Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355576 Unique Reference Number 10 June 2008 Inspection date Sharon Dickinson 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 family, including a child age 11 years, and her mother occasionally works with her as an assistant. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding as well as the first floor bathroom and two bedrooms. 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding six children under five, attending various sessions during the day, and five children over five attending various sessions before and after school. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s good health is promoted in the setting as there are effective hygiene procedures. The home is clean, organised and well maintained. Thorough nappy changing procedures are

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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 followed to minimise cross-infection. For example, the childminder wears latex gloves when changing children and sprays the nappy mat with antibacterial spray between each use. Consistent daily routines such as hand washing before meals and after outdoor play help children learn about good hygiene. Individual hand towels are provided and washed on a daily basis. The risk of infection is minimised and the good health of children maintained. A clear sick child policy is in place and children who are ill are excluded from the childminder's care, particularly if they are infectious. Children receive appropriate care when they have an accident or become ill to maintain their good health. The childminder has completed first aid training and a first aid kit is readily available both indoors and on outings. Children’s contact details are taken on

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Helping children to be healthy

outings ensuring the childminder is fully prepared to handle any incident. All required records are maintained for accidents and the administration of medication and these are effectively shared with parents. However, accident records do not consistently contain sufficient detail relating to the description of the injury.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and their health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works well with parents. Information is obtained regarding dietary requirements through children’s records and discussion with parents and the childminder takes heed of information provided. Healthy snacks and meals such as jacket potatoes, sandwiches, fruit and yoghurt are provided and enjoyed by children. Parents are requested to provide meals for children under 12 months. Fresh drinking water or squash is readily available to children at all times. They freely access individual beakers, for example, after an active play session outdoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily opportunities to be active and have physical exercise both indoors and outside. Children enjoy playing in the garden blowing and popping bubbles, throwing and catching footballs and digging in the sand tray. A generally good range of outdoor play equipment such as a slide, rocker, basket ball net and wheeled toys help children of all ages make progress in a range of physical skills. Regular outings are undertaken, for example, children attend weekly toddler groups and make the most of local areas such as the parks and nearby playing fields. Trips further afield have also been enjoyed such as a visit to Chatsworth farm and a Christmas party at Bumpies soft play adventure centre.

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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 welcoming home which helps them to feel secure and comfortable. Some of the children’s art work is displayed and toys are stored on accessible shelving and on low-level window sills providing a bright, stimulating and child orientated environment. Children use a good range of toys and equipment which is safe and suitable. Resources are well presented at child height and are freely accessible to children who are encouraged to make choices and decisions about their play and learning. A good range of equipment is provided for the needs of children attending, including appropriate furniture for children to rest or sleep in. Quiet areas are provided to enable individual sleep patterns to be facilitated and sleeping children are closely monitored and frequently checked by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is safe and secure. The childminder has a very good understanding of safety issues and through regular risk assessment ensures hazards to children are minimised. Children’s safety is well promoted in the event of an emergency. Clear, written evacuation procedures are discussed and practised with children on a regular basis. Children also begin to learn about safety issues as they talk about the meaning of red and green signal lights when playing with the train set. The childminder closely supervises children in her care whilst also allowing them

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 freedom to explore and extend their play. Equipment such as car seats, pushchairs and reins are provided to ensure children’s safety on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She has attended child protection training and has a sound knowledge of the types and indicators of abuse and of recording and reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They relate well to others and positively respond to the childminder who adopts a warm, friendly manner and is interested in what they do and say. Children confidently engage in chosen play opportunities secure in the knowledge that the childminder is available to provide support and reassurance as necessary. Less confident children are provided with reassurance and encouragement and find security in familiar comforters brought in from home. Children are involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. Children become engrossed when playing imaginatively with small world toys such as a train sets, cars and road mats. They work together to complete simple age-appropriate puzzles and develop awareness of the natural world as they plant and tend to sunflowers. Older children choose activities in line with their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

mood after a busy day at school and particularly enjoy board games and outdoor play. Activities are practical, fun and in line with children’s interests, for example, baking Valentine biscuits and Easter cakes, painting and modelling with play dough. Good opportunities are provided for children to enjoy books and they display good levels of concentration when sharing familiar stories with the childminder, taking turns to press the interactive sound buttons. A brief outline of activities and play opportunities are planned including more structured tasks to help prepare older children for transition to school, however, the childminder is careful to ensure the routine remains flexible to allow for children’s choice. The childminder successfully adapts activities to allow all children to participate at a level appropriate for their individual capabilities, for example, babies enjoy taking part in craft and messy play activities alongside the older children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met by the childminder who works in close partnership with parents. As a result children receive consistent and appropriate care. All children are helped to feel valued and included. Play opportunities are accessible to all children attending regardless of age or gender and are differentiated to ensure their suitability. Children benefit from some activities and resources which help them value diversity. For example a collection of ethnic dolls, a dolls wheelchair and variety of books including positive images and information about different cultures are available. Also some festivals are celebrated such as Christmas and Easter. However, opportunities to develop children’s awareness of non-stereotypical gender roles and disability are limited. Systems are in place to ensure children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities will be appropriately cared for and given good levels of support whilst at

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved. They are cared for in a positive environment which successfully promotes their self-esteem. Children respond to consistent daily routines and clear expectations for their behaviour helping them to work harmoniously with others. Simple ‘house

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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 rules’ are identified and prominently displayed as a reminder of expectations. Challenging behaviour is promptly and appropriately managed. The childminder skilfully redirects children’s play before conflict or boisterous behaviour escalates. The childminder discusses unwanted behaviour with children at a level appropriate for their maturity which helps them reflect upon the consequences of their actions and begin to distinguish between right and wrong. Appropriate behaviour management strategies are clearly outlined in a written policy which is shared with parents on entry.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good systems are in place to exchange information between parents and the childminder ensuring continuity. The childminder discusses the children’s day and achievements with parents on a daily basis and this is supported by a diary detailing their daily routine and activities undertaken. Parents are complimentary about the service. Clear procedures are in place to ensure children are only released from the care of the childminder to individuals named by the parent, effectively maintaining their safety.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder shows a strong commitment to continual professional development which supports the care and learning of all children. She has attended various further training events including an Introduction to Childminding Practice, training on child development and additional needs. Good use of time, space and resources positively support children’s care, learning and play. The daily routine fits around the children’s individual needs and provides a good balance of active and rest periods. Suitable contingency arrangements are in place to ensure children’s safety and well-being is maintained in the event of an unforeseen emergency. Agreed cover in emergency situations is discussed with parents on entry. The childminder effectively oversees the work of her assistant who provides additional support at busy periods. Record systems are generally used well to meet children’s needs. All required records and documentation is in place

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Organisation

and well organised. However, accident records do not contain sufficient detail. Comprehensive written policies and procedures are pertinent to the setting and are shared with parents. Documentation is well organised and is stored securely to protect privacy and confidentiality. 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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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 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): • further improve detail in accident records, particularly relating to the description of any injury sustained • further extend activities and play materials to include positive images of gender and disability.

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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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