Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346898 Unique Reference Number 12 May 2008 Inspection date Jean Suff 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder registered in 2006. She is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time and currently has seven children on roll. The childminder also provides care for children over the age of eight. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged nine and 10 years in a three bed roomed house, close to shops, a park and schools. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding. There is a secure rear garden available for outside play. The family have a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home where routine hygiene procedures are in place to minimise the risk of cross-infection. For example, the childminder uses wet wipes and wears plastic gloves when changing nappies. Children learn the importance of their own personal hygiene as they are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder ensures that toys and equipment are clean so children’s contact with germs is minimised. Sensible procedures are in place to ensure children’s well-being. For example,

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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 childminder has an exclusion policy, which she shares with parents, for when children are unwell. Accident and medication records are kept and signed by parents and the childminder keeps up-to-date first aid supplies readily available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are met as the childminder discusses eating habits and individual requirements with parents. Parents provide a packed lunch which the childminder ensures is suitably stored until needed. Children learn about healthy eating as they are offered fruit as a snack. Drinks are freely available from children’s named beakers to ensure they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Routines include short walks to the local school, shop or brook to feed the ducks. The garden is well-used as children ride cars, rock on a see-saw, slide, push prams or have a picnic lunch. Young children’s emotional well-being is being developed well as they receive lots of cuddles so understand that they are special. Children experience suitable routines to meet their needs for resting and sleeping in line with parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a welcoming, warm and safe environment. Their safety is ensured because the property is well-maintained and secure both indoors and outside. Appropriate precautions to minimise risks are followed, such as keeping hazardous substances out of children’s reach. Children are well-protected against accidents. They are aware of fire procedures and are involved in developing the fire escape plan. Children independently select activities and play resources that are safe and appropriate for their age and stages of development. They keep safe when using toys and equipment because the childminder maintains play materials in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s well-being is effectively promoted through the childminder’s good risk assessments. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe when out of the house. For example, the childminder talks to them about the importance of road safety, staying together and not talking to strangers. However, the childminder has not obtained parental permissions to transport children in a car which compromises their safety. Children’s welfare is safeguarded by the childminder having reliable knowledge of child protection, signs and symptoms of abuse and contact details in place in the case of concern about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy with the childminder. They dress dolls, nurse them and take them for walks in buggies. Children listen to stories, hear songs and rhymes and watch short educational programmes on the television. They count cars, play shops and practise putting on their own shoes. Older children draw and paint, engage in craft activities, research topics on the computer from home or school interests and go to the park with the childminder to play football.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to the childminder who asks questions and encourages conversation. Children happily chat at their own level about what they are doing. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development so is able to support children in their learning. However, she does not at present plan and provide activities for children under three in line with the

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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 aspects and approach described in the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework to support children in their earliest years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder makes children and their parents feel welcome in her home. Children are treated with equal concern and she develops a warm relationship with the children in her care. Children are able to learn about their local community through regular visits to local shops, the park and the brook. They begin to learn about the wider world through access to resources such as multicultural dolls, puzzles and following up topics of conversation on the computer. All children are welcomed into the setting because the childminder understands the need to work with parents to provide appropriate support for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and the childminder encourages them to show care and respect to one another through sharing and taking turns. Children are encouraged to be polite and show good manners to all. The childminder has a number of age-appropriate strategies in place to encourage good behaviour and divert unwanted behaviour. Information about the children is shared through daily chats and written records for parents although not all permissions have been obtained. Parents are happy with the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder’s care. They have a well-organised and comfortable environment for their care and play. The childminder takes account of children’s individual interests when planning their time with her. Routines such as naps, lunch and regular walks are in place so children can feel at home and develop confidence. They spend quality time with the childminder because she maintains appropriate adult to child ratios and has an awareness of their emotional needs. This helps children to feel secure. Children are protected as the childminder has undergone initial training in childcare and has obtained a paediatric first aid qualification.

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Organisation

The childminder has most documentation to support the well-being of children. For example, accident, medication and contact details are in place. However, she does not always record hours of attendance as accurately as is required and has not obtained permissions to transport children in a car. She shares her records and procedures with parents and uses these effectively to promote the welfare and care of children. 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 by Ofsted.

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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain parental permissions to transport children in a vehicle • improve the provision of activities for children under three in line with the aspects and approach described in the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure the register always shows accurate hours of attendance.

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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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