Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY348231 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2007 Inspection date Sara Louth 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 satisfactory. 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children, aged nine and two years in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Amenities such as shops, schools and a park are within walking distance. The childminder also uses her car to go further afield. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and currently looks after two children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home. They learn the importance of good hygiene habits such as not picking their nose, since the childminder explains it is dirty. Children learn routines

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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 to promote their good health through the childminder ensuring they wash their hands after using the toilet, before and after eating food and begin to understand why. They are provided with their own flannels and towels to prevent cross-contamination. Children's safety is maintained since the childminder has a current first aid certificate and is able to deal appropriately with accidents. However, there is no written permission from parents for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This may compromise children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise regularly in the garden and on weekly trips to an indoor play area. There is a range of equipment for children to use to develop their whole body strength such as swings, ride-on toys and a trampoline with safety net. Children are able to sleep as required in a travel cot upstairs and the childminder changes the under sheet for each child to prevent cross- infection although currently covers are shared.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy foods because the childminder provides mostly nutritional snacks such as fresh fruit, and tries to extend the range of fruit and vegetables they will eat. They have a treat once or twice a week of a chocolate bar, biscuits or sweets. Children are usually provided with a snack mid-morning and have a drink with all food. Some children bring food from home and the childminder prepares meals for the others. For example, children enjoy baked beans on brown toast for lunch. Children's food likes are generally met on a trial and error basis although parents are asked for information. The childminder is aware of any special dietary needs children may have.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have space to enjoy different activities at the same time and the setting is made welcoming to them with easily accessible toys. All toys available to children are suitable and maintained in good, clean condition. The childminder supervises children at all times to ensure their welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure, suitable home environment and the childminder is aware of providing a safe setting for them. Most safety equipment is in place and working to ensure hazards are minimised. For example, safety gates prevent unsupervised access in to the kitchen and upstairs, smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector are in place, hazardous substances are kept out of reach. However, some sockets are exposed in the lounge, keys are in reach in doors and decorating tools are accessible to children. This may compromise their safety. Children are kept safe on outings as they learn the safe way to cross roads and the childminder ensures young children are in a buggy or wearing a wrist strap.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder is confident about recognising possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She ensures parents are aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection through sharing her policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally happy and settled and they enjoy free play with the easily accessible activities and toys the childminder provides. However, they have a limited attention span and find sharing toys a challenge when left to their own devices for longer periods of time. The childminder tends to let days 'go with the flow' during the holiday period although there is

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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 more of a structure during term time. Children are confident moving around the setting and say they like sticking and baking. One child says 'I can do puzzles by myself.'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy the sticking activity provided and the childminder prompts their thinking and language skills by asking questions such as finding out the colour of card the children would like. They show periods of good concentration putting foam shapes on top of one another and the childminder promotes their self-esteem by praising their efforts. However, the activity is allowed to continue until the children become fed up and restless, impacting upon their behaviour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Once a week children go to an indoor play area where they enjoy using balancing equipment and have a big area in which to crawl and play with other children. This helps to develop their social skills. Children also go to the local shops and park. They enjoy their time at the setting. The childminder plans to attend training soon on the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed by the childminder who respects and values their individuality. She promotes a positive attitude towards all members of society and the wider world through talking to children and intends to make them aware of their own and differing cultures through investigating various festivals. The childminder has experience of and is happy to mind children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She would find out all about their specific needs through talking to parents before making a decision to ensure she is fully able to meet all requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning good behaviour through reminders from the childminder and usually respond well to the various methods used. For example, calm but firm instructions such as 'turn around sweetheart, I don’t want glue on my chair', and distraction. For example, when children begin arguing over the television the childminder says 'let's go and do some sticking.' and the children move to the new activity. Children behave well when occupied and interested in activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder working with their parents/carers and caring for them according to their wishes. This helps them to settle. The childminder shares her portfolio with parents/carers so they know what to expect from her service. She keeps a diary for each child and exchanges information on a daily basis. However, not all written permissions from parents have been obtained. The childminder understands the need to keep a complaint record.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder enjoys working with children and has attended all necessary training to increase her understanding of how to meet their needs. She intends to develop her knowledge by attending further training, for example, the Early Years Foundation Stage Briefing Session, to further benefit the children.

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Organisation

Children's needs are met through the childminder organising the space in her home well so they have room for active play and sleep as required. She uses the National Childminding Association sheets and maintains accurate records. Most documentation is in place, stored

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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 safely and available for inspection. However, not all written consents from parents have been obtained.

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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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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure written parental permission is obtained for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure hazards on the premises are minimised through daily safety checks.

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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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