Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY290804 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 Inspection date Sheila Harrison Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and five children, aged 14, 12, 10, four and two. They live in a house in a residential area close to local amenities such as shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a living room, dining room and play room. Children may sleep in the master bedroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for four children aged under eight years and currently cares for one child aged under eight years and an older child aged over eight. The childminder’s husband works with his wife as an assistant and together they may care for a maximum of six children aged under eight. The childminder walks to local schools and attends local carer and toddler groups. She is a member of National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well nourished, they have a mixture of meals brought from home and meals provided by the childminder, following closely the parents’ preferences. Children are offered ample and varied fruit which is well presented to encourage them to eat. They are comfortable and settled when eating as their seating preferences are respected by being fed either at a small table or on the childminder's knees. Food is suitably stored and the childminder has a food hygiene certificate to protect the children’s safety.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning suitable hygiene practices as older children are reminded to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before meals. The childminder follows sound hygiene procedures when changing nappies to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder explains to the parents her procedure for caring for children when they are ill and suitably supports children with long standing illness. She constantly updates her first aid certificate and has suitable documentation to protect children in an emergency.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have rest and sleep according to their individual needs. The childminder cuddles them close to her and they have their own comfortable bedding to develop a sense of belonging. Their sleep pattern is discussed with the parents and children’s preferences for where they sleep are respected.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children have useful chances to develop their physical skills in the better weather as the childminder has a wide range of physical playthings in the garden and sometimes visits a nearby park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable and welcoming environment where there is ample space for them to move safely and to play together or alone. There is a good range of posters displayed to give children information on the alphabet, number, healthy foods and a map of the world. The childminder recognises the hazards in the home and ensures any safety issues are quickly attended to. She has an emergency evacuation plan and this is discussed with the older children to ensure they are protected in an emergency. Children are well supervised and are learning to be aware of hazards. They quickly put on the safety belt in the car without being reminded. They are reminded of the consequences of their actions. Children choose from a wide range of suitable resources which are well displayed, sorted and stored at a low-level and available for them to choose. Toys are safe, kept in good order and appropriate for the children’s

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

developmental needs. The childminder has the required child protection procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and enjoy being with the childminder as she builds a strong relationship with them contributing to their sense of belonging. They respond well to the childminder as they develop a healthy sense of attachment through the calm and secure settling in procedure. Children’s early language is encouraged as the adults encourage playfulness with gestures and

p.3

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 sounds that babies can respond to. They enjoy a range of books that are easily available and suitable for small hands. Young children enjoy helping with small household tasks and learn to count as they climb the stairs. They are beginning to recognise numerals with suitable puzzles. Children develop their imagination with a range of role play equipment such as a tea set and small pretend cookers. Older children are encouraged to do their homework and can bring their own electronic toys but are discouraged from playing with them for too long.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to behave well. The childminder gently intervenes to divert their attention onto positive activities by offering a similar toy and giving appropriate praise. Good manners are fostered. There is a strong and positive relationship with the parents. Daily feedback on the children’s day and development is friendly and professional. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well supported as the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude having recently attended a short course on inclusion.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the wider world with some multi-cultural resources and some toys with positive depictions of people with disabilities. The childminder encourages their home language by speaking to them in English and Bengali.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall the children’s needs are met. Children feel at ease within a well organised environment. The childminder effectively uses her time with the children to ensure their well-being. She maintains a high adul:child ratio ensuring that they are well supervised. The childminder ensures all adults living in the house are suitably vetted. The childminder has yet to obtain the necessary written permission from the parents to leave the children in the care of the assistant and this potentially limits the safe management of children. Children's welfare is successfully supported as the childminder is committed to her role. She develops her knowledge of good childcare practice as she has attended recent courses on behaviour management and first aid. She has booked on further courses on the development of the young child and child protection issues although the assistant has yet to obtain a suitable first aid qualification which potentially

p.4

Organisation

hinders the children's care after an accident. The childminder has adequate documentation which is suitably managed. For example, contracts and contact numbers are up to date and the attendance registers are complete.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

Complaints 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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 parents give written permission for the assistant to be left in sole charge of the children for short periods of time • ensure the assistant complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5