Selby, Rachel

Inspection report for early years provision

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260703 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2008 Inspection date Sharon Watson 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged three months and four years in Bottesford a suburb of Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding six children under eight years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local library and takes children to local parks. The family has a cat and three chinchilla. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a home that is generally clean and tidy. Their risk to cross infection is minimised as health and safety procedures are mostly implemented. Individual hand drying and washing facilities are accessible to children and they clearly know when to wash their hands.

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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 Children observe good hygiene practice and learn through example. In particular, the childminder uses anti-bacterial spray when cleaning food preparation surfaces and tables. The children are exposed to the family pets, however, hygiene procedures are not always monitored effectively. Record keeping to promote children's health is robust and parents are clearly informed of the medication procedure. Arrangements to promote children's exercise and well-being are satisfactory as there is sufficient access to outdoor play, walks around the local area and visits to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive balanced and nutritious meals provided by the childminder. Dietary requirements are discussed with parents to ensure any food allergies or cultural and religious requirements are acknowledged. They receive healthy snacks of fruit or dried raisins throughout their day. Parents are informed daily of children's meals and what has been eaten. The drinking cups of younger children are regularly filled throughout the day as they receive squash, fresh fruit juice and water.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is child focused and provides a warm and welcoming environment for children. Their art work is displayed on the walls and helps parents to share in their achievements. The home is used effectively to support children in their care and learning. For example, the dining room is organised well to support children's messy play and table top activities. Sleep times focus on children's routine and suitable sleeping arrangements are implemented to ensure they sleep soundly. A good range of quality toys are set out daily to stimulate children's interest and provide for varying abilities. Suitable equipment such as a highchair, travel cot, toilet step and seat are used effectively to support children's comfort, independence and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk to children's safety is minimised as the childminder implements effect procedures. A thorough risk assessment is conducted and safety equipment is implemented to ensure children can move around the home safely. Fire safety procedures are adhered to and children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedure. A visit to the fire station has enhanced children's safety as they demonstrate the procedure of stop, drop and roll used in the event of an emergency situation. The children's safety and welfare is successfully promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and the Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Young children enjoy a good range of activities that are planned into their daily routine. They remain interested and stimulated as they take part in creating a flower picture for Mother's day. They choose from a good range of craft resources and demonstrate increasing skill when using scissors and glue sticks. The children are able to make decisions as they choose a favourite colour from a selection of card and flowers. They are praised as the childminder informs them their cutting skills are excellent, therefore, raising their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys are organised in the lounge in boxes to support children's self-selection and imaginative play. They are rotated on a daily basis to meet the needs of the children present. However, consideration is not effectively given to planning and organising of activities for after school children, therefore, their interest is not always maintained. Children enjoy outings away from

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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 the home environment such as local parks, picnics and visits to museums. Children's assessment records are completed and show next steps in children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children remain happy and secure in their care as effective systems are implemented to help children settle well into the setting. The childminder is pro-active in ensuring children's experience of the transition period is good and managed in partnership with parents. All required care arrangements are obtained and children's registration forms are thoroughly completed. The childminder plans well for children's individual learning and development using the 'Birth to three matters' framework. The activities and resources provided consider the children's age and ability as they self-select their play. Photographs evidence children enjoy first hand experiences of cultural and religious diversity. For example, they celebrate cultural festivals and have enjoyed a visit to a Sikh temple.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed in partnership with parents and strategies agreed to ensure a consistent approach is maintained. Children are well behaved and play well together as they remain interested and engaged. The childminder is a positive role model for the children as she helps them to settle their disputes and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children are learning to use manners appropriately as they use please and thank you in their play. Children's progress is monitored and any concerns abut children's development are raised with parents. The childminder promotes good relationships with parents as they are well informed of their children's care at all times. Comprehensive policies, procedures and setting information are shared with parents to enhance the care of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is organised well and ensures children are able to move around easily and carry out activities. Toys are stored at floor level in boxes for children's ease of use. The dining area is organised well to aid children's table top activities. They move freely between all areas of the ground floor and furniture is organised well to enable children to carry out table top activities in other areas of the home. Adult to child ratios are good and children's attendance is maintained up to date. A clear vetting procedure is implemented to ensure assistants are suitable to work with children.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates high commitment to developing her practice. Extensive training has been completed to ensure she remains up to date with current childcare practice. This enhances the children's care and learning. Comprehensive documents are maintained and available for inspection. Children's records are stored securely and remain individual to maintain their confidentiality. 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

Since the last inspection the childminder has reflected on her practice in order to improve hygiene procedures and therefore cross infection between children is minimised. The resources and planned activities to better promote children's equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice have improved.

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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 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): • Ensure animals on the premises do not pose a health risk to children. • Organise resources so that they are readily accessible to all children and supports children's play and learning.

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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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