Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347381 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Valerie Thomas 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 2007. She lives with her partner and one child aged nine in a small village close to Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The whole of the property is used for childminding, with the exception of the master bedroom and there is an 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight and two children over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog and a bearded dragon.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Clear procedures help children develop good personal hygiene routines. The childminder ensures they wash their hands after using the toilet and provides individual towels to prevent the spread of infection. Nappy changing routines are effective to prevent cross-contamination with

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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 protective clothing worn by the childminder. There is a clear policy in place for excluding sick and infectious children. This helps children to remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and safety is promoted well in most areas. The childminder has a good understanding of the correct procedures to follow when handling accidents and medication and has a current first aid certificate. Written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is requested at the time of the placement. However, it is not in place for all of the children. This does not fully promote children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children receive a healthy and nutritional diet. Children are encouraged to try different types of fruit at snack times and salad is offered with sandwiches in the afternoon. During school holidays older children bring their own lunch and the childminder offers guidance to parents on healthy items to include. Children's understanding of healthy eating is developed further through looking at books and during role play. This encourages children to develop a positive attitude to healthy eating. The childminder works very closely with parents of young babies with regard to weaning and implementing the child's individual routine. This helps young ones to settle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted well through the regular and varied activities provided. Children are able to play outside in the fresh air often, visiting the nearby lake and park and playing in the garden. Photographs show that children have fun as they chalk on the floor outside and play a game of Twister inside. Young babies are encouraged to crawl and opportunities for swimming are available. This encourages children to develop their physical skills and a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. There is good space within the home for children to play comfortably. Areas are maintained very well and provide a welcoming and stimulating environment for children. For example, there is a 'home corner' set out and an area with soft cushions and toys for young babies to play safely. There is a wide range of good quality toys which are set out by the childminder. Children are also able to make decisions about their play through looking at the laminated picture cards which detail all of the toys available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are satisfactory processes in place to limit the risks to children. Risk assessments are completed each month and a record is kept. However, in the bedroom where older children play, there are some loose belts hanging over the bed. Although a fire evacuation procedure is devised it is not practised. This compromises children's safety. Boundaries set by the childminder such as not having small toys around the younger ones and no running around inside, help children to learn how to keep themselves and others safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She has a good knowledge of signs and symptoms that may alert her to child abuse and fully understands the procedures for reporting concerns. There is a written policy in place and relevant national and local guidance is available. This helps to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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 good. Children experience a wide range of activities which contributes to their learning and development. Sensory play is very much promoted and photographs show children playing with jelly, painting and shredded paper. Children's language skills are constantly developed through lots of conversation. As young babies build with the beakers they smile as the childminder claps her hands. Babies start to vocalise as they try to imitate the noises made by the childminder when looking at the picture books together. Positive and caring interaction takes place at all times and the childminder constantly provides different activities to ensure children are stimulated. Babies giggle as they join in with games with the childminder, pulling their sock off repeatedly and thoroughly enjoying being tickled. They are happy and enjoy their time in the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The 'Birth to three matters' framework is promoted in the setting and observations of children's learning takes place, with records kept for parents. Themes are planned such as 'looking at colours' and 'under the sea' to ensure activities maintain children's interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There is a good range of resources to promote positive images of different cultures, disability and gender. There are books, puppets and home corner equipment available and these are supplemented with resources from a toy library. Children also learn about different cultures through celebrating festivals. This helps to raise children's awareness of diversity and understanding of others. Although there are no children currently attending with learning difficulties and/or disabilities the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how best to support them. She fully understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and other professionals to help children progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective procedures are in place to manage a wide range of children's behaviour. Distraction with alternative activities helps to stop any inappropriate behaviour and stars are given to children who walk home safely from school. Good use of praise and encouragement helps to build children's self-esteem well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships with parents are promoted well. All policies are shared with parents at initial visits and they are shown around the home with all procedures explained. A complaints policy is available and a system is in place to keep a record of any made. Individual routines and needs of children are requested and parents' expectations are fully discussed. Daily diaries for younger ones inform parents of food intake, sleep and activities and daily discussion is used for parents of older children. This enables parents and the childminder to work together to meet the needs of the child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets all training requirements and has a Level 3 childcare qualification. Additional training attended such as 'Promoting positive behaviour', 'Child protection', 'Every Child Matters' and 'Birth to three matters' shows commitment to the continual development of practice. This broadens children's experiences and contributes to the good quality care provided.

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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 The childminder's knowledge of the National Standards is good and ensures children's welfare is promoted effectively in most areas. There are many written policies and procedures which help to ensure parents are fully informed. Documentation of children's details and attendance meet all requirements.

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Organisation

Children are relaxed and at home in the well-organised environment. The childminder is very attentive to children's needs and continually motivates their learning and development through a wide range of activities. Comfort is given when needed and there is a very calm environment as children are soothed to sleep. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • take reasonable steps to minimise hazards to children in the bedroom and practise a fire drill • obtain written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for all children.

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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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