Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260375 Unique Reference Number 04 January 2008 Inspection date Lesley Sharples 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and their three children aged nine, six and two years. They live in a dormer bungalow near to the sea front in Heysham. All ground floor areas of the property are used for childminding and comprise of the playroom, lounge, main bedroom, kitchen diner and bathroom. There is a garden to the rear.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Registration is for a total of four children and currently there are seven children on roll attending on various days throughout the week. Children over eight years are also looked after and those with learning disabilities and difficulties are supported.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed the NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education in 2005. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the 'Bay' local childminding network. Advice, support and training is gained from the local authority.

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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 kept healthy because the childminder has positive health and hygiene procedures in place to ensure they manage their self help skills. Older children have use of individual towels when independently using the bathroom and wet wipes are in continuous use to keep hands and faces clean for younger children. Nappy changing procedures are consistent with good practice and parents provide individual bags for their children with everything they need. The childminder ensures hygiene is maintained when at groups or on outings, such as using hand gel and has a ready equipped bag for this purpose. The childminder is conscious of maintaining hygienic standards within the home, for example, wiping the table before and after eating snacks and meticulous hand washing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy physical activity. They walk to and from school, visit indoor play areas and the local playground, gaining the benefits of fresh air and exercise. They have access to a wide range of wheeled toys to promote physical skills. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and in full consultation with parents. Documents relating to the administration of medication and the recording of accidents fully supports children’s health and safety. This means that requirements are met and children's welfare assured.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of healthy eating since the childminder provides them with a range of nutritious foods, for example, pieces of various fruits for snack and homemade meals. There is a positive approach to offering the children a balance of healthy foods through the provision of fresh produce as well as eating out on occasions. Water is always available for children to drink, so they are never thirsty. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder uses information from parents to meet any requirements.

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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 welcoming environment where they are able to move around freely and safely. The premises include a playroom where children easily access a stimulating range of resources and activities. The childminder is evaluating this room to further maximise opportunities for children. The equipment and resources provided for the children are well maintained and of good quality throughout.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes effective precautions to ensure the safety of the children in her care and to minimise accidents occurring. This is supported by taking the necessary precautions to keep children safe and secure on the premises. For example, the childminder skilfully explains to children safety practices in event of fire by practising emergency evacuation procedures. She ensures children respond appropriately to different procedures according to where the 'fire' is. The last one recorded in the childminder's diary showed a 'front door fire' so children used the rear door and know where to assemble. The outdoor area is not completely safe but is made secure when children are playing out. Children are transported regularly in the car and relevant car seats and belts are in place alongside required documentation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has updated her knowledge and understanding of child protection by attending relevant training. The childminder is hence clear about her role and responsibilities and has secure knowledge and understanding of procedures in line

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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 with Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. She has all the required documentation in place to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted, such as the document 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder providing individual children with good levels of care and attention to ensure their needs are met. This is achieved by ensuring attention is divided equally. The childminder uses her qualification and experience to provide children with a wide variety of activities which enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development. For example, they freely access materials independently such as many books and role play items.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken to different venues each morning which significantly promotes their social development. It is at these settings where a group of childminders plan craft activities and offer these to children. They make cards, star faces, decorate plates with special pens and do handprint calendars to take home. Alongside these activities children also play with different textures, such as jelly and cold cooked pasta.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends her time with the children listening and talking with them, which enhances their language and communications skills very effectively. She gives cuddles to reassure younger children and they respond positively to this by smiling and waving. She uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework informally to observe what children are doing and identifying their next steps, for example, extending language skills. Young children do not have opportunities for self discovery with natural materials to capture their interest and provide for natural curiosity. The childminder records a daily log which reflects what they have been doing and entries illustrate activities such as playing in a pop up tent and playing 'peek a boo'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the childminder's home and they have equal access to all areas, resources and activities. They are treated with equal concern and their individual needs met well since the childminder obtains all relevant information and understands the importance of working closely with parents. She has a good understanding of equal opportunities issues and how this affects practice which is reflected in her brief policy. Children access a range of resources that contributes to their awareness and understanding of the immediate and wider world, for example, resources include small world figures books and jigsaws.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that some children may have learning disabilities and difficulties and knows to be proactive in ensuring these needs are met by working in partnership with parents. She is committed to supporting parents and would work with other professionals to promote the welfare and development of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to distinguish between right from wrong as they are encouraged to be kind, friendly and share during their play. The childminder uses effective strategies, such as offering plenty of alternatives and diverting children's attention. The childminder has a written statement for behaviour management, but does not have full understanding of the requirements relating to incident recording should physical restraint be used. Partnership with parents is maintained through daily communication and a written log. Contracts of agreement are

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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 established as well as appropriate consents. Feedback from parents, through cards and letters, is very positive on the childminder's commitment and the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is organised and efficient in her approach. The space, facilities and resources are well maintained and provide the children with a suitable range of opportunities in their play and learning experiences. The childminder is actively involved with the local childminder network group and children gain many benefits from this. She attends relevant childcare training courses as part of her ongoing development including a valid first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Documentation, such as informal policies and procedures, are appropriately shared to enhance the quality of care each child receives. Confidentiality is acknowledged as important and maintained. She stores information held on children in a secure filing cabinet and is organised in her approach to maintaining records. Children's attendances are accurately maintained and up to date and evidence ratios met.

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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 it was agreed to ensure the rear garden was safe for children to use and to obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle and for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder's garden is not totally safe due to stored wood panels and slabs of concrete covering the drains and so a further recommendation has been raised. Consents, however, have been gained as required and the childminder carries these on her person at all times.

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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):

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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 • improve safety in the garden in relation to the drain covers and stored wood • increase aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework by provision of opportunities for self discovery play with natural materials • ensure full understanding of incident recording in relation to physical restraint.

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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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