Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265197 Unique Reference Number 24 September 2007 Inspection date Anne Walker 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and six in North Wootton near Kings Lynn, Norfolk. All areas of the house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden 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 one child under five who attends on a full-time basis. She walks to the local school, playgroup and toddler group and has the use of a car for outings. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a clean, comfortable environment. Toddlers cooperate with their carer to promote their health. A box of tissues has children's characters on the box so that the child is interested and happy when his carer has to wipe his nose frequently, due to a cold. Good hygiene routines are followed during nappy changing and food preparation. In addition,

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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 children have their own bedding for rest time. These things minimises the spread of germs effectively. Clear record systems are in place which log any accidents or medication administered. A well stocked first aid kit is readily to hand and the childminder has a current first aid certificate providing her with the up-to-date skills to manage any accidents or medical emergencies that may occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Food is provided at regular intervals so that young children remain content and have sufficient energy to enjoy their day. Mid-morning they have slices of banana and juice. The childminder has attended a short course of training in relation to healthy eating. She provides children with snacks and meals that are nutritious and include regular portions of fruit and vegetables. Drinks are always available to children and toddlers help themselves, as their beaker is on a low table within their sight. Dietary needs and individual routines are recorded on entry so that children's safety and health are promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

The garden has a range of resources, including a swing and see-saw, that young children use in most weathers, so that they are often out in the fresh air. In addition, child-centred outings each morning provide varied opportunities to support the development of their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is given good regard. The house has been assessed and necessary measures put in place to protect children from harm. This means that there are minimal restrictions in where they can explore. There are finger-guards on doors and locks on cupboards which contain cleaning materials. The house is secure so that children cannot leave unsupervised and visitors are monitored. However, keys are accessible so that they can leave swiftly in the event of a fire or other emergency. Toddlers have their meals in a high chair with suitable harness and travel in an appropriate car seat or secured in a push-chair. There is space for them to spread out on the floor safely and their carer tidies at intervals to prevent trips and falls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Play materials are accessible to children as they are presented in large boxes at floor level which are easy for young children to investigate and empty. Toys are clean, safe and age-appropriate. They are organised in relation to children's developmental stage so that they are not exposed to items that may harm them. All necessary equipment, which is in good order, is available so that they rest, have their meals and play comfortably and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because their carer has a secure knowledge of her child protection responsibilities. She knows what to do if she has concerns and the records she must keep. Necessary guidance documents and telephone numbers are at hand so that she could contact the relevant bodies if necessary. The childminder has attended training recently which ensures she is up-to-date with current procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children keenly investigate the play materials and are happily absorbed in their self-chosen activities. This is because play is suitable for their level of development and attractively presented, so that they are stimulated. Toys are at floor level so that they can see and access them independently. Some activities have been set up by the childminder for example, the train set and figures, so that the environment is welcoming and inviting. Other items are in boxes

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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 which are easily accessible to the child. Children demonstrate confidence to investigate these and are familiar with their contents. A child searches for favourite figures to sit in the digger.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toddlers are keen to engage in play as they have a good relationship with their carer. She organises her time so that she is always available to play alongside them. She talks with them using clear, simple language, so that they respond and are encouraged to begin to use talk to express what they know. As they play with their carer they are able to sustain interest as she role models play with small world figures to encourage their imagination. Children's all round development is fostered through the range of activities and opportunities that the daily routines afford. Children's experiences and progress are noted through observations and photographs in their scrapbooks. However, these are not being used to maximum benefit to assist in the planning for children's next developmental steps.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The daily routine is child-centred and takes account of periods for relaxing and meals, as well as times to be active and sociable. Children have a range of opportunities during the mornings that help them learn to mix and socialise with other children, such as toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Helpful information is shared with parents at the outset so that they understand how their child will be looked after and how they will spend their time. Clear records highlight any relevant information so that the child's individual needs are known. The childminder uses this information to plan a child-centred routine, so that children are happy and secure. There are play materials for children which reflect positive images of the world and help them understand peoples similarities and differences. The childminder has an appropriate awareness of disability and strategies to support children and families as necessary, ensuring that children take part in the day alongside their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children's cooperation is fostered well by providing appropriate play so that they are stimulated, following their individual routines so that they are content and offering simple explanations that gradually foster their awareness of right from wrong. They are introduced to larger groups of children in appropriate settings so that they have opportunities to share and learn to get along with others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from their carer's positive attitude to the ongoing development of her skills and knowledge in caring for children. She has attended a range of courses that influence what she provides for children. The house is welcoming and organised so that children feel at home and are relaxed. Required training, such as first aid has been maintained so that skills are current and children's welfare is promoted.

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Organisation

Records are well-organised to promote the efficient day-to-day management of the setting. They demonstrate that registration conditions have been complied with so that children are looked after safely and according to their needs. Documents are readily accessible but organised and stored to ensure children and families' confidentiality. 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 agreed to improve the daily attendance records and seek consent from parents to obtain emergency medical treatment in an emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The hours children are in the care of the childminder are clearly noted at the point of arrival and departure. The childminder is able to demonstrate who is in her care at any time and that she maintains her condition of registration in relation to the numbers of children looked after. Parents consent to the seeking of emergency medical treatment has been sought and their wishes confirmed in writing. This means that the childminder and parents have a clearer agreement regarding what would happen in such circumstances to best ensure the child's welfare.

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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 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): • further improve the use of children's development records to assist the planning of appropriate activities to support their next developmental steps, by using and approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'.

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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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