Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY264853 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Jayne Rooke 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 2003. She lives with her husband in Chellaston, Derbyshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and two bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day. The childminder walks or drives to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She has systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and of the local authority childminding network.

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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 outstanding. Children's good health and a healthy lifestyle is promoted very well. Excellent attention to consistent and effective routines helps children to maintain and understand good levels of hygiene. As a result they develop their independence and take responsibility for their own personal hygiene. Children are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. She keeps detailed information regarding children's individual health, dietary and medical needs, including consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop positive attitudes towards healthy food and drink. The childminder is knowledgeable about good health and nutrition and actively encourages children to make choices and decisions about the types of snack they would like, which includes a variety of fresh fruit. Through interesting conversation and activity projects children learn about the benefits of healthy eating. For example, they talk about the 'goodness under the skin' of an apple and compare the taste of different types of fruit as they make fruit kebabs. Children often help to plant and grow vegetables which they cook and taste, further developing children's knowledge of healthy eating. Drinks are accessible to children at all times and they can help themselves to water as an alternative to juice drinks. The childminder helps them to learn that by drinking plenty of water this helps to keep their brain active.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an exciting range of physical play experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They frequently visit indoor and outdoor adventure centres, take part in music and movement activities and enjoy regular nature walks. They often walk to school and talk about how good exercise 'keeps you fit' and 'gives you strong walking muscles'. All children rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they can move around freely and independently. The premises remain secure at all times and children are closely supervised by the childminder. Children use suitable and safe equipment. Resources are stored at child height enabling children to safely select from the attractive storage boxes. The childminder cleans and checks toys and equipment regularly. This means that children play with good quality resources that meet safety standards and which are maintained in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted and the risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has taken effective steps to reduce possible risks. For example, children have supervised access only to the kitchen and hazardous substances are stored securely. Fire safety precautions such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place and the childminder has carefully considered how she would help children to escape in an emergency. Children learn how to keep themselves safe on outings as the childminder teaches them about road safety procedures. They know to stay close to a trusted adult when walking or playing outside of the home. The childminder ensures children are safe when travelling in a car, using appropriate car seats and safety harnesses as required. All relevant safety procedures and documentation are

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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 in place. She keeps a good range of safety literature to inform herself and parents of safety regulations and guidelines, further enhancing children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children. She attends relevant training to enhance her knowledge and skills. As a result, she is confident in her knowledge of all of the procedures to follow should there be any concerns about the children in her care, including allegations procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle and are happy in the setting. They are confident with familiar routines and happy to make choices and decisions from the stimulating range of toys, activities and games. For example, they are interested in drawing games, matching pictures and number cards which supports their development and learning. They have many opportunities to paint, model with play dough and bake 'healthy' carrot cakes. Children's interest in counting and numbers is promoted well as the childminder maximises opportunities at snack time to encourage children to count and estimate the number of grapes they might want to eat. Children particularly enjoy snuggling up with the childminder for a story which helps them to develop an interest in written and spoken words. After a story, they use the pictures to help them to design and create three-dimensional models using natural and household materials. This enhances their creativity

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a close and strong bond with the childminder. She gets down to the children's level and joins in with their play, supporting the development of their language and curiosity with open-ended questions and positive encouragement. She skilfully enables children to try things out and find out what happens next as they compare real and imaginary situations. This ensures children's learning is consolidated and supported well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Attractive photographic records show children's progress and development from an early age. Children thoroughly enjoy looking at the pictures which include 'happy memories' of their 'favourite friends' and family members. The childminder is knowledgeable about how children learn and develop. She uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework successfully to plan and provide learning opportunities and experiences which support and extend children's learning, leisure and personal development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and included because the childminder knows them and their families well. She takes time to talk to parents and is actively involved in activities and routines linked to family events. Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice is actively promoted because all children have access to toys, activities and games which take into account their individual needs and interests. Children are beginning to learn to value diversity, they celebrate different religious and cultural festivals throughout the year and talk about people who are different from themselves. Toys and resources are generally used well to introduce children to other customs and traditions, although few show positive images of people with disabilities. However, the childminder is keen to extend children's knowledge of a diverse society. The childminder does not currently care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

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Helping children make a positive contribution

but has good arrangements in place to enable her to do so. She takes into account any individual

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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 needs and requirements of children and their families to provide support and promote their welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour because the childminder acts as a good role model. She clearly explains routines and what to do, asking children what they want to do next, developing their self-esteem. They learn to play harmoniously with others as they spend their time happily with children of different ages in the childminder's home and at other childcare groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships with parents are maintained so that children's individual needs are met and their care and well-being is promoted. Information about children's routines, activities and progress is shared through daily discussion, written diaries and development information records. These are accessible to parents at any time. Parents receive relevant information about the complaints procedure. They are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the childminder in the first instance to resolve any issues. The childminder has an appropriate method of recording complaints and maintaining confidentiality in line with regulations and guidelines. Parents speak highly of the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The effective organisation of the childcare promotes positive outcomes for children. Appropriate checks have been carried out to ensure children are cared for by a suitably vetted person. Children are supervised by the childminder at all times. They benefit from the childminder's commitment to training and development. For example, she has attended an approved first aid training course, obtaining up-to-date knowledge of first aid procedures. This ensures children receive appropriate care and attention in the event of a medical emergency. Additionally, she attends many childcare, family learning and development training programmes to further extend her knowledge and skills. This significantly enhances children's development and progress. Space and resources are well organised to provide children with a balance of interesting activities indoors and outside and opportunities for quiet and rest.

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Organisation

All of the required documentation and information is kept for the safe and efficient running of the setting. Detailed information is recorded regarding children's care, safety and well-being and all of the required consent information is obtained. Accurate records are kept of children's hours of attendance. The childminder shares written policies and procedures with parents and carers which keeps them fully informed about their children's care. Records are stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and provide a suitable range of toys and activities in order to meet the developmental needs of all children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since then she has attended a child protection awareness programme, developing effective policies and procedures to safeguard children in her care. She has purchased a good variety of toys and equipment to meet children's needs and interests, taking into account their age and stage of development. As a result children make good progress in all areas of development.

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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

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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): • extend the range of resources and activities reflecting diversity and disabilities.

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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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