Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY249288 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2007 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged six, nine and 10 in a house in Potters Bar. The whole of the ground and first floor of the house are used for childminding and there is a garden for outdoor play. The family has a collection of fish in an indoor fish tank and two pet rabbits.

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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. She is currently minding five children under five on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well as the childminder has good medical procedures in place. Her records are maintained appropriately and parents are kept informed about the administration of medication. Children are well taken care of in the event of an accident as the childminder has good access to first aid equipment. They are protected from infection because she excludes any who have an infectious illness.

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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 Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder provides individual hand towels for children and changes children's nappies in a hygienic manner. In this way she helps to prevent the risk of cross-infection. Children are becoming aware of good hygiene practice themselves. They are encouraged to wash their hands after being outdoors or using the toilet. These procedures contribute effectively to children staying healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about a healthy lifestyle through discussion at mealtimes. They enjoy a healthy snack of fruit each morning and, at lunchtime, they talk about which foods are good for them. If cooking meals for children the childminder provides a balanced diet to encourage children to try different foods. Children enjoy the social aspect of mealtimes as they eat together at the dining table. The childminder ensures that children with special diets eat appropriately and do not swap foods. She provides access to drinks throughout the day to avoid the risk of dehydration. Therefore, children are well nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good opportunities for regular physical activity. They particularly like playing outdoors in the well-resourced back garden. The childminder helps them to explore the climbing frame, swings and trampoline safely. They enjoy bouncing on a small trampoline indoors and move around freely and safely, thereby developing body awareness. On trips to the park they use a variety of play equipment. These activities encourage children to develop their control and coordination. In this way they keep fit and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. They enjoy playing in a spacious and comfortable living room where they have good access to a selection of resources. There are good facilities for children to sleep in the upstairs rooms. Children are generally safe and secure on the premises because the childminder minimises potential risks. For example, she stores cleaning materials out of reach of children and makes use of safety gates to restrict access to staircases. However, there is a potential risk to children's security when playing outdoors as the garden gate has a low-level catch and no lock.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a range of suitable resources and equipment. The childminder checks these for safety and ensures that very young children do not have access to toys with small parts. She rotates her resources in order to offer variety and maintain children's interest. Children are well supervised when using the bathroom upstairs. They sleep safely because the childminder checks regularly on them. There are adequate fire precautions in place and the childminder has devised an evacuation plan in case of an emergency. However, she does not practise the procedure regularly in order to be sure that it works effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children keep safe on outings because they have an increasing awareness of personal safety. They know to stay with the childminder at all times and learn how to keep safe when playing on large equipment or walking near to roads. For example, they know to wait for a 'green man' before they cross the road. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is aware of safeguarding procedures. If she has any concerns she has the necessary information available to enable her to seek advice. Therefore children are well protected in this area.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy exploring various toys while sitting on the carpet playing with her. She engages them in conversation and this helps to promote their self-confidence. They readily ask questions and talk about themselves and their families. Children choose independently from the resources on offer and benefit from the interest shown by the childminder in their choices. She interacts to enhance their play and children have much fun, for example, when learning how to knock down wooden skittles. They respond with interest to the introduction of different toys, such as a colour matching set, and are well supported as they work out where to put the coloured pegs. Children's developmental needs are met effectively through these opportunities for free choice play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a range of activities which support their learning in different situations. The childminder has a good understanding of how young children learn, as illustrated in the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children develop communication skills as they learn to respond to her in conversation, copy her speech and listen to stories. They have good opportunities to use their imagination and be creative. They especially enjoy a puppet theatre and a set of dressing-up clothes. In creative activities children explore various materials as they paint, print or make collages and cards. Older children are able to increase their knowledge of letters and numbers through playing games and using technological toys. Consequently children make progress in their learning through taking part in a variety of activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and included. They are very content in the childminder's company and appreciate her welcoming and friendly nature. Young children often approach her for a cuddle and they soon develop a sense of belonging. The childminder understands how to promote equal opportunities and ensures that children do not feel left out. She is attentive to their practical needs and encourages them to be aware of others' needs, for example, if accidentally hurting another child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to make decisions through being offered choices. They receive good support as the childminder is always on hand to help out. They learn about diversity in society through using resources that reflect cultural differences. They find out about different festivals through participating in organised activities, for instance, at Halloween they delight in the face carved on a large pumpkin and learn to make masks and mobiles. The childminder has appropriate procedures in place for supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave in an appropriate manner as the childminder encourages them to share fairly and take turns. They have good relationships with each other and play harmoniously as a group. She has appropriate strategies in place for managing behaviour. She distracts very young children if necessary and often encourages children to watch the fish as this has a particularly calming influence. The childminder works closely with parents and carers. They receive information about her provision and find out about the events of each day when collecting their children. New children are helped to settle in through a system of visits and outings. Parents are aware of how to raise a concern if necessary. They all express their satisfaction with the care on offer. Children benefit from this close working partnership.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's procedures work well in practice to promote the outcomes for children. The childminder ensures that her paperwork is easily accessible and all information about children is kept in a secure place. Her attendance register is well maintained. Parents are asked to complete written contracts and include information about their children's individual needs. All necessary permissions are sought. Overall the childminder's documentation provides a sound framework for her practice.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to the ongoing improvement of her provision and keeps up to date with all necessary training. She has recently attended courses in Food Hygiene and Inclusion. She has a high regard for the well-being of all children and ensures that they have quality time in her care, encouraging them to take part in different activities and enhancing their enjoyment. She provides plenty of space for children to play and a variety of opportunities for free exploration and organised activities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to review her written permissions regarding medication. These are now worded appropriately and completed in full by parents. This response has contributed to an improvement in the procedures for promoting children's health.

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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): • practise the evacuation procedure regularly and ensure that children are secure in the back garden.

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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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