prior consent for medication, ensuring she is fully informed prior to administering any medication to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met. Children enjoy healthy snacks, with fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinking water is readily available. Children are confident to request their choice of snacks and ask for drinks. They sit in comfort and are given time to complete their meal. Older children can pour their drinks and younger ones are offered frequent drinks. This ensures their fluid levels are maintained and provides older children with opportunities to take some responsibility for their own needs. Children get plenty of fresh air and exercise as they go for walks and outings to local parks. During holiday times they go on outings to the adventure parks and nature reserves, where they have access to large fixed play and climbing equipment. Children learn how to move with control and how exercise helps their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are warm and welcoming. Children are able to have access to the whole of the ground floor and rear garden. Younger children are able to rest in a quiet area downstairs. Their sense of independence is promoted as toys are easily accessible through the well-managed organisation and storage facilities. Their learning is well promoted as toys and equipment is wisely chosen and meets children's needs. For example, there are a broad range construction equipment, dolls, transport toys, creative play, dressing-up resources and books. Children's learning is further promoted as the childminder ensures that the equipment and toys are regularly renewed and are very well maintained. Children's learning is well motivated, as there is always a good supply of stimulating and interesting toys that promotes their curiosity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children walk safely with the childminder. They learn simple rules to keep them safe. She always ensures she is visible in the playground to collect school children at home time, but children know the rule if they cannot see her they must stand by the teacher. Fluorescent jackets have been ordered to help keep children safe on dark nights. They are well protected if there are concerns in respect of their care as the childminder has completed child protection training and ensures parents are aware of her obligations. The risk assessments are mostly effective in keeping children safe. For example, children are prevented from accessing low-level kitchen cupboards and the front door is safely locked, which promotes children's security. However, on some occasions the rear gate to the setting and the back door are not always secure. This may compromise children’s safety. Their play activities are well monitored which ensures their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

well-being. Children are encouraged to understand the dangers of fire by being included in regular fire evacuation practises of the premises

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make excellent progress through the wide variety of activities and dedicated support provided by the childminder. For example, children are developing their language skills with good interaction and receive prompts to extend their thinking, such as during creative play, rolling malleable materials, a child talks excitedly about the snake he has made. While making dough the childminder asks what the container is called to measure out the materials. A much younger child is encouraged to put her hands in the flour to feel the texture and stir the contents with a large spoon. Children are confident to ask for their favourite activities, which are colouring in pictures, construction toys and role play with the talking shopping trolley. School age children make complicated models which are proudly displayed. Children are busily occupied with their toys. They use their imagination and pretend to play ships with recyclable materials. Young

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children enjoy dressing up clothes and wheeling the dolls pushchairs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and adapts activities according to the stage of each child. A broad range of organised and free-play activities are provided to cover the areas of children’s development. Children enjoy learning about the wider environment as they participate in outdoor activities, visiting the library and more vigorous outdoor play at the adventure park. Their language and early writing skills are well promoted through well chosen aspects of mark- making and conversation that promote their enthusiasm and curiosity. Their confidence and sense of independence is exceptionally well promoted through their easy access to toys and equipment. Children learn to work together and form relationships. They develop good attitudes to each other and gain a sense of themselves and their community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder welcomes all families into the home. Children have many opportunities to talk about themselves, learning about each other, their individual needs and backgrounds. Each child is positively valued and respected by the childminder who uses her knowledge of each child to guide her care. Children have access to resources that reflect positive images so that they are encouraged to respect differences. Children are encouraged to recognise the differences that exist in society. For example, when colouring in a picture of a face the child uses a brown pencil, the childminder acknowledges to the child in a positive way that we are not all the same. Children make good use of books obtained from the local library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder welcomes all children into her service and is happy to work with parents and other agencies in order to support children's learning. Children receive praise and encouragement for positive behaviour. The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour and sets consistent boundaries for them. For example, children are encouraged to share and take turns and older children are learning to take account of the needs of younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is positive. Parents report positively of the care the childminder provides. The childminder ensures parents are kept well informed of children's development through discussion and exceptionally well written policies and procedures that relate to the National Standards for Childminding. Parents provide information which the childminder uses to ensure continuity of care is offered between home and the setting.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected as the effective contingency plans, that have been agreed with parents, ensure they are always cared for by vetted adults. Further protection is provided as all adults who live on the premises are vetted. The robust documentation protects children's well-being, for example, the attendance register records children's times of arrival and departure and children's details and contracts are regularly updated. Their welfare is well promoted as parents have ready access to the documentation, policies and procedures.

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Organisation

Children's learning is well promoted as the childminder extends her practice by attending additional training which, therefore, provides children with a richer care environment. Children's sense of security is protected as the sessions are well-organised with additional provision made for outdoor visits and activities. Their welfare is protected as the childminder ensures that activities meet with children's individual needs by regular evaluation. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to: keep a written record of medication given to children; request written consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and practice fire drills regularly and record the times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All child care documentation and consents are in place and maintained as required. Parents usually keep their children at home when sick. The childminder has not been required to give any medication. She has all the necessary documentation in place and understands the requirements. A fully detailed sickness policy and procedures are given to parents at the start of the placement.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Fire drills and emergency evacuation is practised monthly, with the dates, times and names of children in attendance recorded. These measures that have been addressed by the childminder have had a positive impact on the quality of childcare.

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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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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): • continue to improve safety of the premises, with reference to the rear door and garden gate.

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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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