Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357246 Unique Reference Number 18 March 2008 Inspection date Tracey Marie Boland 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged 20 months and five years. They live in the Knowle area of the West Midlands. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends local parent and toddler groups in the area. Children enjoy walks in the community and visit places of interest including the library and Hatton Park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for four children under eight at any one time and is currently caring for three children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, spacious home and learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their understanding of simple health and hygiene practices is encouraged through

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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 the consistent reinforcement of thorough routines throughout the day. Fresh towels are provided and children's comfort is maintained at all times through the sensitive but clear routines for the changing of nappies. Children rest and sleep according to their needs as the childminder follows their individual routines after discussion with their parents.

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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 at the park, when attending local groups and when playing in the garden. They learn about healthy eating and enjoy meals that are freshly prepared each day and reflect and respect their individual dietary needs and preferences. Children are involved in cooking activities and try foods that reflect different celebrations that are taking place at the time. Drinks are freely available throughout the day so children do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

All health records and medical needs are recorded and shared with parents and clear consent has been obtained for emergency medical treatment. The risk of cross-infection is minimised because of a written policy that the childminder shares with parents, informing them of illnesses that will mean their child should not attend. Children's welfare is safeguarded at times of minor accidents as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and demonstrated that she deals with children in a calm, caring manner ensuring their comfort at all times.

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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 safe and secure environment where most potential risks have been identified and steps taken to minimise them. However, the airing cupboard which houses the boiler is accessible to children and therefore poses a risk. Children are protected in the event of a fire because the childminder has a written evacuation procedure and children practise the fire drill every four months which are recorded. Effective measures are in place to ensure that the toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in an excellent condition. Storage enables children to safely access resources with support from the childminder where needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from unauthorised visitors and are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied, because of the good security both indoors and in the garden. Children's safety is maintained at all times and written consent has been obtained from parents to travel in vehicles and take part in trips and outings. Road safety is encouraged and children have recently been involved in a variety of activities which have focused on crossing the road and the work of the school crossing person.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is aware of her role and responsibility when protecting children in her care and is conversant with local referral procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for as individuals and the childminder provides a good variety of stimulating activities and resources to meet their needs. Discussion takes place with parents about their likes and dislikes and clear routines are in place to encourage the children's feeling of security. Children are well supported in trying out new activities as the childminder spends individual time with them. She supports their understanding and recognition of colours, numbers and shapes and the children receive encouragement and praise which promotes their self-esteem.

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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 Activities include activity toys, garages, cars, construction sets, role play, puzzles, small world figures, art and craft, farm and animals, shape sorters, board games, building bricks, books, out door equipment such as cars, a small trampoline and play house. Children regularly attend local toddler groups and visit places of interest including the park, library and enjoy walks in the community. Parents are kept informed through verbal discussion about any progress their child has made.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The two children present played well together playing with the garage and a variety of cars and simple activity toys. They were happy, settled and relaxed and interacted very well with each other and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences because of the childminder's positive attitude. 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 also have the opportunity to celebrate festivals from around the world that take place during the year. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and ensures that all children are actively involved in the range of activities that she provides. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have specific needs the childminder demonstrated that she is able to provide care which includes them in the life of the setting through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well together and behaviour is good. The childminder is aware of the levels of understanding and development of the children she cares for and they are encouraged to share and to be kind to each other. Children respond positively when praised and the childminder is a good role model.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to share information about their child which ensures their wishes are respected and the needs of their child are effectively met. A prospectus outlining the care provided is given to parents and all written policies and procedures are made available to them. A gradual settling in period for all children is agreed which encourages their sense of belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play and relax in a warm, child-friendly environment where they are able to move confidently and safely around the areas available to them. The written policies and procedures that are in place effectively outline the care provided and promotes the welfare and safety of the children. Good communication systems are in place between the childminder and their parents who are kept informed and up to date about their child's day.

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Organisation

All required information and consent from parents is readily available and up to date and they benefit from time spent with them discussing the care they require for their child and how their needs will be met. The childminder's clear commitment to keeping her knowledge and skills updated through ongoing training and development ensures that her understanding of practice and legislation in the childcare field is continually updated. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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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): • make the airing cupboard safe or inaccessible to 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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