Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY284676 Unique Reference Number 19 February 2008 Inspection date Yvonne Layton 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 has been registered since 2004 and lives with her husband and child aged eight-years-old. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are on the first floor and children have limited access to a playroom on this floor. There is a secure enclosed garden.

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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 five children under five. She also cares for children aged over eight years old. Placements are varied and include part-time, weekend, holiday and after school care. The childminder collects children from neighbouring schools and undertakes visits to children's groups and outings. The family has one dog and two rabbits.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices which meet their nutritional, physical and health needs. This is supported by the childminder having

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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 detailed written policies and procedures. The strong adult support and guidance helps children gain a clear understanding of hygiene and desire to become increasingly independent. For example, children are learning from an early age the importance of good hygiene as they respond naturally to the childminder's consistent expectations. She promotes effective personal care for hand washing and toilet routines. Children are protected as she provides individual paper towels and they have easy access to a pump-action soap dispenser. They are reminded to wash their hands by a pictorial reminder in the bathroom and learn about the reasons for good hygiene by discussion with the childminder. Children are well protected as the childminder has an established routine for cleaning toys, equipment and resources. All children are able to rest

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Helping children to be healthy

and sleep according to their needs in a comfortable, safe environment, with an established hygiene routine which ensures their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is protected as all required first aid, medication and accident documentation is in place and maintained. Documentation includes procedures for an emergency situation ensuring children are protected. Accident and medication records are contained in individual family files and shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met because the childminder works together with parents. Balanced and nutritious meals and snacks, provided by the childminder, ensure children are well nourished. Meals are made from fresh food and healthy eating snacks are provided. Children also learn about healthy eating and living through planned activities, including baking and by spontaneous discussion with childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily outdoor experiences develop children's physical control. They are able to progress in their skills by the childminder supporting and meeting individual needs to enable them to learn about themselves and their bodies through activities. Children are able to access a range of outdoor play equipment at the home and undertake group games such as football. A varied range of outings enhance children's physical well-being with visits to the park, local children's groups and walks in the local area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm, welcoming and in a good state of repair. Children benefit from the available space being well planned, including access to the childminder's own child's playroom. Children use a wide range of equipment, toys and resources which are safe, hygienic and appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

To ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted the childminder has safety equipment including, safety gates and hooks on doors to prevent access to certain rooms. This is supported by detailed procedures which are shared with the parents. However, although parents are aware and the childminder has established safety routines for children when they use the large trampoline. Children's welfare is potentially affected as there is no written risk assessment, procedures or consent in place to support their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks of accidental injuries to children are minimised because the childminder is vigilant and has consistent safety arrangements. For example, she has established procedures to ensure safety on outings and when using the car. She has emergency contact numbers and information with her at all times. Children are actively learning about personal safety by the childminder's consistent expectations, reminders and explanation of safety rules.

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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 Children are kept safe and develop a sound understanding of the need for fire safety as fire safety equipment, detailed fire evacuation procedures and fire drill practises are completed. To enhance children's understanding they attend the local fire station open day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has a sound knowledge and clear understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to the safeguarding children procedures. She has attended training and the procedures relating to safeguarding children is made available for parents. However, children's welfare may be affected as although the childminder discusses with parents any incidents of a significant nature she does not complete a written record.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder focuses on promoting children's choices and activities are generally child-initiated enriching their personal development. They are purposefully occupied as they freely select, request activities and develop their own games. Some activities are planned, for example, outings and creative. Plans are flexible and readily adapted to meet children's ideas and requests. Therefore, children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities that provide good levels of challenge. Relaxation is a main element of after school care and during school holidays the children enjoy extended outings to the coast, cinema, animal parks and sites of interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning is promoted as they are challenged by the childminder who uses every day routines and some planned activities to develop potential effectively during activities. For example, the children's learning is enhanced as she provides opportunity for them to complete age-appropriate jigsaws and templates relating to favourite characters, colour and numbers. She encourages them to explore and ask questions during outings and indoor activities. Their creativity is developed as they enjoy free access to activities such as junk box building, printing, gluing and painting. They are able to express themselves during planned creative activities including, baking, celebration card making and craft projects such as making faces on paper plates. This demonstrates they have a positive approach to new experiences and can use thought processes as they explore, investigate and reason.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A good partnership between the children and childminder ensures they are happy, relaxed and settled in a welcoming setting. They benefit from a positive relationship with the childminder and their peers, helping to develop their confidence. Children are busy and enjoy their play. They play independently and in small groups very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of children's individual needs. Their ideas and choices are valued. Activities are child-initiated and their interests are positively responded to. They become independent as they choose to access the activities themselves. The childminder promotes learning well through supporting children when required and her expert practice of knowing when to stand back and let children develop their own ideas such as with creative and imaginative play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Equipment and resources reflect diversity and the childminder understands her role in promoting equality of opportunity. Resources which promote and represent the wider community are

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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 widely available including, books, small world imaginative and craft work which effectively enhances the children's awareness. Children develop a good understanding of how everyone positively contributes in society by discussion and access to information through television. Children's awareness of their world is enhanced by the celebration of individual events and festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are no children currently attending the setting who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of providing care which includes them in the life of the setting through discussing their needs with parents. This is supported by a written policy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a sound sense of independence and self-worth as they are encouraged to share, take turns and follow the boundaries as they progress through the developmental stages. There is a focus on positive behaviour management and children respond to the childminder’s consistent reminders. Children are relaxed, happy and confident in the setting. The use of praise, encouragement and positive reinforcement contributes effectively to the children developing good social skills and a sense of belonging to a wider family group. For example, children are encouraged to tidy away activities together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive partnership between the childminder and parents contributes to children's well-being. Parents receive written and verbal information that ensures they are fully informed of their child's day and progress. Parents have access to an information file and detailed, written, policies and procedures. Each family has their own individual file of which they have free access to. The written documentation is supported by daily discussions with the parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. Children's care and welfare is enhanced by the childminder's sound understanding of their needs and her effective organisation. Children's well-being is enhanced as the childminder is committed to develop her skills through accessing training. They are cared for in an environment that enables them to relax and enjoy themselves. Children's needs and routines are discussed on a daily basis with parents, which contribute to continuity in the children’s care.

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Organisation

The welfare, care and learning of the children are well promoted through the efficient maintenance of records, policies and procedures, both required and additional for the efficient and safe management of the provision. Documents are stored securely and safely in order to ensure children’s privacy and they are protected by the childminder's good awareness of confidentiality. For example, each family has their own individual file.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure the attendance register reflects children's actual arrival and departure times. Extend knowledge of equal opportunities and of child protection procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's well-being is enhanced as the childminder maintains full details of their arrival and departure times on the register. She has extended her knowledge of equal opportunities by accessing relevant information and developing her resources that reflect diversity. Children are

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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 protected as the childminder has completed safeguarding children training and she has devised an appropriate procedure which contains all relevant information.

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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 positive steps to promote safety within the setting and proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents, with regard to devising a risk assessment, procedures and written agreement from parents for children to use the trampoline • ensure a record of significant incidents is completed.

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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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