Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342531 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2007 Inspection date Linda Tomkins 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 2006. The childminder works with another registered childminder and minds from her co-childminder's house. The co-childminder's partner and two children aged nine and 13 years live at the property in Staffordshire. The whole of the co-childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and when working together they may care for a maximum of 11 children at any one time. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The co-childminder's family has ducks, quails, chickens, cats, dogs, cold water and tropical fish, lobsters and snails.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and supports children with learning difficulties and /or disabilities.

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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. Children are cared for in a welcoming, comfortable home where the childminder is developing examples of good practice to ensure the children understand why and how they wash their hands before food and after using the toilet. Children said 'we wash our hands, you get germs and a tummy ache'. However, some children did not have their hands cleansed before they had their biscuits. This means that children are exposed to cross-contamination of food.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good arrangements and written policies for managing illness. The childminder does not care for sick or infectious children which helps to prevent cross-infection. Procedures for managing accidents and giving medication are good, they are clearly recorded and explained in the procedures which are given to parents when children are settled into the childminder's home. The childminder discusses and records the children's individual health and dietary needs which ensures all their needs are met. But, written permission for seeking emergency treatment or advice has not been obtained from parents which means that children will not receive appropriate treatment in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children's health is promoted. Children are provided with a varied range of activities which contribute to their continued good health, such as regular outside play in the spacious garden and walks in the surrounding rural lanes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides snacks of fresh fruit and biscuits and drinks of diluted juice, water and milk. Children bring their own packed lunches and help to cook cakes and biscuits which they take home to share with their families. The childminder organises her routine so that children eat together at regular times at the dining table or picnic style outside. She ensures that children have free access to drinks at all times which means they choose to drink when they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular periods of rest and sleep in accordance with their routine. The play room is used as a quiet area where children rest on the sofas with their own linen. Younger children are able to sleep on the first floor in either a travel cot or full sized wooden cot.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are provided with clear safe space to move around freely and independently. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan and ensures all minded children practise this every four months. Particular attention is given to ensuring children who only attend in the school holidays undertake a practise. There are three smoke alarms and fire safety equipment in place. This helps to keep children safe in an emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children select activities from a range of toys and equipment stored in cupboards, shelves and containers in the playroom and front room. Outdoor toys are stored in the two storey wendy house and the garden. The childminder supervises children's selection to ensure children can safely access the resources. She provides toys that are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. The children play outside in the garden on a varied range of outside equipment, such as slides, tricycles, trampoline, cars and rockers.

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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 All of the required procedures and equipment are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Children are helped to begin to understand road safety, for example, always holding onto the pushchair when out walking and wearing wrist straps, reins and identity bracelets in crowded places. The childminder ensures children are secured in car seats, seat belts and boosters whilst being transported by car. Children said 'you can't go too high on the swing because of the littler ones'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder understands her duty to protect children in her care and has extensive knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse. She has a written policy and clear procedures to report concerns to the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children's level of development is good because the childminder organises her routines and activities to suit each child, which allows children to progress and increase their independence in the setting. She discusses children's individual routines with their parents so that children have time to be active and to rest. Children have regular opportunities for physical development as they are taken on regular walks in the surrounding areas and run and climb in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is actively developing her knowledge of the children and ensures her resources suit the age of the children she cares for. A varied range is available to allow for choice of activity. For example, young children enjoy role play in the wendy house, they said 'we like to play mums and dads or restaurants', whilst older children play a racquet game and make cakes and biscuits. The childminder constantly praises and congratulates the children on their achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's paintings and artwork are displayed on the playroom wall. In addition, all children's activities and progress are shared verbally with parents when they are collected. The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of how children learn and value a degree of independence. The children are very settled and have formed close relationships with the childminder, her co-childminder's family and each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder and children interact together using interesting resources, such as play figures, books and musical instruments with positive images of race, disability and gender. Children enjoy dressing up in clothing from around the world and they have frequent outside visits in the surrounding community. This helps to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of customs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. They receive individual attention and have conversations with the childminder who encourages them to freely express their views. For example, choosing specific activities and helping to prepare snacks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Currently, there are children with developmental difficulties attending and the childminder has an effective policy and procedure to take appropriate action to ensure such children are fully supported and included.

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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 Children are positively encouraged to behave well and make themselves at home to foster good levels of self-esteem and well-being. There are clear boundaries and house rules which ensure children are encouraged to respond to the high levels of good behaviour displayed by the childminder. Children are expected to say 'please' and 'thank you' and help to tidy away their toys. They are rewarded with smiles, hugs, verbal praise and a choice of their favourite activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with an 'Introduction pack' with detailed written information on policies and procedures when they attend introductory visits prior to placing their child. The childminder encourages parents to stay to share information each day when they collect their children. This ensures parents are involved and contribute to the quality of care their children receive. Children take their artwork home to help parents to be involved in their learning and development. The childminder provides parents with clear information to contact Ofsted in the event of a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is qualified, knowledgeable and experienced to provide a range of activities to develop children's skills and independence. She enthusiastically attends training to extend and increase her knowledge and understanding of how children learn. For example, child protection and the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Organisation

Exemplary detailed written policies and procedures ensure that children are secure and relaxed in the setting. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own learning and play. The environment provides clear space for children's free movement. The policies and procedures are used effectively to promote welfare, care and learning of minded children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good knowledge of required records and ensures that most are accurately maintained, up to date, stored confidentially and available for parents and inspection. This enables the childminder to monitor and improve the quality of her care and contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • make sure children's hands are cleansed before food and that parents have given written permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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