Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278371 Unique Reference Number 03 October 2007 Inspection date Sheena Gibson 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 2004. She lives with her husband and children aged 13, 10 and five years in a suburb of Derby. The whole of the ground floor and fourth bedroom upstairs in the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for six children who attend for various sessions. The childminder holds a childcare qualification; she is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Derby city childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is effectively supported because they are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment where effective measures are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection. For example, separate table cloths are used for activities and meals. Children gain an understanding

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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 about good hygiene practice through daily routines, such as hand washing before eating and after going to the toilet; the childminder explaining how to thoroughly wash their hands. They have separate towels for drying hands, which promotes good hygiene and prevents germs spreading.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well cared for if they have an accident. The childminder has an appropriate and up to date first aid certificate and permission is in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment if necessary, ensuring that their needs are effectively met. A sickness policy encourages parents to keep poorly children at home. Prior written permission is mostly sought before medicine is given although not always, which potentially impacts upon children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical well-being is successfully promoted. They have daily opportunities to be active, enjoying playing outside in the garden. They enjoy wheeled toys, a rocker and challenge themselves to go down the slide on their tummy and back. Children are offered meals and snacks that comply with their dietary requirements. They are able to make decisions about what they want to eat and the childminder encourages them to make healthy choices. Menus are available for parents to see what their children have eaten throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy the welcoming home environment. It is warm, comfortable and sufficiently spacious to enable children to move freely around toys and activities. The space used is primarily on the ground floor and this helps children to become independent as, for example, they manage their own toileting needs as they grow and develop. Toys are set out for their arrival and this helps to create an instantly appealing environment in which children can play, learn and develop. The security of the indoor and outdoor area benefits children's safety. Children are able to rest comfortably and sleep peacefully in a quiet area that can be darkened; a baby monitor is used for their safe sleeping. Children enjoy a broad range of toys and play materials that are of good quality, clean and in good condition. They vary in interest and complexity, offering a variety of choice and sufficient stimulation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Some toys are stored in, for example, floor baskets, so that children can make choices, which even the youngest of them do confidently. Children stay safe because the childminder constantly assesses safety within the home environment. Strategically placed safety gates are in place to assist in promoting children's safety preventing free access, for example, to the kitchen. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of her child protection responsibilities. She demonstrates a good understanding of indicators of abuse and the procedures to follow if there is a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They are confident and comfortable in the home environment and enjoy the company of the childminder and other children. They are encouraged to be independent in their play, moving freely around the different areas making choices. The childminder demonstrates an activity and then supports them in having a go, effectively fostering their developing independence. Children enjoy spending time together and show care and compassion for each other. For example, a toddler gently pats a baby and says ‘ahh’.

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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 Young children learn new skills in a play environment. The childminder uses the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to make valuable assessments of their abilities and therefore is able to effectively support their progress. She clearly knows what interests the children and rotates the toys so that they remain interested and stimulated. They enjoy themselves whilst, for example, looking at a book and making the animal noises, successfully finding their voice. Children are becoming self-aware and enjoy looking into the hand mirror, recognising themselves and smiling. They enjoy playing with the dough, capably using tools to make impressions whilst making a model. Most children are very confident and some are able to capably assert themselves, taking the lead in an outdoor activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children enjoy more complex activities that challenge them, such as board games. They thoroughly enjoy the outings and trips that offer further enjoyable experiences, such as learning about and handling small animals and being active in the soft play centre.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very 'at home' in the environment. They are given sufficient attention to ensure that their individual routines are given good regard. They are valued and treated equally. Their individual needs are well met because the childminder has taken many positive steps to ensure she is well informed about their particular needs. For example, a care plan is completed with parents and children benefit from a settling-in period. Children have equal access to all resources regardless of gender, and activities based on cultural events help them to learn about the wider world in which they live. Systems are in place to make sure relevant information is gathered with regard to caring for children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, to ensure they are fully included.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Younger children's behaviour is good because the childminder keeps them well entertained and has clear boundaries; she uses praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem. Older children developed the house rules with the childminder and so are beginning to take responsibility for their behaviour. The childminder has formed a good partnership with parents, which contributes to children’s well-being. She provides parents with clear information on her practices through informal discussions and giving them copies of her policies. Her portfolio contains some valuable information that sets out the expectations of both parties and provides consistency of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the knowledge and skills of the childminder. She is a qualified nursery nurse and is very experienced in caring for children. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge through training courses and reading relevant literature. The care environment is a well-organised family home with creatively used storage for children's toys. It is spacious and allows children plenty of free movement. For example, children easily push wheeled toys around areas used for childminding.

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Organisation

Toys are set out on a daily basis. There are suitable areas for resting, eating and good ground floor toilet facilities, all of which are clean and tidy. This has a positive impact upon children's development and care. The childminder's documentation is clear and well-organised. Detailed policies and procedures have been developed to share with parents and guide her practice,

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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 promoting consistency for children's care and well-being. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was given a recommendation around further promoting the safety of children on outings by having permission for emergency treatment immediately available. This has been well addressed. The childminder has obtained permission to seek emergency medical treatment, which is available as and when required, effectively supporting children'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 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): • obtain prior written permission from parents for the administration of medication at all times.

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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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