Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY227493 Unique Reference Number 19 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 16 years in the village of South Killingholme, close to Immingham in North Lincolnshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home with the exception of the bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group, takes children to the mobile library and the local park. The family has a dog, guinea pigs and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clean and tidy home and good hygiene procedures are implemented to maintain children's health and safety. For example, the dining table is wiped with anti-bacterial spray prior to snack and lunch. Children are beginning to take responsibility for their own hygiene, as they routinely wash their hands after toileting and before eating. Procedures are implemented to prevent the spread of infection, for example, children do not attend when they are ill. Children's health details are recorded and a medication procedure is clearly followed to

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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 promote children's health and welfare. There are daily opportunities for children to play outside and take regular exercise as they walk around the local area. The good range of outdoor toys promote children's movement, balance and co-ordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents and there are clear arrangements for the providing of meals. A weekly menu is displayed and offers children a healthy range of hot and cold foods. Children enjoy a cooked meal daily and snacks of fruit and biscuits are available. Children have their own drinks bottle that is refreshed with juice or water throughout the day. Effective measures are taken to ensure children's special dietary requirements are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a home environment that is safe, well maintained and child focused. Toys are stored at low level and support children's self-selection. The children remain comfortable as the home is warmed to an adequate temperature. The dining area with low level sofa is used when children are tired or wish to relax. Suitable furniture, that includes child size tables and chairs, aid children's play and activities. They enjoy a good range of safe and suitable toys appropriate to their age and stage of development. In particular, the good range of outdoor equipment maintains children's interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A risk assessment of the premises is completed to ensure children's safety. For example, the garden remains secure and good safety measures within the home have been taken. Fire safety procedures are implemented and children clearly demonstrate the emergency evacuation procedure. This helps them take responsibility for their own safety. Children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse and the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities that are both adult and child directed. Resources are easily accessible as they independently choose their toys. Children are confident to express their interests as the seasonal weather inspires them to play outside. For example, they show curiosity in the white ice glazed cobwebs that are collected by the childminder. This extends children's learning as they look at the web in detail and describe how it feels. A range of craft materials is available to promote children's creativity when making a collage. They independently use glue sticks, pens and paper, and display increasing concentration when completing activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Lunchtime is a social occasion with the children as they sit with their peers and chat confidently to the childminder. They access a mobile library within the village and this supports children in their choosing of books. Afternoons are generally more relaxed with an opportunity for children to rest and enjoy a story with the childminder. Outings are organised to local parks, farms and coastal area to provide children with new experiences. Children remain happy are well cared for and enjoy a good range of learning experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the setting and are at ease in their care. Children's care needs are discussed in detail prior to commencement of care and supports their individual needs. A good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 settling in procedure, such as organising pre-visits for children and their families, is implemented. This helps to build relationships with the children and helps them to feel secure. Children demonstrate increasing independence as they tidy away their toys and choose their activities. They are confident to make their needs known to the childminder, such as toileting or the need to play outside. The range of activities available meets the needs of the children and are adapted to support their overall development. Effective systems are in place to monitor children's development in partnership with parents. Children are learning about cultural and racial diversity through play and helps them to develop respectful relationships with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good strategies to manage children's behaviour in partnership with parents. In particular, a behaviour policy is implemented and a consistent approach to rules are applied. Explanation is used well to help children learn to share their toys and respect the feelings of their peers. Children remain interested and engaged in their play and, therefore, incidents are limited. Comprehensive setting information, policies and procedures are available and keep parents informed of the running of the setting. A notice board displays the daily events and a clear complaints procedure is operated.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's organised approach to managing their care. In particular, the morning session flows well with activities organised to maintain children's interest. Children's meals are pre-prepared and ensures quality time is spent with the children. Furniture is organised well, allowing space for children to move easily around the home. Adult to child ratios are maintained and children's attendance is recorded up-to-date. The childminder's commitment to training and development enhances children's care and learning.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised for ease of use and available for inspection. Children's details are recorded on entry to the setting and updated as required. An effective system is operated to ensure children's records remain secure. Children's details mostly remain confidential, however, parental consent forms do not remain individual to children. 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 reviewed her practice and made changes to develop better partnerships with parents. Multi-cultural resources have been obtained and activities planned to help children develop respectful relationships with others.

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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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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

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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 consent records about individual children are shared only with the child's parent.

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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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