Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY295848 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2005 Inspection date Alison Margaret Walker 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 4 and 9 years. Shops, library, schools and park are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor first floor bathroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. The family have a guinea pig and a rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she attends a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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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 encouraged to practice effective health and hygiene routines. The childminder gives them constant reminders and takes all reasonable steps to prevent cross infection. The children have a good understanding of why they need to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. A child explains that she washes her hands after stroking the pets to get rid of germs. The childminder is a good role model and washes her own hands after nappy changing and before food preparation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and there is a fully stocked first aid kit available plus a separate one for outings. The childminder's child sickness policy is comprehensive and is discussed in full with all parents during initial meetings. Good precautions are taken to protect the children from the sun, they wear sun hats and sun cream is applied frequently.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with sugar free drinks and water throughout the day and these are easily accessible to them. Drinks are always taken on outings. The childminder provides healthy snacks such as raw carrots, apples, melon, bananas, crackers and bread sticks. These are provided in line with their individual dietary needs and parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day they walk to and from school. Regular outdoor play and visits to local parks improve the children’s physical skills. They enjoy running, skipping and different ball games. A child demonstrates how he can kick and throw a ball. The childminder has a good understanding of what types of physical activities to provide and the levels of support needed to give children confidence to try out new skills and set their own limits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a totally secure and safe environment. There is good evidence of children’s play and creative activity. The children enjoy attending very much, they settle well and are happy and confident. Space is used constructively and activities are well organised. There is suitable low level storage so children can see what is available. Children freely select toys with confidence. They have access to a wide selection of age appropriate of toys, furniture and equipment which are safe and very well maintained ensuring that the needs of all the children attending are fully met. The childminder takes very thorough steps to ensure the children's safety inside her home. All electric sockets are covered, doors are kept secure, risk assessments and fire drills are done, however, the childminder needs to site her fire blanket more appropriately. She has contact details for the children close to hand so she can access

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

these in the event of an emergency. The children are protected from persons who have not been vetted as they are closely supervised at all times by the childminder.

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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 Children are developing a keen understanding of how to keep themselves safe, for example, through practicing good road safety routines. A child explains that she holds the childminder's hand, looks both ways and crosses when all the cars have gone. The childminder explains to children the importance of being safe and what the consequences might be if they did not practice safety, for example, a child says that they must not go into the kitchen when the oven is on because the oven door gets hot and they might burn themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required policies, procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has an appropriate understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are developing their confidence and self-esteem exceptionally well. They are able to freely select resources, for example, children helps themselves to crayons and paper and sit together to draw pictures chatting confidently about what they were doing. The children's art work is displayed including babies hand and feet prints. Children are confidently acquiring new knowledge and skills. Children of all ages are constantly given opportunities to gain new experiences. The childminder is going to attend training on Birth to three matters which she feels will enhance the care and education of the younger children. All the children relate very well to the childminder and are relaxed in her care. They are continually praised for their effort and achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A varied range of enjoyable outings are organised to local places of interest. These enable the children to find out about their local area and to explore and socialise with other children. A range of stimulating activities are provided that are age appropriate, challenging and interesting. The childminder is highly motivated and significantly enhances the children's learning in all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a very good understanding of responsible behaviour. They are encouraged to be polite, to share, be kind to each other and are praised for doing so. The childminder has a well written behaviour management policy which has a clear focus on self discipline, consideration, respect and treating children with equal concern.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The parents have strong partnerships and trusting relationships with the childminder. They are listened to and are kept well informed about the provision and their children’s progress. Clear information is given to new parents on the policies, procedures and the service provided. The childminder also encourages parents to share information and to do several visits prior to the child starting so both parents, child and childminder can get to know each other. She works closely with all parents to meet children’s individual needs such as dietary requirements, sleep patterns and administration of medication. Detailed information is collected on the children, their families, likes, dislikes, religion and health history. This is regularly updated with parents.

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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 Children gain awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through a good selection of resources and activities that promote positive images. There is no gender bias, for example, boys enjoy playing with dolls and girls with footballs. All children are involved, fully included and have equal access to the childminder's time, toys and equipment.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children’s care is enhanced by effective organisation. The childminder regularly evaluates and develops her practice by attending training for example, Birth to three matters and child protection. By attending training the childminder is continuing to improve her knowledge and childcare skills which has a positive impact on the children. She has a good working knowledge of the National Standards. She understands how to interpret them in the best interests of the children she cares for and they form the basis for her policies and procedures. She is currently developing her understanding of how the National Standards link into the new outcomes for children. All the required documentation is in place and this contributes to the good management of the childminding service she provides. All information on the children is stored confidentially but easily accessible if needed in an emergency. This is regularly shared with parents and

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Organisation

The children are happy, settled and confident. This is because the childminder ensures the children have consistent routines. She uses her time, space and resources appropriately to create a stimulating, interesting and safe environment for the children. The children are closely supervised by the childminder and she always ensures that the adult-child ratios are maintained.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of all legal requirements, for example, she knows to notify Ofsted of any changes to her childminding arrangements. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children that attend.

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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 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): • site fire blanket in the kitchen.

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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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