Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY286254 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date June Rice Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She is registered to child mind from the home of another registered childminder who lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 11 years in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The childminder uses a dedicated outbuilding for childminding and the toilets are situated on the first floor of the childminder's home. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The care of the children is usually shared with the co-childminder. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time when working alone or with another childminder. There are currently six children on roll. The childminder drives or walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog, four cats, two guinea pigs and a hamster.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines. For example, the dedicated food preparation area is cleaned before and after use, and colour coded chopping boards are used for cooked and raw food. The childminder ensures the environment, toys and equipment are clean and suitable for use through the implementation of regular cleaning procedures, and disposable gloves are used when cleaning up bodily fluids. Children who are poorly benefit from being made comfortable, parents are contacted and children collected when necessary. Children with infectious illnesses are excluded in order to protect others from the risk of cross infection. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices. They are encourage to brush their teeth, wash their hands after the toilet, and use individual colour coordinated bowls and face clothes to wash

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

before meals and after craft activities. They learn about healthy living and enjoy physical activity through their enjoyment of outside activities and lots of fresh air. Children benefit from being able to rest and sleep according to their needs, keeping to a routine similar to home. Children are well nourished and learn about healthy eating through a well balanced diet. They enjoy fresh fruit and home cooked meals from menus that are regularly rotated to provide variety. Children benefit because the childminder is aware of allergies and specific dietary needs, and has recently attended a food hygiene course to update her knowledge and understanding. The childminder demonstrates satisfactory knowledge of first aid procedures. However, she does not have an up to date first aid certificate and this is a breach of regulations.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit because premises are generally safe and they are constantly supervised. For example, the gate is secure while children are playing outside, and adequate measures are taken to protect them from the greenhouse. For example, children are restricted from the immediate area of the greenhouse. However, the greenhouse has not been made safe and the outside area is not always secure. Children use suitable and safe equipment that meets BSEN safety standards and is checked regularly. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. They learn how to use equipment safely, they sit down while eating and discuss stranger danger. During outings the childminder is suitably equipped for emergencies and children learn about road safety. However, children are not included in emergency evacuation practise. Therefore are not learning to understand the need to evacuate the premises quickly in an emergency. Children

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practise when necessary.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the setting, they enjoy activities and play opportunities that are effectively planned to help promote their learning through play. They enjoy drawing and painting days, and planned craft activities such as making fridge magnets with their photograph and palm crosses to celebrate Easter. Children enjoy hand and foot printing, they bake and grow beans, taking an interest in how things change. Children enjoy activities that develop their physical skills, such as riding scooters, climbing slides and ball games. Children have developed secure relationships with the childminder and are developing good relationships

p.3

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 with their peer group. They benefit from trips to large parks where they enjoy walks, feeding ducks and using different slides, and swings. Children enjoy singing and listening to musical instruments, they take an interest in what is happening around them and ask what other children are doing. Children enjoy using dough and learn how to use different implements to cut and roll it. They enjoy using their hands to pat and poke the dough and say, 'look I'm squashing it together'. Children enjoy outside activities such as sand, water and a paddling pool.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals. They become aware of their wider society through using a range of toys and equipment that reflect positive images of diversity and they celebrate different festivals through craft. For example, they make Chinese lanterns and taste different food. They use a multi lingual telephone and enjoy books on varied topics including people in different jobs. Children are very independent in their play and select from a good range of toys and activities on offer. Children are cared for by a childminder who works closely with parents to meet individual children’s needs. Children are very comfortable in their environment, move about freely and interact well with the childminder and other children. Children understand responsible behaviour, they are learning to work alongside each other, to share and take turns. Children are well behaved and are learning right from wrong through the childminder's positive

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

approach to managing behaviour. For example, small disagreements are quickly dealt with, the children are asked what the problem is and helped to calm down. Children are learning respect for others through the childminder using respectful language while talking to them, and encouraging them to say please and thank you. Partnership with parents is good. Children benefit because clear information is shared, parents are kept informed of their progress by the work children take home, the work that is proudly displayed and photographs of children enjoying activities and play opportunities.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit because the childminder has a sense of purpose and commitment to continual improvement. For example, training undertaken since the last inspection includes food hygiene, child protection, the 'Birth to three matters' framework and Early Years Foundation Stage awareness. However, she has not updated her first aid certificate. She gives regard to the well-being of all children, she knows them well and interacts when appropriate. Children enjoy a varied day in an environment that is well set out, and organised effectively to ensure they experience a good balance of inside and outside opportunities. Children benefit because the childminder uses records effectively. All required documentation is in place and completed appropriately. Detailed policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure they have a clear understanding of how the provision works. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the

p.4

Organisation

range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the previous inspection recommendations were raised to improve the range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. Also to develop own understanding of the procedures to follow if an allegation is made against the provider or a member of the household. Since the inspection the provider has extended the range of toys, equipment and activities that reflect positive images and improved her knowledge of the Local

p.4

Improvements 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 Safeguarding Children Board procedures. This has a positive impact on children's learning, safety and well being.

p.4

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. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the greenhouse is made safe before children have access • ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent unauthorised persons gaining admittance • practise an emergency escape plan and ensure children understand the need to evacuate quickly in an emergency • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5