Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY280247 Unique Reference Number 06 March 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 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 2004. She lives with her children aged 15 years and 14 years and one adult daughter in an area of Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire. The whole ground and two first floor bedrooms and bathroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both of whom attend on a part-time basis. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and visits the local parks. The family have a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a home that is very clean and tidy. Satisfactory procedures are implemented to maintain their health and minimise cross infection. These include using a disposable mat for nappy changing and appropriate disposal of nappies. Routines are implemented to promote children's hand washing before eating and after toileting. However, individual hand drying facilities are not provided. Children learn by example as they observe the childminder's hygiene

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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 routines, such as cleaning surfaces before food preparation. Toys are cleaned regularly and children are able to help at this time. Policies and procedures to promote children's health are generally followed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The outdoor area is used well to promote children's exercise on a daily basis. Children aged two years demonstrate their enjoyment when using sit and ride toys and small trikes. They enjoy visits to the local park and walks around the local community. This promotes children's exercise and general well-being as they learn to gain control of their bodies. Children's dietary requirements are managed in partnership with parents and their wishes are acknowledged. A hot nutritious meal is provided daily for children in addition to snacks of biscuits and dried fruit. Drinks of juice and water are offered to young children throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home environment is well maintained and children and parents are welcomed into the setting. The lounge is set up well with a suitable range of toys that stimulate children's interest. The lounge provides a suitable rest area for young children as they sleep soundly in a pushchair. Rooms are appropriately heated and ensure children remain warm and comfortable. A good range of safe and suitable indoor toys is easily accessible and supports children's play and learning. However, outdoor toys are limited and generally in a poor state of repair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A conducted risk assessment of the home and garden ensures children can move around safely. Low-level cupboards are secure and safety gates are in place to 'no go' areas of the home. The childminder is aware of the fire safety procedure and has planned an escape route to minimise risk to children. The children benefit from the childminder's vigilant approach to their supervision both on and off the premises. When out and about the younger children wear wrist straps when walking. They learn road safety procedures as they follow the childminder's good example when crossing the road. The children's safety is generally enhanced by the childminder's satisfactory understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The structure of the day follows the care needs of the children and what interests them. The morning session begins as children arrive early, have some free time and then walk to school. Toys are put out before the children arrive and, in particular, a good range of pre-school toys is enjoyed by the two year olds. As the number of children cared for is currently low, the children's care is very much on a one to one basis. They remain interested as they learn to make connections when posting shapes and completing simple jigsaws.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Outings are planned at least four mornings a week as children enjoy visits to the local shops, parks and other childminders. This engages children in helping with the shopping as they choose small items and gain a sense of responsibility. Although children do not attend a pre-school group, they socialise with other children throughout the week. Activities generally provide a range of experiences for the children; however, messy and creative play is limited. Over the winter months, children occasionally access an indoor play centre to provide them with new experiences.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children and parents are welcomed into the setting. The care needs of the children are discussed prior to commencement of care and include their likes, dislikes and routines. Registration forms record children's details on entry to the setting and provide a basic baseline from which to get to know the children. A settling-in procedure that includes pre-visits helps children to get to know the family and become familiar with the home environment. Children are cared for on a part-time basis and are fully involved in the family activities as weekend care is provided. Resources are well balanced and meet the needs of the children who are cared for. Activities and resources to raise children's awareness of cultural and racial diversity are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's development is monitored through play and any concerns are raised with parents. Setting information, policies and procedures are generally satisfactory and verbally shared with parents. However, they are not made aware of children's activities and parental consent is not always obtained. For example, to seek emergency advice or treatment for children. Behaviour strategies are discussed with parents and this ensures a consistent approach is taken when managing children's behaviour. The childminder sets a good example as she tidies up the toys and engages the help of a two year old. Children are praised well at this time and, therefore, this raises their self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space is organised well to support children in their play and daily routines. Resources are put out in the morning for children's arrival and changed throughout the day to maintain their interest. Daily outings are organised as part of the children's daily routine as they enjoy bus rides when visiting the local area. The afternoon is organised well around mealtimes and children's sleep routines. Satisfactory systems are in place to record children's attendance and adult to child ratios are good. Floor areas are continually cleared of toys to avoid accidents and ensure children can move around easily.

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Organisation

Children's details are recorded individually and stored securely to maintain their confidentiality. Recording system are implemented and children's details remain up to date. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is aware of the procedure to ensure children develop to their full potential. Resources and activities to promote anti-discriminatory practice still remain limited and, therefore, this impacts on children's learning and building respectful relationships.

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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 not 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 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): • implement good hygiene practices with regard to children's hand drying in order to prevent the spread of infection • ensure toys and equipment for outdoor play are in a good state of repair • obtain parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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