Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY256490 Unique Reference Number 25 October 2007 Inspection date Sandra Elizabeth 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 was registered in May 2003. She lives with her mother and father in Lindale in Cartmel, Cumbria. The whole of the ground floor of the property and a sleep room on the first floor are used for childminding. The garden is not suitable for outdoor play, but children are taken on outings regularly. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children aged from two to eight years. The childminder's mother works with her as an assistant when the need arises. The childminder lives close to local schools, shops and parks. The family has a pet cat. 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 warm, clean home where the childminder implements good hygiene procedures. Children demonstrate their developing understanding of good hygiene and personal care as they wash and dry their hands on their individual towels after using the bathroom and before eating their snacks. Children are also encouraged to brush their teeth after their meals.

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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 Their individual needs are well cared for by the use of medication and accident records. All entries in the records are countersigned by parents. The children's health needs are enhanced as the childminder ensures that the first aid kit and first aid training are up-to-date. Children develop their physical skills and enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise as they play in the nearby park. They also learn good coordination skills as they throw and catch balls and play on the swings and slides. They develop their fine motor skills through the wide range of indoor activities such as craft activities and threading.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well nourished and are beginning to learn about healthy eating because the childminder encourages them to eat nutritious fresh food. The children enjoy a very good variety of home made meals, such as soup, hot pot, fish pie, rice pudding and plenty of fruit. The childminder ensures that the children receive a balanced diet because she plans the meals in advance and keeps written menus. Children's individual dietary needs are well met as the childminder and parents work well together and special requirements are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely environment which is free from hazards. The childminder is very safety conscious and undertakes regular risk assessments to ensure the children's safety whilst in her care. Children are able to move about with confidence as the childminder has organised space effectively. They benefit from a wide range of play equipment, which is age-appropriate for all children attending. Toys are carefully stored in labelled boxes which encourages children to select and choose what they would like to play with, thus developing their independence. Children are protected from harm as the childminder checks the equipment regularly and ensures that it is maintained in good order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very involved in learning about their own safety and are developing a good understanding of the importance of staying safe. For example, they know that they need to tidy up their toys so that they do not trip over them. Children are learning about fire safety procedures and know what to do if the fire alarm goes off. The children understand how to keep themselves safe when on outings as they learn about road safety and stranger danger, thus heightening their awareness of the need to be vigilant and careful.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of potential signs of abuse and neglect, and has a clear understanding of where to report any child protection issues. She knows who to contact if a child is at risk of harm and takes prompt action, thus protecting children from abuse and neglect. She has not yet attended the training regarding safeguarding children and is therefore not completely up to date regarding the revised procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely settled and happy, and they thoroughly enjoy their time spent with the childminder. They have very good relationships with her and her assistant. Children feel secure in their environment and benefit greatly from the consistent care provided. The childminder's excellent planning of imaginative and highly stimulating activities provides the children with wonderful opportunities to develop in all areas of their learning. She takes great care to choose activities that are fun for the children and at the same time provide them with excellent learning opportunities.

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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 Children relish the creative activities, such as making kaleidoscopes, masks, shakers, hedgehogs, bats and clay ornaments. They are all proudly displayed around the room, with the ornaments given pride of place on the childminder's mantelpiece. The children develop several skills as they make these objects, such as creativity, good hand–eye coordination and fine motor skills. Activities are also carefully chosen to reinforce the children's learning about safety issues, such as fire safety, road safety and stranger danger.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have wonderful opportunities to develop their imaginations with the inspiring range of play equipment available. They also develop their interest in books and stories as they choose their favourite books and sit with the childminder to listen to the stories. Children enjoy the challenge of completing word searches, crosswords and phonic activities, which help them with their reading and writing skills. Children are making very good progress in this highly stimulating and nurturing environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children make a positive contribution and have positive attitudes towards our multicultural society as they have access to a wide range of resources that reflect diversity. The childminder extends the children's learning by facilitating activities, such as making Chinese dragons to display on the walls during Chinese New Year and clay pots to celebrate Diwali. They enjoy looking at the map of the world and painting different coloured flags to represent different countries, such as America, Italy and China. They also enjoy tasting different foods such as sushi and Chinese rice crackers. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are well met. The childminder provides good care for children with learning difficulties and she works closely with parents and other agencies to support these children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the very positive partnership that the childminder has developed with the parents. Parents find the childminder very approachable, professional and reliable, and are very satisfied with the care provided to their children. Children understand what is expected of them and learn to respect the childminder's simple rules, such as tidying up the toys so that children do not trip over them. Children are praised for good behaviour and individual achievements, thus building their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder has a good understanding of age-appropriate behaviour management methods, which the children respond well to.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's day-to-day management of the provision is very good. Children are relaxed and confident in the environment due to the highly efficient organisation of their care and learning by the childminder. Children's play opportunities are very well supported by the way that the childminder organises the premises, thus allowing children to move about easily and make choices. The childminder's commitment to training and keeping up-to-date with current childcare practices enhances the quality of care provided for the children. Children's needs are effectively supported through the childminder's clear recording systems. All records and documentation are in place and meet the required standard. The childminder has very good systems in place for keeping parents well informed about their children's welfare and development.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 it was agreed that the childminder would develop knowledge about the local child protection procedures. The childminder has developed her knowledge in this area, thus improving the level of safety for children in her care. As the safeguarding children procedures have changed since her training, further updated training is required. The childminder also agreed to update her knowledge regarding food hygiene, however, this has not yet been possible due to the unavailability of a suitable course.

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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): • update knowledge about the safeguarding children procedures.

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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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