Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY277533 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2008 Inspection date Christine Holmes 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 satisfactory. 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 child aged 16 and another registered childminder in the town of Heanor, Derbyshire. The front and back rooms on the ground floor and bathroom upstairs in the childminder's home 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 walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. When working with her co-minder she is registered to care for six children. Currently she is sharing the care of 10 children on a part-time basis with her co-minder.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The household has three dogs, a parrot, lizards and tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 satisfactory. Children's health is suitably promoted because the childminder provides a clean and hygienic environment. For example, items including highchairs and kitchen work tops are cleaned with antibacterial spray and children wash and dry their hands with liquid soap and paper towels. This helps to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Suitable arrangements are in place to record accidents and any administered medication. However, the childminder has not obtained permission to seek emergency medical treatment. This does not ensure appropriate action can be taken in the event of children becoming ill or sustaining injury in the childminder's care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Dietary needs are discussed with parents and accommodated well. Children bring all their snacks and meals from home and are able to eat them on request. Drinks are readily accessible for children which helps to ensure they are well-hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air on a daily basis when they walk from school. In finer weather they are able to play in the good sized garden and benefit from a wide range of outdoor equipment which includes a climbing frame, slide, swing, see saw and push along cars. On occasions children enjoy energetic play at the local large indoor soft play area. The helps to support children's physical development.

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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 safe, secure and welcoming environment. This helps them to settle and feel confident. The risk of accidental injury to children is minimised because the childminder has a suitable awareness of all hazards indoors and outdoors. For instance, the side gate in the garden is kept locked and a stair gate is used to prohibit children entering the kitchen or coming into contact with the childminder's dog. This means children are able to move around freely, safely and independently between the front and back rooms. Children have access to a range of furniture and play equipment suitable to meet their different needs. Toys are stored in boxes and on shelves that older children can access freely and safely. Younger children are supported by the childminder to make their choices. This helps to foster their independence and choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe. For instance, most children practise an emergency evacuation plan and they discuss road safety when outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and their welfare is promoted effectively because the childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle and play well in the setting because the childminder is able to give them suitable support. Together with her co-childminder she shares her time well to ensure children are suitably occupied and their needs met appropriately. Children benefit from an interesting and stimulating environment in which they are happy, content and secure. They are able to initiate their own play and follow their own interest which fosters their independence. They play happily

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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 with the childminder building bricks and completing jigsaws. The childminder encourages children's imaginative play because she joins in with the children in their play. For instance, she pretends to have her make up put on by the child and looks in the mirror to admire the child's efforts. This approach helps children to develop confidence and good self-esteem. Older children benefit from sitting down with the childminder after school and completing their homework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

However, children under three years do not benefit from the childminder using the 'Birth to three matters' guidance to make observations of their progress and to plan the next steps in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. The childminder ensures all children are included and takes care to ensure the activities offered meet their needs. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she works in close partnership with parents to meet children's individual needs. Whilst the childminder spends time with older children to discuss the different festivals they have celebrated at school she is not supporting them to become aware of the wider society through play resources which reflect positive images.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave appropriately. They respond positively to the clear expectations and boundaries set which helps children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. For example, children know they must not throw things in the house. This promotes a harmonious environment which supports children's emotional well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for and supported well by the childminder and receive appropriate care which is consistent with home. She promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to meet the individual needs of all children appropriately. Parents are aware of the activities that their child participates in by daily discussions with the childminder. However, the childminder is not familiar with her responsibilities relating to managing complaints from parents which is a mandatory requirement. This does not ensure that parents are fully informed of issues that may effect the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall children's needs are met. Children benefit from the kind and caring approach of the childminder who clearly enjoys the company of children. Her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease. Children benefit from high levels of attention because the childminder works with a co-minder. The premises are organised to ensure children can move freely and safely and resources are displayed and easily accessible.

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Organisation

Most records and procedures are in place, used effectively in practice and shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This actively promotes the welfare and care of all children, according to the wishes of their parents.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure children's records contain information which enables appropriate care to be given and to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Not enough improvement has been made in both of these areas and they remain areas for improvements.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to ensure positive steps are taken to further improve fire safety precautions and promote the safety of children on outings. Suitable progress has been made in both of these areas. The childminder has devised and practised an emergency escape plan and she now carries her own and children's details on outings to be used in the even of an emergency. This has improved children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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 then 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written permission from parents for emergency medical advice and treatment • implement a complaints procedure in line with current regulations • ensure children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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