Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285630 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2008 Inspection date Paula Fretwell 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 June 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18 months and 11 and six years in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The downstairs of the home is mainly used for childminding activities and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. There are five children on roll, all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a dog, a parrot and a parakeet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Effective routines and procedures ensure children's good health is maintained. The risk of cross infection is minimised when hand washing because children use anti bacterial soap and disposable towels. Children are not accepted if they have any infectious illness because the childminder

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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 is aware of the importance of infection control. Minor accidents and medication are recorded clearly and information is shared with parents about their child's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met through the childminder working closely with parents. All special requirements are discussed and the childminder is aware of any allergies and preferences. Food brought from home is safely stored until needed and the childminder ensures mealtimes are relaxed, with close observation of children's food intake. Drinks are regularly offered and children know their individual cups so they do not become thirsty throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical needs are met through many opportunities for them to explore and play according to their development. The childminder ensures indoor areas used by babies are safe with no trip hazards and she is aware of their rapidly increasing development, providing suitable activities, such as help with the rocking horse. Children enjoy regular fresh air including local walks, such as to see the horses in the fields. The childminder uses her garden and accesses soft play facilities whenever possible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe and secure in the childminder's care. The environment is attractive to children with their artwork displayed for everyone to see. Toys and resources are of good quality and easily accessible so that children can readily choose what they need. The childminder joins in to ensure they play safely. The childminder is very observant of children in their play and she is aware of any potential hazards, taking care to ensure the risk of accidents is minimised. Children learn about everyday safety through talking about issues such as 'stranger danger' or care near traffic and strange dogs when out walking. Children learn about fire safety through practising emergency evacuations, although details of these are not recorded or monitored for effectiveness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in safeguarding children and she knows the procedure to follow in the event of a child protection concern. She updates her knowledge through training and has all relevant contact numbers easily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care and secure relationships enable them to develop confidence. Children enjoy a wide variety of activities that challenge and stimulate them and the childminder has a good knowledge of each child's stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Very young children make their needs known and the childminder responds promptly, giving cuddles and attention as required. The childminder interprets children's early language skills very well and helps them to extend their vocabulary in all activities, such as when naming body parts and colours or counting. Children enjoy looking at interactive books with the childminder. For example, they excitedly touch a pop-out alligator and help turn the pages of the book. Children say nursery rhymes with the childminder and she encourages them to join in with puppets, such as 'humpty dumpty'. Children benefit from plenty of individual attention and the childminder divides her time up fairly between them.

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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 good. Children are valued and welcomed in the setting. The childminder works closely with parents to meet the children's individual needs and she understands each child's personality and abilities. Children have access to some resources which show positive images to help them learn about the needs of others, although the range is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour, depending upon the age and understanding of each child. The childminder works alongside children to promote their positive behaviour and she encourages them to share and play nicely together. Children understand simple rules and the childminder is a good role model for encouraging manners and sharing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and they receive helpful information about the service provided and about their child's day. Parents are welcome to look at the childminder's portfolio and they have a daily diary with key information about what their child has been doing. Parents express their satisfaction with the service through complimentary letters and regular verbal communication with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the caring, friendly environment in which they can explore and choose what they wish to do. The childminder supports their developing independence through the effective organisation of space and resources. For example, children enjoy sitting on the sofa in the lounge with the childminder to look at books, or exploring the conservatory in which they can reach their own toys.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of changes affecting her role, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage and she ensures her knowledge is up to date. The childminder works to the requirements of her registration but is not always clear about when to notify Ofsted of significant events. All documentation is up to date and filed securely and parents are assured of confidentiality.

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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 the childminder was asked to improve children's safety by becoming familiar with child protection procedures and injury recording. This has been addressed through training and all necessary recording is in place. The childminder was also asked to develop a safe evacuation plan and ensure fire exits are kept clear. All exits are clear and a plan is in place, which is practised regularly although the effectiveness of fire evacuation is not monitored or recorded. The childminder was asked to increase the range of resources which promote children's awareness of diversity. Some resources are in place and the childminder continues to address this issue.

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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

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 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): • ensure Ofsted is informed about significant events • ensure the effectiveness of fire drills is monitored to promote children's awareness of safety • continue to develop resources and activities which promote children's awareness of diversity.

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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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