Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY259952 Unique Reference Number 26 November 2007 Inspection date Sandra Davies 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 was registered in May 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged ten, six and one year old. They live in an established residential area of Saltburn, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a dedicated playroom, lounge and dining room available. The toilet is located at ground floor level. There is a large enclosed rear garden available 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 at any one time and is currently minding one child under eight years on a part-time basis and one child over eight years old. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken to parks, soft play and a childminder drop in centre.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of well-being. High standards of cleanliness are maintained in childminding areas, and equipment and toys are cleaned regularly. Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine, such as the childminder ensuring hands are washed as appropriate and by setting a good example. There are good accident, medication and sickness procedures in place and written consent has been requested from parents for seeking medical advice in an emergency. A suitable first aid box is available and the childminder holds an up to date first aid certificate. Comprehensive procedures are in place to promote children's overall health, including an exclusion policy for children who are ill or infectious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from being offered varied, nutritious food. The childminder works well with parents to provide food which is good for the children and meets their dietary needs. They enjoy ingredients that promote their healthy growth and development, including steamed vegetables and fresh fruit. Drinks are readily available, with water, milk and diluted juice being offered. Mealtimes are a social occasion where children sit together with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good opportunities for outdoor play and fresh air. Children regularly engage in physical activities. For example, using bicycles, scooters, bats and balls, visits to parks and walking to and from school. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs and individual routines and children that are tired are made comfortable.

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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 well organised, safe and secure setting. There is a dedicated playroom, lounge and dining room available. Good organisation of space and regular checks ensure that children have room to move around freely and safely. The outdoor play area is fully enclosed and the large grassed area provides a suitable play surface for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is welcoming and child orientated, with a varied range of stimulating toys which contribute to their overall well-being. Furniture, equipment and toys provided are of a good quality and the childminder ensures they are safe and suitable for children's use through regular checking routines. The wide range of play equipment provided promotes children's development. Toys and resources are rotated and made available so that children can reach them easily, make choices and develop their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps are taken to promote safety within the setting and when on outings and proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents. Risk assessments have been carried out and are ongoing. Fire drills have been carried out on a six monthly basis. However, a fire drill has not been carried out since the childminder returned to childminding in May 2007, after maternity leave. This compromises children's overall safety. Children learn to keep themselves safe. For example, as they learn to cross the road safely. Appropriate consents are obtained from parents and who can collect the child is recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in relation to child protection and would be able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. Routines have been established which promote children's sense of security and develop their confidence. Children have a good relationship with the childminder and this increases their sense of well-being. Children's self-esteem is developing as a result of the childminder encouraging and assisting as needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy using a range of resources which the childminder rotates. For example, books, table top games, construction and play dough. They take part in play and learning, appropriately supported by the childminder. There is an effective balance of meaningful routines, free choice opportunities and adult-led activities which maximise the children’s development in all areas of learning. For example, children play board games, enjoy baking, craft activities, have opportunities for physical activity and take part in outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to learn about their community through trips to the parks and drop in centres. There are opportunities to learn about the wider world through multicultural resources and activities. For example, jigsaws, books, small world figures, crayons and paper people shapes of different skin tones.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is developing an understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This ensures that activities are planned to meet the individual needs of the children and that each child makes progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and their needs being met. Comprehensive information is sought and recorded to ensure that individual care is given.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They are settled and happy and make positive relationships with the childminder and their peers. The childminder helps them to negotiate and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Good behaviour is praised and rewards and sticker charts used. Parents are made aware of the behaviour management methods.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Trusting partnerships have been established with parents, to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress through regular discussion with the childminder. Information is shared on a daily basis. Parents are given written information about the provision before their child starts. They are able to access the written policies and procedures. Parents have been provided with a complaints procedure including the address and telephone number of the regulator. There is a parent's noticeboard where further useful information is displayed, including the registration certificate.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates her commitment to providing good quality care for children. For example, she has completed a further childcare course and has attended appropriate workshops. Children’s space is organised in an effective manner and resources meet the children’s

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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 requirements. Individual needs are well met through the childminder’s attention to each child’s requirements.

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Organisation

All necessary documentation is up to date and is well organised and there are appropriate policies and procedures in place. Ofsted were informed of a new playroom available for minded children. However, Ofsted were not informed of another significant event, the birth of a third child. This is a breach of regulation. The childminder has not minded a child under one year old since having her baby.

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Organisation

Children’s care is promoted through the childminder’s approach with regard to confidentiality and children benefit through the childminder’s good relationship with parents. Good quality information is provided and the childminder is committed to providing a good service.

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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

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure that an emergency escape plan is practised. An emergency escape plan has been practised on a six monthly basis. However, a drill has not taken place since the childminder returned to childminding in May 2007. This compromises children's overall safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to provide parents with the name, address and telephone number of the regulator. This information is included in the written leaflet given to parents. An Ofsted poster is also displayed on the parent's noticeboard.

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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 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): • ensure that Ofsted are informed of any significant events • ensure the emergency escape plan is practised on a regular basis.

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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 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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