Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281779 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2007 Inspection date Josephine Ann Northend 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 a registered childminder since March 2004. She lives with her husband and their two children aged six and eight years in a house in the Meadow view area of Ingelby Barwick which is close to local amenities including shops, schools and parks. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding. Bathroom facilities are provided on both floors of the home. There is access to an enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years. There are currently four children under eight years on roll and the childminder also cares for children who are over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Ingelby Barwick childminder group.

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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 have good opportunities to develop large physical skills. They enjoy a good range of activities that contribute to their good health and take part in regular outdoor activities in the fully enclosed garden. They also visit the local park, walk to and from school each day and regularly visit playgroup. Children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines, the good examples set by the childminder and by the gentle reminders offered to them. For example, children wash their hands regularly and learn about why they need to do so. Effective procedures followed by the childminder result in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. The childminder has good systems in place for accident and medication recordings and the records support confidentiality. However, children's health needs are not fully met as consent for emergency medical advice or treatment has not been requested from parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure food and drinks meet children's dietary needs. Regular drinks are offered to the children and they enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables. Children are encouraged to try different foods to promote their healthy growth and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a child orientated and friendly home where most risks are identified and minimised. The childminder has clear health and safety policies in place to support her practice. Recommended safety equipment is in place and children are closely supervised by the childminder. This means children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. However, the front entrance to the property is not fully secure and a room heater is accessible. This compromises children's safety. A detailed fire plan is in place and emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Furniture, equipment and toys which are of good quality and in a safe, well maintained condition are provided to promote children's development and welfare. Toys are available for all ages and in sufficient quantities to ensure children enjoy a wide range of activities to promote all areas of their development. A range of activities are stored 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

The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a good understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The high quality relationships between the childminder and the children means the children are well settled, content and secure in her care. The outstanding adult-child interactions support children's communication skills extremely well, for example, story time captures the children's

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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 imagination and they are keen to become involved in the story, predicting what will happen next. The childminder shows keen interest in what the children have to say and extends the children's thoughts and ideas through sharing her own experiences. This contributes to their sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in an excellent range of well planned activities and outings that promote learning in all areas of their development. The childminder plans an appealing range of activities which take into account children's individual interests. She observes the children and is very aware of their individual progress and achievements. The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of how children learn and makes wonderful use of the Birth to three framework in order provide a range of stimulating and appropriate activities. Photographs are available for parents, showing their child playing and what the children are achieving.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The consistent support, praise and encouragement given to the children means they learn to be to be increasingly independent, for example, as they are encouraged to manage tasks on their own. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem extremely well. Children are acquiring new skills and knowledge all the time and respond to challenge with excellent support and attention from the childminder. They learn shape sorting and problem solving with age appropriate puzzles and they learn to name colours and count.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Equality of opportunity is exceptionally well promoted within the setting. The childminder is fully aware of children's individual needs and ensures that all children are fully included in the life of the setting. Children effectively learn about the needs and feelings of others with sensitive and appropriate explanations from the childminder. For example, children are exceptionally well behaved and when teaching them about responsible behaviour the childminder encourages them to think about how other people may feel.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are actively learning about wider society with the very good range of resources and activities made available. The childminder spends time choosing items that reflect positive images, but that are appropriate and useful for the age of the children in her care. There are currently no children with special needs attending the setting. However, the childminder has a very positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs and has completed relevant training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works exceptionally well in partnership with parents, they are kept fully informed of how their child has been. The childminder completes a written daily diary book that is shared with parents, this includes details of the child's day and activities they have been involved in. Information is clearly displayed for parents on a notice board and the childminders written policies are shared with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has a very professional attitude towards her role as a childminder, showing exceptional commitment to her responsibilities and a very high regard for the well-being of the children in her care. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards personal training and development. Since becoming registered she has attended many additional training courses including safeguarding children and early years foundation stage. This has increased her

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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 knowledge and skills and allowed her to develop her practice. The childminder makes excellent use of the Birth to three framework to plan and provide a range of stimulating and appropriate activities.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation needed for the safe and efficient management of the provision is available, very well presented and up to date. Many additional, good practice records are available and the childminder has an excellent range of written policies and procedures in place. Parents have access to these at any time and they receive comprehensive information about the childminder and her provision.

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Organisation

Adult-child ratios are maintained and the excellent organisation of the provision enhances children's health, safety, enjoyment, overall achievement and contribution. 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 the child protection policy contains all relevant information. The policy has been updated and now includes all relevant information. This means the welfare of children is safeguarded.

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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): • request consent for emergency medical advice or treatment from parents. • improve safety in relation to heaters and the security of the premises.

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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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