Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286369 Unique Reference Number 01 October 2007 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children, aged three and seven, in a house in Welwyn Garden City. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding four children, three of whom are under five and one over five. She travels to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 good. Children's health is promoted well as the childminder has good procedures in place. Her medical records are maintained correctly and children are well taken care of in the event of an accident. They are protected from infection because the childminder is not willing to look after children

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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 who are ill. She ensures that she has good access to a first aid kit at all times. However, she has not requested written permission from parents for seeking emergency treatment or advice. Consequently, in the event of an emergency there is a potential risk of treatment being delayed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is attentive to matters of hygiene. She ensures that children are cared for in a clean environment and that her resources are washed regularly. She changes children's nappies in a hygienic manner in order to help prevent the spread of infection. Children are becoming aware of good hygiene practice themselves as they learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. These procedures contribute to keeping children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through being offered nutritious and healthy foods. At lunch times, for example, children enjoy sandwiches and salad, fruit and yoghurts. Children who bring their own lunches are encouraged to eat the wholesome foods first. Children with special diets eat appropriately as the childminder liaises with parents regarding their dietary needs. Children are able to access drinks throughout the day so that they are prevented from becoming dehydrated. Therefore, children are well nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good opportunities for regular physical activity. They especially enjoy playing in the garden where there is a variety of attractive resources, including a slide, seesaw, bikes and playhouse. They like to visit local parks and activity centres. They benefit from opportunities to get fresh air and exercise in all weathers and consequently keep fit.

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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 welcoming environment. The surroundings are bright, and comfortable, and children have good access to a downstairs toilet and the back garden. Children's safety and security is promoted well as the childminder has a range of safety measures in place. For example, cleaning materials are kept out of reach and there are no hazardous contents in the large storage cupboards. There are good fire precautions in place, although the childminder has not devised an evacuation plan to practise with the children. Consequently, children may be unsure of what to do in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a range of attractive and safe resources. The toys, games and equipment are suitable for children of all ages. The childminder makes use of a toy library to add variety to the available resources. She checks for safety and takes extra care if very young children are present to ensure that they can play safely. Children keep safe in the upstairs rooms as she keeps the windows locked and checks sleeping children regularly. On outings children are well supervised. They learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them to play sensibly. On walks in the locality they learn about road safety. Therefore, children keep safe and secure at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs of abuse and knows what to do if she has any concerns. She has the necessary documentation to enable her to seek advice. Consequently, children are protected in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and happy in the childminder's care. They show much interest in the resources on offer and enjoy her involvement in their play. They especially like to share books

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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 with her and this contributes to their development of early reading skills. Older children enjoy opportunities to play independently, especially with role play resources, such as play food and dolls. The childminder joins in, enhancing their play through making suggestions and developing new ideas. Children are gaining confidence and often ask the childminder for help or clarification if necessary. They learn to extend imaginative skills and develop communication and literacy skills as she engages them in conversation. For example, she introduces extra resources, demonstrates how to make things work and suggests writing lists. Children's self-esteem is boosted when praised for their achievements, such as when they complete a jigsaw puzzle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a range of activities which support their development and learning. The childminder makes use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework as a reference tool when caring for younger children. Older children are encouraged to develop relevant and appropriate skills because she promotes learning effectively through play. In conversation she increases children's awareness of letters and numbers. She is aware of the needs of individual children and provides interesting play situations in which they can learn. Children respond positively to her suggestions for activities. They like to participate in creative activities, such as painting, printing and collage. They have fun exploring play dough, finding different ways to make shapes and models. Overall, they enjoy and achieve through a range of appropriate play experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and included in the setting. The childminder helps children to feel welcome and ensures that they are happy in her care. Children develop a sense of belonging and feel very much at home. They enjoy the social aspect of mealtimes when they sit together chatting with each other. Children receive good support and their practical needs are catered for appropriately. The childminder is aware of their individual personalities and encourages them to feel part of a group. She offers appropriate support to children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to make decisions through being offered choices during play and at mealtimes. They find out about a wider society through using resources which reflect different cultures and sharing books on library visits. Children develop good relationships with each other and play harmoniously. They are well aware of their boundaries as they know the house rules and abide by them. They respond well to the childminder's requests and instructions. She has appropriate strategies in place for dealing with inappropriate behaviour in a consistent and firm manner. Consequently, children learn to behave responsibly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers, informing them verbally about her practice and keeping them up to date with the events of each day. She discusses the needs and routines of new children to enable them to settle in more easily. Parents are aware of how to raise a concern if they wish, although the childminder has not provided them with a contact number for Ofsted. In the event of a delay, children's continuity of care may be adversely affected. Overall, children benefit from her close working partnership with parents and carers.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's documentation provides a sound framework for her practice. Parents are able to view her qualifications and read about aspects of her practice in her portfolio. They complete written agreements wand these are regularly reviewed. Attendance records for children

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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 are well maintained. The childminder has completed an Introductory Childminding course and holds an up-to-date first aid qualification. She is interested in attending further training courses in order to continually improve her practice.

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Organisation

The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children. She has a caring attitude and spends her time involved with the children. She prioritises their health and safety whilst in her care. Children have sufficient space to play both indoors and outdoors. She often teams up with a fellow childminder so that children have an opportunity to mix with others and take part in a variety of activities. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have opportunities to increase their awareness of diversity. She was also asked to make sure that electrical sockets are fitted with socket covers. Children now have further opportunities to learn about diversity through discussion with the childminder and in activities, such as tasting foods from other cultures. All accessible sockets are now fitted with covers. This response has improved the outcomes for children.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency treatment or advice • devise and practise an emergency evacuation plan • ensure that parents have the contact details for Ofsted.

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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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