Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY136892 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2007 Inspection date Jane Williams 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and three children in the village of Cherry Willingham, just outside Lincoln. The ground floor of the home, first floor bathroom and one bedroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and currently has 14 children on roll, most of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean family home. Children's health is protected because, through daily routine and discussion, they learn about the importance of personal hygiene. They wash their hands before eating and understand this is to prevent the spread of germs. Positive steps are taken to prevent infection and clear systems are in place to ensure the well-being of children.

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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 Appropriate medication and accident records are in place, together with parental consents and signatures to show acknowledgement of entries. Parent's are provided with information regarding exclusion periods, when children are sick, to prevent the spread of infections.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished. Parent's provide packed lunches that are stored appropriately by the childminder. Children are also provided with a healthy snack consisting of a selection of fruit. They are learning about healthy foods through activities, such as, making fruit kebabs. Children do not become thirsty as fruit juice and water are freely available. Children have good opportunities for fresh air and physical activities. A wide variety of resources in the large garden mean that children are able to develop good physical skills. They have fun playing on slides, playing in sand and water and on ride upon toys. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Cots are available for young children and comfortable seating provides an area for rest for older children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and parents are welcomed into the home. Posters, childcare information and children's artwork decorate the walls of the entrance. Children are provided with suitable toilet and washing facilities and appropriate nappy changing procedures are in place. There is a wide range of toys and equipment that are in good condition and well-maintained. The resources offer good play opportunities for children of different ages and stages of development. The toys are checked regularly to ensure children are able to play safely. The premises are kept secure, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors spaces on the premises are generally well-maintained with soft bark under large play equipment and safety mats on hard surfaces. Risk assessments are completed and most hazards are identified and minimised. However, some potential hazards in the garden have not been identified to fully ensure children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is well-promoted because a useful written policy relating to lost or uncollected children is in place. The premises have suitable emergency equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Children are learning to keep themselves safe by practising emergency escapes and when they go for walks they learn about crossing the road safely. The childminder ensures written permission is sought from parents when children go on outings and demonstrates a good understanding of safety when on outings. For example, ensuring a first aid box and emergency contact details are taken. However, she has not obtained written permission from all parents for children to be transported in vehicles. Children are well-protected because the childminder has good arrangements in place to ensure they are safeguarded. She has attended child protection training and has in place an appropriate written child protection

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They are comfortable in the childminder's home and separate well from parents. A wide range of toys and activities are provided and children are interested and engaged. Children have fun playing outdoors with small vehicles and a road map. Sitting under a parachute they delight in making it rise and fall. Children are confident in accessing toys they wish to play with. They are able to develop language skills as the childminder talks to them and encourages younger children's speech through repeating words. Older children's coordination and decision making skills are developed as they make

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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 summer cards using a variety of materials. They carefully cut shapes and choose colours to make ice cream cards. Children have opportunities to explore sand and water. They are able to develop their imagination using dressing up clothes and playing with small world toys. Young children are able to develop hand and eye coordination through using shape sorters. A good selection of books provide children with opportunities for reading and sharing stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder involves children in planning a balance of activities. Together they decide which festivals and themes they would like to cover. They have explored themes that relate to how they grow and how to keep their teeth clean. The childminder has good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this to support her observations and assessments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and their families made welcome. The childminder ensures she learns about children's needs and background on admission. An appropriate equal opportunities policy is in place. A good range of books and resources are provided that offer positive images of people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Children have opportunities to learn about different cultures through activities and festivals. They make lanterns for the Festival of Lights, American flags for American Independence Day and dragons for Chinese New year. They also enjoy celebrating Easter and Christmas. Children have opportunities to learn about their own local community when they visit the local library and shops. The use of puppets in story-telling allow children to explore their feelings and thoughts about others who may be different from themselves. Children with learning difficulties and/or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

disabilities are supported. The childminder understands the need to work closely with parents and professionals to ensure the needs of the child are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well-behaved. The childminder discusses with parents the appropriate behaviour management strategies that are used. The children help create house rules so they clearly understand boundaries of behaviour. Children play well together, share toys and are polite to the childminder and one another. The needs of the children are well-met because of the partnership between the childminder and parents. Appropriate contracts are in place. Parents are provided with useful information about the setting and policies in a parent pack. A daily diary is provided for young children and the childminder also shares information through informal chats. Observations and progress made by children is shared with parents. An appropriate complaints policy with contact details is in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well-cared for by a childminder who has a clear sense of purpose. She provides a professional and caring service for families. Through accessing training to develop her own knowledge and skills, children's welfare and learning is ensured. Their safety is promoted as the childminder ensures she maintains a current first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Space and resources are organised well so that children can play, eat and rest comfortably. The welfare, care and learning of children is effectively supported through the organisation of documents and records. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures are in place and these are shared with parents. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to extend her knowledge of child protection issues and obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has accessed child protection training and now has permission from parents in place. As a result, children's welfare has improved.

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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 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): • review risk assessments to ensure potential hazards in the garden are minimised • obtain written permissions from all parents for children to be transported in vehicles.

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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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