Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY282615 Unique Reference Number 10 January 2008 Inspection date Ros Church 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 2004. She lives with her partner and two children in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with sleep and toilet facilities available within this area. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside 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. She currently cares for two children under five part-time, two children over five and one over eight. The childminder takes children to local schools and collects them. She has an early years qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health and well-being are promoted as they are looked after in a clean and comfortable environment. The childminder has a clear understanding of effective hygiene routines and ensures that this is carried out in practice, for example, when changing nappies

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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 she follows good procedures, so helping minimise the risk of cross-infection to babies and young children. Children learn about the importance of keeping clean, they learn to wash their hands before snacks and meals. Older children are able to carry out these routines with minimal support. The childminder ensures all facilities are available in the toilet areas, children use anti-bacterial liquid soap and paper towels for washing and drying their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a routine which incorporates lots of physical exercise and fresh air. They have regular trips to the local park where they use fixed equipment to develop their physical skills, or they use the enclosed multi-games area for various ball games. Children have regular walks within the local country park. Opportunities are provided for activities and games within the garden using the various equipment, such as wheeled toys, the rocker, climbing cube and balls. Young children and babies practise their physical skills indoors, such as a young child practises manoeuvring the dolls' double buggy around the rooms, the childminder enables her to do this by making space available.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works well with the parents to ensure children's individual dietary requirements and routines are met. Meals and snacks are either provided by the childminder or the parents, depending on individual needs. Meals that are provided are nutritious, healthy and include a range of different vegetables. The meal menu is displayed on the notice board to enable parents to plan their child's diet. Children are able to access drinks as they require, younger children access their individual drinking cups, whilst older children help themselves to fresh water from a covered jug.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely within the home environment, as the childminder effectively minimises risks by carrying out daily safety checks on areas and equipment used. She ensures socket covers are in place, hazardous cleaning materials are out of children's reach and that the safety gate is in position at the bottom of the stairs to prevent children's access to the first floor. The childminder ensures that children are supervised at all times, this means that they are able to move around safely and independently which increases their confidence. Clear evacuation procedures and appropriate fire detection equipment, such as smoke alarms are in place and tested regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are in good condition and regularly checked, ensuring children's welfare is maintained. Equipment which takes account of each child's individual developmental needs and interests is set out prior to children arriving, with additional toys and resources stored within their reach. This allows them the independence to safely make decisions about their play and promotes their confidence. Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and settled within the childminder's care. They have a warm relationship with the childminder and benefit from the support that she gives them. The childminder plans and provides a good range of activities which take account of individual developmental needs. She ensures additional toys and play materials are available that offer children fun whilst supporting their learning. Young children experience a good range of activities which help develop their senses. For example, a young child explores the play dough,

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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 she learns about the smell and texture as she prods, squeezes and moulds the malleable material. The childminder interacts well with the children and is involved in their play, she encourages their language development during activities and daily routines. Young children learn to make good relationships with others, such as the childminder's own children. They also learn to socialise with other children during local outings, such as visits to toddler groups. During the day appropriate routines ensure young children are happy and their individual needs are met. Older children after school have opportunities to relax and watch television, participate in craft activities where they use their creativity and imagination using a range of materials to create a collage. They learn to take turns and share equipment, such as when joining in with games

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

which include 'Frustration' and 'Connect 4'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected. Their individual care needs are met as the childminder has a sound understanding of each child's needs and interests and bases her care around these. The childminder works with the parents, keeping them informed of their child's care by talking daily with them. Children's individual information is recorded on child record forms and contractual agreements. However, this information is not always reviewed on a regular basis to ensure children's welfare. Satisfactory systems are in place for meeting the needs of children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have opportunities to learn about the wider community through their attendance at local groups and outings in the area, such as toddler groups, the shops and library. However, there are limited play materials and resources available which support children's independent learning about diversity in society. Children learn to play cooperatively together, to share and take turns with equipment. They are encouraged to respect one another and take care of their surroundings. For example, children learn to tidy away after they have finished playing with an activity. The childminder supports children's positive behaviour through praise and encouragement, this helps to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are looked after in an environment which is organised to meet individual needs. Suitable space is available for children to play and rest, with opportunities for them to make choices within their play. Children enjoy their time in the home and develop warm relationships with the childminder and one another. Children's safety and well-being are maintained, they are supervised at all times. All adults in the household are appropriately vetted to ensure children stay protected from harm. Records are maintained to a generally good standard and confidentiality is ensured. Satisfactory information is available to parents, this includes the registration certificate which is displayed on the notice board within the hall, this ensures that parents are fully informed about her conditions of registration. The childminder keeps up to date with required training, such as first aid. She also attends additional courses in childcare

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Organisation

and uses the knowledge gained to help her improve her service. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to three recommendations. To obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle. To devise and practise an

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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 emergency escape plan. To request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and to develop an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has obtained written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle and for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment, she has devised and practised an emergency escape plan. She has obtained some equipment which promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, although this remains a recommendation at this inspection. The above steps taken helps to promote children's well-being and safety.

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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): • develop the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, to help children learn to appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences • ensure records relating to individual children including contracts and agreements are regularly updated.

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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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