Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY348025 Unique Reference Number 06 August 2008 Inspection date Emma Bright 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 two children aged one and five years in Ely, Cambridgeshire. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has one cat and two fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of childhood nutrition. Parents provide their child’s packed lunch, which this is stored in the fridge so that food remains fresh. The healthy eating policy is not fully developed to share with parents to

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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 further promote children's health. Children have access to regular drinks, including fresh drinking water so that they remain well hydrated throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of staying healthy because the childminder has an effective approach to health and hygiene, which minimises the risk of cross-infection. For example, the childminder wears gloves when changing nappies and ensures mats are thoroughly cleaned between children. Children’s ongoing good health is actively promoted. For example, if the children become unwell or an accident occurs whilst they are in the care of the childminder, clear records and procedures are in place to make sure that they are well cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills through everyday routines; they are beginning to understand how exercise contributes to their good health and they benefit from the fresh air on their daily walks to school and local amenities. Children enjoy running around in the garden and they excitedly follow one another and take turns hiding from each other. This helps children to develop agility and learn to lead a healthy lifestyle. The childminder develops good routines so that all children can sleep or rest when they need to, and this ensures that they are happy and content.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very welcoming and child-centred environment where they confidently select a wide range of toys and resources, which have been carefully chosen to effectively support their play. All resources and equipment are regularly checked by the childminder to ensure they are in good condition and safe for children to use. Children’s safety and welfare is protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection and is aware of the appropriate procedures to put into practice when necessary. This knowledge is underpinned by the childminder’s child protection policy which is shared with parents so that they are familiar with her duty to report concerns, and children are kept safe from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety in case of fire is given priority. For example, children regularly practise the fire drill so that they know what to do in an emergency and are familiar with the routine. Children’s well-being is efficiently maintained because the childminder monitors safety issues to ensure risks are identified and minimised. She is vigilant in her supervision, which ensures children safely develop their independence in the home. The childminder reminds children to be careful so that they do not hurt themselves or others and this helps them to learn to take responsibility for avoiding accidental injury.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's house and they confidently make themselves at home. They enjoy lots of practical and meaningful activities that support their development. For example, young children enjoy squeezing coloured pasta in their hands and demonstrate their growing coordination skills as they carefully pour it from one cup to another. Children contentedly pursue their own interests because the childminder prepares a good range of toys and activities before children arrive, which they access easily. Children develop their social skills and make friends with others through attendance at local groups and they explore their local environment on their regular walks. The childminder has a very good understanding of child development and of how children learn and uses this knowledge effectively to help them to make good progress.

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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 Children’s language skills are positively encouraged because the childminder encourages them to communicate by listening and responding as they discuss the things that are important to them. For example, they talk together as young children help to feed the fish, discussing how 'Wendy' and 'Bob' like to eat their food. This also helps children to begin to learn about caring for living things. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and form warm, affectionate relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of belonging. They receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder, who acknowledges their achievements and efforts, promoting their self-esteem. Children benefit from the consistent daily routines, which help them to feel secure so that they can use their growing skills confidently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are clearly understood by the childminder, who gathers good information from parents to ensure these needs are well met. Children benefit from effective relationships between the childminder and their parents, which contribute to their care and well-being. Parents know about the childminder's practice as very good written information is shared with them, and all required documentation is in place. In addition, the childminder shares a daily diary with parents so that they know about their child’s day, which includes children’s work and photographs of them enjoying their activities. Children benefit from thorough settling-in procedures and this helps children to move confidently between home and the childminder setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good and they clearly understand what is expected of them; they learn through purposeful routines and sensitive expectations. For example, the childminder carefully explains what she expects children to do in a way that they can easily understand and she listens to them so that their views are respected and acknowledged. Children are confident, displaying good levels of self-esteem and they form very good relationships with the childminder and each other. Young children readily seek cuddles from the childminder and enjoy affectionate tickling games. There are appropriate practices in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are well met as the childminder has a sound and secure knowledge of child development and of her legal duties. This enables her to provide good quality care and promote positive outcomes for children. The effective organisation of time, space and resources contribute to children's good levels of independence and enables them to develop their growing skills in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development and is well qualified. In addition, she is committed to ongoing training, to develop her knowledge and skills further.

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Organisation

Children benefit from well-established routines and effective support, which means they feel a sense of belonging and are secure. Up-to-date, well-organised records contribute to the health, safety and well-being of the children; all of the essential documents are stored confidentially and are easy to access in an emergency. All records are shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care. 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): • develop a healthy eating policy to share with parents.

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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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