Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283863 Unique Reference Number 22 February 2008 Inspection date Sharon Waterfall 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 husband and three children in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. The whole of the childminder's house can be used for childminding but activities are mainly restricted to the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet guinea pig.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age at any one time and is currently minding two children aged under five years and three older children on full and part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has attained a Level 4 qualification in Early Years through the Open University.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean, spacious home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand simple health and hygiene practices through the consistent reinforcement and encouragement from the childminder throughout the day. Children are encouraged to be independent in their own care needs and are beginning to understand the need for hand washing. Children's welfare is safeguarded at times of minor accidents as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and ensures the comfort and well-being of the children at all times. Medical records are completed and shared with parents and consent has been obtained for emergency medical treatment. Occasionally the records of medicine administration are not completed accurately limiting the overall effectiveness of the procedure.

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Helping children to be healthy

A healthy range of meals and snacks are provided for the children depending on their attendance. All children have snacks of fresh fruit balanced with a bread product for after school children to provide more substance for hungry children. Cooked meals provided are nutritious and include fresh vegetables, meat and fish. The children are able to access drinks easily ensuring that they are adequately hydrated at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health, for example, physical play in the garden, at soft play centres and when attending local groups. They develop their ability to control their bodies by using slides, tunnels and climbing equipment. The children have gentle regular exercise as they walk to and from school and in parks in the local area to feed the ducks. The younger children enjoy music and movement sessions both at the childminders home and at a regular stay and play session.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in premises that are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose where potential risks have been minimised through the effective measures introduced by the childminder. The space is adapted to provide areas for active play and rest for the younger children. It is made welcoming as resources and toys are easily accessible to the children and music plays in the background as they play. The children move around the premises confidently and request favourite activities from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is paramount at all times and hazards within the home have been assessed. A concise fire evacuation procedure is in place which is practised with the children to ensure they are fully aware of the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency. They become aware of keeping themselves safe through the house rules and road safety discussions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder's clear understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to protecting children in her care. She is fully conversant with local referral procedures and demonstrated the need to place the children's safety and well-being first at all times.

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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 outstanding. Children settle well in the childminder’s home. They make good relationships with the childminder and interaction between them is excellent. Children socialise frequently with their peers as they regularly attend organised groups where they access new activities and develop their social skills further. Exciting activities within the local environment are planned such as walks to collect Autumn items which are used to explore and understand the natural world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become independent as they choose from a good range of toys. Play is planned and encourages their overall development. They select from a wide variety of toys and materials, for example, art and craft activities, construction toys and a train track, books, dressing up and role play equipment all of which are rotated to ensure their interest is maintained. Children are cared for as individuals with different needs because the childminder is aware of their likes, dislikes and interests. Activities aid children in exploring texture, form and to develop their fine manipulative skills. This is demonstrated as they transfer breakfast cereals from and into a differing range of containers, try to eat raisins with a fork and make bread.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence is encouraged at all times and they receive praise and encouragement for all their achievements. The children use shaving foam to represent snow and play with a range of animals in it, make marks and explore the texture. They then delight in water play as they wash the animals. The childminder's good understanding of their individual needs, likes and dislikes ensures that all the activities are appropriate, fun and stimulating.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail and any special requirements are recorded and respected. The childminder has a good awareness of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and inclusion is encouraged at all times. Children's behaviour is good. Their self-esteem is raised as they make their own decisions, know that their opinions are valued and are praised constantly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's understanding of each other's similarities and differences is enhanced through the childminder's positive attitude and the discussion that ensures they learn about the wider world and diversity through a variety of resources that reflect race, culture, gender and disability in a positive way. They regularly try foods from various countries and celebrate festivals from around the world that take place during the year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to share information about their child, to ensure their wishes are respected and the needs of their child met effectively. They benefit from detailed entries in daily diaries which parents use as an excellent form of two way communication. This actively supports the strong partnership and consistently supports the children’s welfare. They are involved in their children’s activities as books and toys from local libraries are taken home to extend children’s enjoyment of them and enable the family to play too.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, relaxed environment where they move confidently and safely within the home. Excellent relationships have been formed with the childminder who

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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 works closely with parents to ensure their child's needs are continually met. Written policies and procedures are shared with them which effectively promote the welfare, safety and learning of the children. The strong communication systems in place between the childminder and their parents compound their feelings of security.

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Organisation

All required information and consent from parents has been obtained and is easily accessible, however, agreed expectations of care are not formalised for short term placement children. Documentation is up to date and parents benefit from time spent with them discussing the care they require for their child and how their needs will be met. The childminder demonstrated a clear commitment to keeping her knowledge and skills in the childcare field up to date through ongoing training and development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation was raised to improve children's care. This was to have agreed written expectations for care between the childminder and parents in place, this is in place for all permanent children cared for but is not for children on short term placements. This limits the effectiveness of procedures to provide consistent expectations for children's care.

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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 all required details are recorded when medication has been administered for each entry • establish a written agreement with all parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements for all 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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