Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288368 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 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 and all but the smallest bedroom, on the first floor, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently cares for three children under five and one child over five before school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through clear explanations and daily routines. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals and snacks. Older children are aware of the importance of carrying out these routines. To help prevent cross-infection each child has their own individual towel which hangs on their named hook.

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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 Suitable nappy changing procedures are in place. The childminder has a clear policy regarding the care and attendance of sick children, and shares this with parents. A current first aid certificate is maintained to ensure children are appropriately cared for if they become ill or have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and have good opportunities to learn about healthy eating. They enjoy a good variety of freshly prepared meals and snacks, such as wholemeal sandwiches or pitta bread with cheese, ham and salad. Children help to make their own sandwiches. The childminder works well with the parents to ensure that children's and babies individual dietary requirements and routines are met. A menu is displayed in the kitchen so parents are aware of meals throughout the week, this enables them to plan their child's diet. Children are able to access drinking water as they require from their individual drinking cups, this ensures they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities for fresh air and exercise. A broad range of equipment and activities are provided within the garden, these include wheeled toys, a climbing cube and slide for the youngest children, a bigger slide is also available. Children join in outdoor activities which include planting seeds and growing vegetables and herbs, and sand play. Outings to local parks helps children to extend their physical skills by using the range of fixed equipment. The childminder ensures there is space indoors to enable young children and babies to practise their physical skills, such as crawling and walking.

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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, safe and secure environment where space is used effectively to meet their needs. Children are stimulated and occupied as they freely access the good range of well-maintained toys and equipment within the playroom. The room is well organised providing a child-centred environment, with low tables and chairs and play resources within children's reach. Equipment and resources are safe and meet the individual needs of children attending. The sitting room provides additional space where children can rest or sit quietly and look at a book whist being visually checked and monitored to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and well protected within the childminder's care as she identifies potential hazards and takes positive steps to minimize any risks. For example, a safety gate is fitted at the bottom of the stairs, socket covers are in place and door wedges are fitted. The childminder ensures children are supervised at all times, this means that they are able to move around safely and independently which increases their confidence. Children are protected in the event of a fire as appropriate fire detection equipment is in place and the emergency evacuation procedure is practised regularly. Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded, because the childminder has a sound understanding of the child protection procedures and knows what to do in the event of any concerns. A child protection procedure is in place which is shared with the parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the childminder's care. They are able to choose from a broad range of activities and resources which are set up within the play room, this encourages their independence. For example, children choose to play with the small world equipment which includes the train set and dolls house, they access the paints at the easel or sit quietly and look

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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 at a book. Children enjoy taking part in a good range of planned activities which take account of children's interests and experiences. The childminder plans and provides various activities which promote the sensory development of young children; these include play dough with glitter, paints, corn flour and water, or spaghetti play. The childminder interacts well with the children and gives them the opportunity and space to explore different materials and use appropriate tools. For example, a young child is given time to explore the play dough using the different shaped cutters to see what shapes she can make. The childminder extends children's learning and thinking by challenging them appropriately and encouraging them to have fun. Children's language skills develop as the childminder constantly interacts with them, talking

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to them and listening to their responses. They enjoy sharing close times with the childminder where they look at books and listen to favourite stories. They join in with singing times and learn to use a range of musical instruments to accompany their singing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, they are cared for according to parents' wishes as the childminder takes account of information supplied by them. Children feel a sense of belonging because the childminder understands their differing needs, she also displays their art work within the playroom which helps them to feel valued. The childminder has systems in place to support the inclusion of children with identified disabilities and/or learning difficulties. Parents learn about their child's care and activities through daily communication with the childminder, this includes a daily diary and a scrap book containing photographs of their child involved in activities during the day. Parents are provided with good information about the childminder's service as they are given an information book which contains her policies and procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world through access to a variety of activities, books and toys that promote positive images of diversity in society. They learn about their local community through regular visits to local parks, shops, book and toy libraries and toddler groups, this gives them opportunities to socialise with other children and adults. Children behave well, they learn to play cooperatively together, to share, take turns and respect the needs of others. The childminder supports children's good behaviour through taking account of their individual age and understanding and using appropriate sensitive strategies, such as using lots of praise and encouragement, using stickers and working with the parents to ensure that behaviour is managed consistently. This helps to develop children's self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's safety and welfare are well maintained by the childminder who has a clear understanding of the National Standards and her responsibilities to the children and their parents. The home is organised well to provide children with good space to be involved in a range of activities. The childminder interacts well with the children, meeting their individual needs and development. Children's safety and well-being are maintained, as they receive good levels of support and supervision which helps them to feel secure. All required checks have been carried out on persons 16 years and over to ensure the safety of children. Children's records are well organised and maintained, these are kept confidentially. Daily attendance records are kept, however, these do not identify specific times, such as when children attend pre-school and are not cared for by the childminder, ensuring children's welfare. The childminder

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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 accesses additional training to help her extend her knowledge and understanding of current good practice. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure the daily record is accurate. The childminder now records more exact times of children's arrival and departure, this promotes their 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 the daily record of children's attendance includes specific times and the names of the persons who looked after them.

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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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