Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283851 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date Ingrid Pine 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 is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years and currently has three children on roll. She lives with her husband and two children in a house in Gildersome. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the premises for outdoor play. Nearby there are shops, schools, childcare groups, parks and open spaces.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a sufficiently maintained and clean home. There are mainly good routines in place to ensure that children learn about the importance of personal hygiene. For example, liquid soap and disposable towels are available in the toilet and younger children use wipes to clean their hands before having their snack. However, nappy changing routines are not sufficiently secure to ensure that cross-infection is minimised.

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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 The childminder has a written sickness policy. This is discussed with parents and carers and they understand the need to keep their children at home when they are ill. Accident and medication records are in place. However, at times these are not always completed sufficiently. At present the childminder does not have an appropriate first aid certificate in place. This compromises the safety and welfare of young children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes children's understanding of healthy eating very well. Children have a very good choice of healthy fruit for snack and enjoy nutritious meals that are prepared with fresh produce. Drinks are available at all times as children have their own cups in the play area. Children's individual eating needs are discussed with parents and carers to ensure they have a balanced diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical exercise. They walk to and from school and visit local play gyms and childcare groups where they have many opportunities to use a range of resources that develops their fitness. During the summer they learn to manoeuvre wheeled toys in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good knowledge of young children's ages and stages of development. She has accessed the 'Birth to three matters' framework training and provides a stable and loving environment where children feel secure. For example, they receive lots of hugs and cuddles and sleep and rest according to their own individual needs, with special comforter blankets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe as they are cared for in a very secure environment. Doors are locked at all times, visitors' identification is checked before they enter the premises and the gate is operated electronically from within the house. The home is organised so that children can be easily supervised at all times and young ones are checked regularly whilst they are sleeping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Furniture and equipment such as fire guards, gates, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors ensure the environment is safe for children. Toys and resources are of high quality and appropriate for the needs of children, providing an interesting and stimulating environment. They are set up so that children can freely choose and initiate their own play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to learn about their own safety. The childminder reminds them to tidy up so they do not fall over toys and ensures they are seated safely in a high chair when eating snacks and meals. The childminder is vigilant with regards to the new kitten and explains that children should not touch or tease it. Outdoors, children are kept safe as they have established rules. The childminder explains that children should stay close to her, particularly when any dogs are around, and only use safe places to cross the road. Children practise regular fire drills, ensuring that they know the importance of a swift emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is sufficiently protected as the childminder has information on local child protection procedures and knows how to deal with any issues. However, updated information regarding the Local Safeguarding Children Board is not readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children really enjoy their time in the family-orientated setting. The childminder knows them well and they respond to her care and attention. Young children receive lots of hugs and cuddles

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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 and she encourages them to develop their skills and interests. For example, they thoroughly enjoy playing with the dough and using their imagination through pretending to go shopping.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Play is largely child-led and children play with purpose in a stimulating and interesting environment. The childminder has accessed the early years Foundation Stage introductory training and is aware of the benefits of planning and assessment to further children's development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts well with young children, telling appropriate stories and using relevant questions to encourage their language development. Sessions of dance and song encourage children to develop their sense of space and rhythm. They are confident and happy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a supportive family environment. They are made to feel welcome and the childminder works with parents and carers to cater for their individual needs. Children have equal access to an appropriate range of activities and facilities and they are encouraged to respect one another. The childminder spends time with young children encouraging them to share and to play together. She sits with them and tries to give equal time and attention. The childminder spends time with other providers in the area as part of the Allsorts Childminder Group. This encourages children to socialise with others and builds up their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder acts as a good role model and encourages appropriate behaviour in a calm manner. She understands the developmental stages of young children and manages such things as tantrums and selfish attitudes with appropriate actions and positive encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built up sound relationships with parents and carers. They are given sufficient information to ensure they know about the safety and care of their children. They are confident in the support they receive. However, information regarding complaints and lost or uncollected children is sparse.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her space well to provide children with a safe and secure environment. She ensures they are supervised at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder accesses regular training and is aware of the need to regularly update her skills and knowledge. However, although training has been organised, she does not currently hold an up to date relevant first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Most required documentation is in place and there are some additional written policies and procedures in place. However, organisation of paperwork and supportive information is not sufficient to ensure that it is readily available.

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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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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve: safety and hygiene within the home with regards to dangerous fluids and hand washing routines; permission for emergency aid; her complaints procedure; medication records; and the security of the outdoor play area. She was also asked to provide more resources that enable children to learn about the wider word and improve information given to parents regarding complaints.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since that inspection children's safety has been safeguarded by the provision of a secure entrance system, improved recording of medication and permissions from parents for emergency aid. Cupboards in the kitchen are now locked ensuring that dangerous fluids are out of reach of the children and a satisfactory complaints procedure has been introduced. However, hand washing routines as part of the nappy change procedure still need to be addressed to ensure the risk of cross-infection is minimised. Children's awareness of equality of opportunity has been increased as the childminder has obtained more resources and plans more activities relating to diversity and the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 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): • develop child protection procedure to show how complaints will be dealt with. • ensure medication records are completed satisfactorily • ensure nappy change routines sufficiently minimise the risk of cross infection • ensure updated documentation regarding child protection procedures is readily available • develop complaints policy and procedure for lost or uncollected children • ensure a first aid certificate, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children, is completed • organise paperwork and documentation to ensure it is readily available.

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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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