Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271520 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2007 Inspection date Kelly Eyre 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 and one child aged three in Northampton. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five during the day. She is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a Level 3 City and Guilds 'National Vocational Qualification in Early Years Care and Education'.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and development is promoted because they have regular opportunities to participate in a wide variety of physical activities. For example, they are able to develop and

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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 practise skills such as balance, control and co-ordination as they play in the garden using ride-on toys, a mini trampoline, and bats and balls. Regular walks and visits to local parks ensure that this area of development is consistently promoted. Children also enjoy structured activities such as action rhymes, and music and movement sessions. Children are able to develop their hand-eye co-ordination and finer physical skills through their participation in a variety of activities and play opportunities. For example, they are able to manipulate puzzle pieces and use tools such as paint brushes, pens and play dough utensils. Their overall health and physical development are further promoted because the childminder maintains an appropriate first aid qualification, keeps clear records of all individual health needs and records accidents and

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's good understanding of healthy eating helps to ensure that children are well nourished and their physical development is promoted. Sample menus demonstrate that children are offered an appropriate range of all food types, including fresh fruit and vegetables. This area is further supported because the childminder has put together additional information and also holds a food hygiene qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good daily hygiene practices ensure that the spread of infection is minimised. Children wash their hands before snacks and meals, and each child has their own hand towel. Their understanding of the relevance of these practices is promoted because the childminder talks with them about these issues. This area is further supported by written guidance regarding infectious diseases and the exclusion of children who are unwell, further minimising the spread of infection.

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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 welcoming environment where there are displays of their recent work, helping them to feel valued and reinforcing their sense of belonging. Their ongoing safety is prioritised because the childminder has a good understanding of this area and takes positive steps to prevent accidents. For example, children practise the emergency evacuation procedure on a regular basis so that they become familiar with this. This area is further supported because the childminder has additional written policies, for example, a procedure to follow in the event of a child not being collected. However, children's safety in the house is affected because they are able to access low-level glass which does not have safety markings on. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe because the childminder discusses these issues with them and reinforces their understanding by practising procedures such as road

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to access a wide range of toys and play resources. These are well-organised and generally accessible, ensuring that children are able to make choices about their play. Their welfare is well promoted because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection and has put together additional information regarding this area. She has ensured that she has all relevant details and paperwork to enable her to record, report and follow up any concerns without delay.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure, confidently choosing their toys and activities and moving around the childminder's home. They have good relationships with the childminder who joins in with

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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 their play, helping to extend their learning and making them feel welcome and valued. For example, a child enjoys exploring the cars and vehicles and is then encouraged by the childminder to name the colours of the cars and to differentiate between different types of vehicle. Children's learning is further extended because the childminder is skilled in making good use of learning opportunities and play resources, for example, children have made a space rocket during a junk modelling session and now enjoy using this as part of their imaginary play. The childminder also makes good use of everyday objects to offer children additional play opportunities. Examples of this include role play tents and shops, and treasure baskets for babies and younger children to explore.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which includes crafts, construction activities, cooking and regular visits to local toddler groups. This area is further supported because the childminder plans activities in advance, carefully linking the planning to the Foundation Stage to ensure that children are offered a balanced range of activities which cover all areas of learning and development. The thoughtful use of themes and topics helps to maintain children's interest and offers them the opportunity to look in more detail at certain subjects. For example, when covering a topic entitled 'Food', children cooked, listened to relevant stories, made pictures with lentils and pasta, and tasted food from different countries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and are respected because the childminder has a good understanding of the principles of equal opportunities, understanding children's varying needs and ensuring that she is able to meet these consistently. Children's behaviour is good and they are set consistent boundaries. They are able to understand the implications of their behaviour and start to take responsibility for this because the childminder offers them clear explanations. This area is further supported by a practical behaviour management policy, which is shared with parents so that they are aware of the childminder's practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children participate in a wide range of activities which provide opportunities for them to learn about other lifestyles and the diversity of society. For example, they participate in activities connected with celebrations such as Diwali, Christmas, Hanukah and Chinese New Year. They have regular access to an appropriate selection of play resources such as books, dolls, posters and play figures, which give positive images of other ways of life. They are gaining a good awareness of their community through the use of local facilities such as parks and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. They are given a practical welcome pack containing information about the childminder's daily practice, policies and procedures, ensuring that they are clear about the daily care offered. The good use of notice boards, regular discussions and daily diary sheets ensures that parents are kept well-informed of their children's progress and activities. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have learning difficulties or disabilities, the childminder has some experience in this area. She recognises the importance of working closely with parents and of providing appropriate support so that children are able to access toys and participate in activities.

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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. Overall, children's needs are met. Their ongoing safety and welfare are well promoted because all information is accurately recorded, with records being accessible, well-organised and confidentially stored. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards training and to continuously reviewing and improving her practice. She carries out her own research to ensure that she remains suitable to care for children by keeping up to date with current regulation and changes in legislation. She has developed clear policies and procedures which cover most areas of work and these are put into practise on a daily basis, ensuring that children are offered consistent care.

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Organisation

Children's daily care is enhanced by the childminder's careful organisation of her work. For example, she plans ahead to ensure that activities are ready and she has time to spend with the children. Their development is promoted as she pays attention to detail in activity planning. For example, children's time and the daily routine is planned to include balanced opportunities for both structured and independent play. Space within the home is organised so that children can be offered a range of play opportunities. For example, furniture is moved to make space for imaginative play such as making tents, and there is space for craft activities and messy play, and for children to sleep comfortably.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder was asked to obtain public liability insurance. Now that childminding has commenced, this is in place, further promoting children's ongoing welfare.

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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): • ensure that low-level glass is safe or inaccessible to children.

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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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