Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY136344 Unique Reference Number 29 February 2008 Inspection date Anna Davies 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 2001. She lives with her husband and their children aged 18 months, seven and five years in the village of Gedney Hill. Childminding takes place mainly on the ground floor of the house and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The family has two pet cats.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends local group activities regularly and organises a weekly carer and toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted well. They are learning good hygiene routines such as washing their hands before eating or taking part in cooking activities. The risk of

p.2

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 cross-contamination is minimised as children use individual hand towels which are changed daily and liquid soap. Many reminder posters adorn the bathroom walls to remind children of the importance of good personal hygiene. In the event of an accident children are able to be well cared for as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has all necessary documentation in place to keep appropriate records. A clear sickness policy gives information to parents about the care and exclusion periods of an ill child and therefore promotes the good health of all children in the childminder's care.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities to take part in physical activity. A wide range of play equipment in the garden, for all ages of children, provides opportunities to develop climbing, sliding and coordination skills. If the weather is unfavourable children create their own assault courses inside using cushions to tumble on or make large play dens using blankets and chairs. This ensures that their physical development is promoted all year round. Younger children ably steer dolls' pushchairs around the home, accurately negotiating doorways.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works with parents to ensure that children's dietary needs are well met. She has a passion for cooking and enjoys passing this onto the children in her care. They regularly cook together making food and meals a fun time as they prepare 'potato sail boats' and 'draught board sandwiches'. The childminder provides healthy and nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit from the fruit bowl, raisins or rice cakes and is happy to supply cooked, traditional, family meals such as shepherds pie or lasagne. Children have independent access to drinks of water in their individual cups. This ensures that they remain well hydrated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have ample space to play freely with access to a good range of facilities to support their needs. The childminder's home is made welcoming to children and parents. For example, some of the children's work is displayed on the wall and an information notice board is situated in the hall way for parents. The childminder's home is full of a good range of equipment, toys and resources which are regularly checked to ensure that they remain safe for use by children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has given good consideration to children's safety. For example, the premises are kept secure whilst minding so that children are unable to leave unsupervised, stair gates prevent children accessing areas such as the utility room where the cat litter tray is stored, and knives and other harmful substances are stored so that they are out of reach of children. However, the organisation of some toys and resources, particularly those of a smaller size, does not always ensure that younger children's safety is effectively promoted. For example, they pick up very small items and put them in their mouths. A fire blanket is appropriately positioned so that it can be effective if required and smoke alarms are in place and regularly tested. These promote children's safety in the event of an emergency. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as they regularly practise evacuation procedures and are encouraged

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has attended training in this area and has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care. She has all relevant documentation in place to support her in ensuring that children are protected from harm or neglect.

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. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They have access to a good range of toys and resources which are stored at low level so that children can self-select what they wish to play with. Children's language development is well promoted through the use of the childminder's extensive range of children's books. For example, children enjoy favourites such as 'Iggle Piggle', helping to turn the pages to find their favourite characters and repeating key words. The childminder is skilled at promoting children's learning through such activities and has a range of props in 'story bags' such as soft toy puppets that further extend children's enjoyment of reading books.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to explore and investigate as they help to cook, listen to the sounds made by banging their fingers, hands and feet on the toy drum, watch spiders as they create their webs and take part in a range of art activities such as making masks, junk modelling and t-shirt painting. Children's appreciation of music is encouraged as they practise playing the piano, use the musical instruments to listen to different sounds and listen to musical rhymes and songs. The childminder is aware of the benefit of daily routines that give opportunities to promote children's learning. For example, children help to match, count and recognise colours as they help to sort the clean washing out. The childminder shares warm relationships with the children, they sit together to share stories and she responds affectionately to younger children's babbles. Children have regular opportunities to visit local toddler groups so that they can

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

socialise with other children and enjoy further messy play and musical activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of equal opportunities and ensures that every child feels welcomed into her family and home. She knows the children well and takes this into account when meeting their needs. Children are developing an understanding of diversity through the celebration of special dates in the calendar such as Chinese New Year and Mothers Day and through playing with resources such as puppets, dolls, dressing up and play figures that promote a positive awareness of the similarities and differences in people.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder has not cared for minded children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she demonstrates a positive attitude towards working alongside parents and outside agencies to meet the needs of all children in her care. The childminder provides a good role model for children. She deals with younger children's frustration well, particularly when they are learning how to share popular toys. She employs strategies according to each child's age and stage of development and frequently praises them which boosts their self-esteem. Written house rules are clearly displayed for older children which ensures that they know what is expected.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a good amount of information when their children begin in the childminder's care. A detailed prospectus and a good range of written consents are obtained. This ensures that parents are fully aware of the activities and services that are offered. The childminder provides daily verbal feedback to parents and sometimes a written diary or photographs, so that they know about their child's day. A notice board in the hallway gives parents information about the childminder's recent training that she has undertaken and the telephone number of the regulatory body should they wish to make contact.

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed many training workshops such as fire safety, food and nutrition and managing behaviour. This ensures that she keeps her knowledge and understanding of childcare practices up to date. Daily registers of attendance are in place and these are generally well maintained. Children receive good levels of support from the childminder as she spends all of her time with them, interacting and supporting their play. The environment and resources are generally well organised to promote children's safety and well-being. Documentation is well organised and stored confidentially. A good range of written policies are in place and shared with parents. These effectively underpin the good quality of care offered and as a result, promote positive outcomes for children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the provider was asked to further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. The childminder has now attended training in this area and has a full understanding of child protection issues and procedures. As a result, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • review the organisation of toys and resources, particularly those of a smaller size, to ensure that younger children's safety is effectively promoted.

p.5

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.5

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.5