Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY330993 Unique Reference Number 28 August 2007 Inspection date Valerie Craven 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives in Runcorn, Cheshire with her son and daughter, aged 17 and 18 years. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is access to a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently six children on roll who attend on a part time basis. The childminder regularly attends parent-toddler groups and is able to collect and drop off children at their homes if required. The childminder does not have any pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home. They learn good personal hygiene through consistent routines, such as washing hands after using the toilet and before eating snacks. Dental hygiene is well promoted as children regularly clean their teeth after eating. Children use their own hand towels, which minimises the risk of cross infection. A sick children policy is well implemented and shared with parents to protect children's health. Accident records

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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 are well maintained and records are available for the administration of medication if necessary. However, the childminder does not have consent for medical treatment, to ensure that children's needs are appropriately met in the case of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health and dietary needs are agreed with parents at registration. The childminder knows children well and provides a good range of nutritious snacks and meals, such as crackers with cucumber and cheese, fresh fruit and shepherds pie. Children confidently ask for drinks when they are thirsty and are offered drinks at regular intervals throughout the day. The childminder encourages a healthy lifestyle by offering good opportunities for physical play. Fine motor and manipulative skills are encouraged as children make shapes from play dough. Visits to the park enable children to run, play football and climb, developing gross motor skills and promoting children's health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Safety features, such as stair gates and socket covers, prevent access to potential hazards. The garden is enclosed and secure. The childminder is aware of the need to maintain the garden, to minimise plants which are potentially hazardous to children. Areas of the home are well organised to enable children to move safely as they access a variety of play opportunities. For example, small world toys are stored at low level in the lounge and messy play or cookery activities take place in the dining area. Children access toys carefully and independently. All toys and activities are regularly checked to ensure that they are in good condition and can be used safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supervises children well at all times, which means that they are safe both indoors and on outings. They learn how to keep themselves safe as they visit ponds and go for walks. Written parental permission is in place for the childminder to take photographs, use transport and apply sun cream, which enhances their well-being. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and her responsibility towards children's welfare. However, she is not sufficiently confident about the correct procedures to follow in the case of a concern, to ensure that children are well safeguarded. Children develop a good understanding of emergency evacuation procedures, which are regularly practised to promote their safety in the case of a fire.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy spending fun-filled days with the childminder. They are offered effective support which nurtures their independence as they make choices about the activities which they do. Children have access to a selection of toys, which are suited to the needs of pre-school children. They help themselves to aprons as they prepare for messy activities such as painting and play dough. They are encouraged to be creative as they explore paints and use cutters to make play dough creatures. The childminder has a sound understanding of children's development and interests, which she uses to plan games, visits and activities. She supports children well in their play, helping them to count the number of legs as they make animals. Children confidently name colours and letters of the alphabet, which they enjoy finding in the lounge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good relationships with the childminder. Conversation is encouraged and the children chat happily, sing songs and talk about what they are doing. They make good progress and have fun, as the childminder provides many interesting planned and spontaneous

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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 experiences. For example, children enjoy cookery, making snowmen, pond dipping and feeding squirrels at the park. Regular visits to the library and sharing of stories promote early reading skills and children concentrate as they look for pictures in books and learn initial letter sounds. The childminder talks and listens to children to encourage good behaviour. Consistent routines mean that children feel secure and are happy to suggest activities, such as going to the playing field to play football. Social skills are developed through visits to local toddler groups where younger children are able to learn about wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued by the childminder, which enhances their self-esteem. All children are encouraged to participate in the activities offered and have equal access to toys and games. The childminder has a confident approach to equal opportunities and encourages children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. Children have access to few resources, but frequent visits to the library and resource centre enable children to learn about diversity. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion and is willing to care for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Children's individual needs are addressed as the childminder communicates well with parents, promoting consistency of care between the setting and home. Children's behaviour is generally good and they are encouraged to learn right from wrong through consistent boundaries and routines. Strategies are agreed with parents at registration,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to promote good behaviour. Children's contracts include a small number of policies, such as a sick children policy. The childminder works with parents and offers support, especially regarding children's diet and behaviour. She is aware of the need to maintain a complaints log to share with parents and knows how to record any concerns if necessary. Parents write that they are confident and happy with the childminder, who is dedicated to their children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has undertaken training to ensure that she is suitably qualified to care for children. All members of the household are suitably vetted which promotes children's safety. She meets all current conditions of registration and is committed to providing a caring and supportive environment for all children. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to notify Ofsted of any significant changes. Resources, time and space are effectively organised to meet children's needs and to enhance their enjoyment. For example, children are able to access toys at a low level, there is a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities, and areas of the home provide opportunities for different types of play. All required documentation relating to childminding is well maintained and is appropriately stored to ensure confidentiality. Systems are in place to record attendance and accidents, which promote children's health, safety and

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Organisation

well-being. A small number of written policies are available, although most of the childminder's practice is shared verbally with parents.

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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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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration 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): • obtain consent for emergency medical treatment • maintain the garden to minimise hazards to children • update knowledge of the correct procedures to follow regarding child protection • continue to develop resources which are appropriate to children's needs and which enhance children's understanding of the wider world.

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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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