Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356297 Unique Reference Number 14 July 2008 Inspection date Anne Schurek 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 their two children aged eight and two years in the town of Biggleswade in Bedfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house, first floor bathroom and one bedroom for sleeping is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has fish as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable, clean home. They are well-nourished and their health is consistently promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating, producing menu plans which contain a balanced variety of all food types. This area is further promoted because the childminder has a food hygiene certificate, enabling her to prepare,

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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 store and serve foods appropriately. Children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents and clearly recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to develop good personal hygiene awareness, for example, taking their shoes off indoors as part of their daily routine. However, this is compromised to some extent at snack time because children do not always wash their hands before eating. Toys and equipment are cleaned to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical activity. For example, they enjoy regular activities in the garden and walks in and around the local community. Children rest and are active in accordance to their needs, for example, children sitting quietly after snack watching a child-centred television programme to re-energise their energy levels.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's daily safety is given a high priority because the childminder is aware of potential risks and takes positive steps to minimise these. She has written clear safety policies, for example, covering procedures to follow in the event of a fire, practising these with the children so that they become familiar with them. Their safety is further enhanced as there are clear procedures to follow regarding the collection of children, ensuring that they are only handed over to the correct person.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised by the childminder at all times and additional safety features such as socket covers and stair gates are in place. The childminder checks the play materials regularly and children learn to tidy away to keep their play space safe. Children use safe toys and equipment and the childminder makes sure that these are accessible and appropriate for their ages and developmental stages.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a sound understanding of her duty to safeguard children in her care. She has a clear written policy and procedure to follow in the event of concern or child protection which reflects the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and comfortable in the childminder's care. They develop confidence as they initiate their own play and explore an easily accessible suitable range of play resources. For example, they share toys together on the floor and they take turns to play with musical instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have appropriate relationships with the childminder, she is warm, affectionate and attentive to them. Her home provides a child-friendly environment where they develop a sense of trust and feel valued. Young children are able to make themselves understood through actions and their language development is well supported by good questioning and repeating of familiar phrases. The childminder supports their imagination as she plays alongside the children, helping to make their play meaningful, for example, using open questions to extend their language and thinking skills. Children have excellent opportunities to socialise with children their own age and gain physical confidence as they enjoy trips in the local community. For example, going to the park and walking to and from school.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued and respected as individuals. Children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world is not effectively promote because there are limited opportunities and resources to promote positive images and to help children understand their similarities and differences. However, children are able to learn about their local community by going on regular walks around the town, visiting the library, shops and local park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Their behaviour is good and they competently organise sharing and turn-taking. They are learning about managing their own behaviour because the childminder encourages them to negotiate and discuss any problems, approaching her for help with this if needed. Children are set consistent boundaries and are given clear explanations by the childminder, enabling them to make informed decisions and begin to take responsibility for their own behaviour. The childminder acts as a good role model, remaining calm and polite at all times, and the children mirror this behaviour, creating a calm, relaxed atmosphere. The children receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder and sometimes rewards in the form of stickers to celebrate their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder and their parents and carers. The childminder keeps a daily diary informing them of children's progress and activities during the day. The shared information allows the childminder to provide care, which meets the children's individual needs. The childminder shares clear policies and procedures with parents, ensures that parents are kept fully informed of her childcare practice. The childminder is currently not caring for any children with a disability and/or learning difficulties, however she positively supports the inclusion of all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, children's needs are met. Children's care is supported by the childminder's thorough organisation, promoting positive outcomes for children and contributing to their high levels of independence. This enables them to develop in a home from home environment. Resources are well organised ensuring that children can reach them easily and therefore promote their independence. Children are relaxed and comfortable and are confident to initiate their own play and learning, are fully engaged in activities and receive appropriate help and support from the childminder.

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Organisation

Children's safety and welfare are consistently promoted because all details and information are accurately recorded. All records are accessible and carefully filed but are also stored securely and confidentially. The childminder has policies and procedures in place to effectively promote the care and welfare of children. She has a comprehensive range of documents that are shared with parents to keep them fully informed of the setting.

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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

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 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): • increase opportunities for children to understand and take responsibility for personal hygiene – i.e. washing hands before snack • further develop opportunities for children to gain an understanding and knowledge of other cultures and ways of life

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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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