Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349902 Unique Reference Number 11 April 2008 Inspection date Christine Holmes 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 three children aged 13, five and two years in Tamworth. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom 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 four children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children under three years and three school-age children. She takes and collects children from the local school. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has three cats. 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 being cared for in a very clean and well-organised home where all equipment is clean and in a good state of repair. Effective hygiene procedures are implemented by the childminder to prevent the spread of infection. There is a clear policy regarding children who are ill helps protect others from illness and infection. Children learn simple hygiene routines

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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 that help to minimise cross-infection such as washing their hands after using the toilet and learning to wipe their nose with a tissue. They know the colour of their own individual cups and plate and they are provided with separate hand towels. However, the storage of hand towels does not ensure the risk of cross-infection is fully minimised. Procedures are in place for accidents and medication, further safeguarding children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met in partnership with parents. Children are provided with freshly prepared nutritional meals which contribute to their good health. They are provided with drinks at snack and mealtimes and they benefit from having their drinking cups in their reach throughout the day to encourage them to take regular drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities as part of their regular daily routine. They attend weekly music and movement sessions and visit the local park on a regular basis to develop control of their bodies and enjoy rigorous activities. They sleep and rest according to their needs on the comfy settee in the conservatory.

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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 secure, well-maintained home that provides a spacious, welcoming environment for children to play comfortably. They move freely around the lounge, hall, dining room and conservatory that is a designated play room. Children's sense of belonging is increased through colourful displays of their work and photographs of them at play. An extensive range of toys and resources are mostly displayed within children's reach, helping them to develop their independence and to make choices about the direction of their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has a good awareness of potential hazards and she puts effective measures in place to minimise any risks. A safety gate is in place to restrict children’s access to the stairs, all hazardous items are stored out of reach of children and the garden is currently not used due to building work. Children learn about safe practices and procedures through clear explanations and established routines. On outings younger children wear safety reigns and hold the childminder’s hand and all children participate in regular emergency evacuations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very secure in her understanding of child protection. She attends training events to develop her understanding and knowledge of this area and she shares detailed written policies and procedures with parents. As a result, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and play happily. They enjoy warm relationships with the childminder and benefit from the attention she gives them, which increases their sense of well-being and trust. Younger children are beginning to show consideration for others because the childminder encourages them to take turns, share and help each other. They play happily and show enjoyment experimenting with crayons, pencils, paints and dough. They enjoy books, songs and puppets that the childminder uses well to encourage their language and communication skills. Their imagination is fuelled by the wide range of Small World resources that include dressing up outfits.

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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 The childminder is beginning to use the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework effectively to support children’s progress and development. She makes regular observations of what children can do and uses this information to plan activities and experiences to help them to progress. A record of children’s attainments is kept and shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are taken into account and all children are treated with equal concern. The environment and activities planned meet the needs of all children present. Children receive good support and individual attention when needed. The childminder has a good knowledge of equality issues and understands that some children may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and other professionals. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through some play resources which reflect positive images. For example, various books, puzzles and dolls reflect different cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave appropriately. There are clear expectations and boundaries; children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. They are learning to share resources, take turns and play well together. Children receive consistent verbal praise and encouragement; they show pride in identifying their pictures that are displayed around the playroom. This positively develops their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to ensure children's individual needs are met appropriately and consistent with home. Parents are made welcome in the setting and benefit from accessing comprehensive written policies, their child’s progress records and a daily written account of their child’s care and activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall children's needs are met. The childminder has a strong understanding of the National Standards that she implements effectively to protect and promote children's health safety and welfare. Children clearly benefit from her enthusiastic and caring approach that helps to make them feel at home and at ease in her care. She makes good use of the whole of the downstairs of the property to support children's care and to make a stimulating environment for them to play. She organises her time well to provide children with individual support and a range of stimulating experiences in and outdoors. All documentation, policies and records are kept to a high standard, supporting the safe and efficient management of the setting and the good emphasis she gives to working in partnership with parents supports children's continuity of care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, as this is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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 then 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): • improve the storage of children's hand towels.

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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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