Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355478 Unique Reference Number 01 July 2008 Inspection date Kerry Freshwater 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 husband and two children aged 17 months and seven years in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They play in the garden, enjoy local walks and visit the park regularly to benefit from the fresh air. Children

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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 experience a variety of physical activities using both large and small equipment. For example, they have fun playing football, climbing on the climbing frame and slide and using the swing in the garden. In the house they enthusiastically participate in dance contests, build with bricks and operate different activity toys. Toddlers practise their crawling skills as they crawl around to obtain different toys, pull up to standing against the furniture and side step around the room.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are cared for in a welcoming, clean home where they understand the importance of regular routines to keep them safe and healthy. Children have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after touching animals, using the toilet or before eating. Posters have been printed off and are displayed to remind children of when they should wash their hands. Children learn about keeping their bodies healthy through discussion and fun activities. They know that they need to wear hats and sun cream in hot weather. They have created pictures on paper plates to demonstrate healthy and unhealthy foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They know which type of food is good to eat. Children have access to drinks throughout the day and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to provide nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is a high priority and they are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. They move around safely, freely and independently and adhere to house rules to keep them safe. Children know how to play on equipment correctly, they are aware that they must not jump off the top of the slide in case they fall and hurt themselves. The childminder helps children understand how to keep themselves free from harm through discussion and leading by example. Children learn how to walk safely to and from school, they are aware of the safest place to cross the road and hold hands or hold on to the buggy. Children know how to leave the premises safely in the event of fire because they have practised fire evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A broad range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources are stored in the living room. However, due to the quantity and limited storage space, resources are stacked in such a way that children cannot freely access them independently or safely. The childminder has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a good understanding of child protection issues. She has attended training in this area and has most of the relevant documentation in place. However, the childminder does not have all of the up-to-date procedures relating to child protection which means that the correct procedures may not be followed should any concerns be raised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad variety of exciting play and activities which are child-led or planned and organised by the childminder. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed but their independence is promoted as much as possible. The childminder provides a range of stimulating play to aid their development. For example, children participate in learning games

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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 on the computer, they enjoy a range of creative activities and develop their physical skills as they explore the toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a range of activities which help develop their knowledge and skills. For example, they learn to recognise different colours when they build with coloured bricks, stack the clown pieces together and push buttons on the activity toys. They count as they look at books together and sing nursery rhymes. Children learn to problem solve as they sort shapes and complete puzzles. They become familiar with numbers as they weigh ingredients for cooking. They learn about the natural environment as they enjoy nature trails, collect leaves and visit the local natural history museum. They learn on other outings to enjoy outside areas such as Hatfield House, Knebworth House and local parks. Regular use of creative materials such as pencils, crayons, paint and chalks, encourages the children to represent their experiences, feelings and ideas in a variety of ways. Children enjoy free painting and drawing, they use chalks

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to draw on the paving slabs in the garden and create cards for different occasions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence and self-esteem is developed by the childminder who gives them frequent praise and encouragement at appropriate times. Their sense of belonging is promoted by the childminder who knows them well and values their achievements which she shares with parents. They make positive relationships, finding new friends on outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of activities and meaningful resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. Books, dolls and activities to celebrate a variety of festivals increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children make cards for different occasions such as Easter. They colour in posters for Divali and make and enjoy sweet and sour chicken for Chinese New Year. The children enjoy story time when they read about different people and cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected. Their individual needs are well met as they follow their daily routine which is discussed with parents. Children behave very well. They learn to understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age-appropriate methods used by the childminder to manage behaviour. Children are aware of the house rules which are produced in writing and pictorial images to help them to understand. Children learn to consider others, share, take turns and be polite. They are encouraged to play calmly and are helped to think about the affects of their behaviour on others. The childminder provides a range of opportunities for the children to socialise which helps them make positive relationships with others. Realistic challenges are set to help the children develop. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They feel relaxed, secure and able to make independent choices about what

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a very strong partnership between the childminder and parents who exchange information frequently. They have daily discussions and review contracts, policies and procedures regularly. The childminder completes a communication book for parents providing information about what children do, their achievements and routines. This helps keep parents well informed of how their child's needs are being met and their developmental progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through effective organisation and good communication with parents. Children have access to clear play space and can access the resources set out by the childminder. This enables them to make some choices about their play. A balance of child-led activities and organised play ensures children have a range of different enjoyable experiences whilst they are with the childminder. They benefit from routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to.

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Organisation

Documentation is well-organised, stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. All of the required policies and procedures are in place to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and experience which she continues to update with relevant training. She has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practise (ICP), training on child protection and also the new curriculum which commences in September, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. 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): • have regard to the government booklet, 'what to do if you are worried a child is being abused - summary' • consider re-organisation of resources to enble easier access and ensure children's safety.

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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 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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