Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY227069 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Kathryn Margaret Clayton Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and 11 year old daughter in Brigg. Her home is close to local parks, toddler groups and the town centre.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to care for six children and currently four children attend on a part time basis. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding; there is a large lounge, dining kitchen and a separate play room. The fully enclosed garden to the rear provides safe opportunity for outdoor play. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit because they are very active during their time with the childminder. They have daily opportunities to ride bikes and sit and ride toys on the enclosed driveway and regularly go on visits to a local country park. The equipment used within the childminder's own back garden is good and includes bats and balls, football equipment, a climbing frame, tent and

p.2

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 slide. Children learn about healthy eating as they are offered a choice of healthy snacks and meals during the day. For example, snacks of banana or apple and light meals of soup, toast, sandwiches with melon or yoghurts. In agreement with parents the childminder will provide freshly cooked meals such as chicken casserole.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children start to learn about personal hygiene routines with the very effective encouragement of the childminder. She provides fresh individual towels, an attractive soap dispenser, a step and children's toilet seat to support children with toileting and hand washing routines. Children's health is protected because the childminder makes sure she is fully aware of how to deal with specific medical needs, for example, by obtaining training from a qualified nurse. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and records relating to children's health are accurately kept.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained and comfortable home where they enjoy freedom of movement between the lounge, kitchen and playroom. They play with good quality toys that are rotated regularly to ensure they remain interested. Children concentrate well, for example, when playing with construction equipment, puzzles and toy garage, road and cars.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children remain safe in the childminder's home because she has given careful consideration to minimising most risks. For example, there are cupboard locks on the kitchen doors, a fire blanket is readily available within the kitchen, the fireguard is secured and electrical sockets are covered. However, the key to the front entrance door remains in the lock, therefore is a possible risk to children's safety. The childminder starts to teach children about some aspects of maintaining their own safety as she involves them in practising the evacuation of the premises. Children are safeguarded because the childminder follows a suitable policy and understands the responsibility to report any child protection concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very content, settled and happy in the childminder's care. She plans a wide range of activities over the week which include experiences away from the home. For example, children enjoy going to a local stay and play session and a toddler group. Children visit a nearby farm where they see animals and use an indoor play area. Children's learning and development is well promoted. Experiences at home are fun and varied. These include painting and making craft items, sharing stories and singing.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder considers how children are progressing and uses this information to plan suitable activities for them. The childminder effectively encourages their language development through play. For example, the use of simple mathematical language is promoted as a child plays with a car going over a bridge. The childminder talks about what type of fuel is used in the car and encourages the child to solve simple problems such as how to fit a number of play people into the small car. The childminder works closely with parents and supports them, for example, with toilet training.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a friendly and positive atmosphere where they gain some awareness of the wider world as they have access to play people, books and puzzles that reflect a positive image of diversity. Children behave very well because the childminder uses praise and encouragement effectively, for example, when a child is successful with toilet training.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Both parents and children benefit because the childminder works closely to meet children's individual needs. Children are slowly integrated into her care whenever possible, giving them the opportunity to become familiar with her and the environment. There are some useful policies available for parents to read and a daily diary is completed and goes home with the child after every session. The childminder has obtained most of the written permissions needed from parents, with the exception of permission to take children's photographs. Information for parents is clearly displayed within the childminder's home.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit because they are cared for by a childminder who holds a relevant qualification, keeps up-to-date by attending training and is currently undertaking a quality assurance scheme. One example of training attended is an introduction into the Early Years Foundation Stage. The space used by children is well organised, so they have a number of areas where they can play, eat and rest or sleep.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder spends her time directly with the children and offers good supervision and support. All of the necessary documentation is well organised, contains all of the legally required information and is accurately kept. For example, the register of children's attendance. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were given related to safety and resources. Children now have access to some resources that raise their awareness of diversity. Their safety has improved as the childminder understands her responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children.

p.4

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. 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.

p.4

Complaints 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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 keys do not remain in the lock of the front exit door • obtain written permission from parents to take children's photographs.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5