Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356617 Unique Reference Number 11 June 2008 Inspection date Esther Gray 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 their one-year-old child in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. The whole of the ground floor and a first floor bathroom and a bedroom, are used for childminding. 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 five children at any one time. She is currently minding two children under five all day and two child over five before and after school. She walks or drives to local nurseries, pre-schools and schools to take and collect children. She takes children to activity groups, the local library, parks and play areas. The family do not have any pets. The childminder makes reasonable adjustments to the house and facilities to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She belongs to the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are suitably nourished. Food is supplied by parents, including mid morning snacks. The childminder provides children with fresh drinking water and other drinks throughout their stay, which ensures they do not become dehydrated. They have some opportunities to learn about healthy eating as they discuss the contents of their box with the childminder or take part in cookery activities. Some discussion is held with parents about children who are coaxed to eat healthily. The childminder also makes suitable records of any specific dietary requirements for children and discusses this with parents and carers. Consequently, all dietary requirements are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many varied opportunities to develop their physical skills. They enjoy a variety of art, craft, construction and other activities which promote dexterity of movement. For example, they manipulate different consistencies of play dough and other soft materials which helps to promote the strength in their hands. They also have many opportunities to appreciate the benefits of fresh air and exercise as they walk to schools and join a variety of activity groups in the local area. As a result, children are helped to understand how taking exercise in the fresh air helps them to stay healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Although the childminder holds and maintains a qualification in paediatric first aid, she has not obtained permission from parents and carers, at the time of the placement, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. As a result, children's health and well-being are at potential risk if a medical emergency should arise. Parents are advised of exclusion periods for communicable diseases and are required to keep infectious children at home. As a result, positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection and any minor injuries and illness can be dealt with appropriately. She keeps parents well informed of any accidents or illness that occur, however, not all records of medications administered are acknowledged by parents or clearly identified when not administered for any reason. Consequently, children's health and well-being are not effectively safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected from harm because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection. She has undertaken a basic awareness course on child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice. The house is well maintained and secure. The garden is also secured with a fence all around. Toys are carefully stored to allow children to have sufficient space in which to play. They can reach most of their toys independently. There is space for children to rest and sleep and space for messy play or to eat. As a result, children always use a suitable range of resources and equipment that is safe in a secure environment. This means their safety and welfare is suitably safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents and minimise identified risks to children. She carries our a visual check of the premises each day. Further careful thought has been given to outings. For example, younger children are kept secure in the pushchair and she ensures they approach any areas where there is water safely, making use of railings and boundaries to keep children safe whilst enjoying the opportunity to learn about the environment and wildlife. Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They

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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 are made aware of the evacuation plan and rehearse this procedure with the provider. Younger children are able to investigate and explore their surroundings safely. They are reminded not to put anything inedible into their mouth. For example, when playing outdoors they are made aware of inedible plants. As a result, children's safety is well promoted and assured.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, independent and are developing their self-esteem. The childminder makes good use of a local 'Stay and Play' children's venue to introduce them to a wider group of children. They learn to mix with other children, sharing the resources and develop their social skills well. The outings also provide further opportunities for children to develop their skills and interests in art and craft, joining with other children in singing rhymes and songs and developing their physical skills, whilst using the parachute and other resources both indoors and outside.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing a good disposition towards learning. The childminder has creatively developed her own resources to interest children as they learn about shapes, number and letter recognition. They begin to appreciate and develop an interest in the wider world in mini science experiments. Toys and resources are stored to allow independent access by children and some resources are rotated to provide further resources to stimulate fresh interest in the games provided. Games are expanded outdoors as a walk becomes a 'scavenger hunt'. The childminder uses what she knows about the children's interests to encourage them in their own play. For example, knowing that children are interested in sports and running, she has planned an afternoon sports day event, inviting other children from the pre-school to join with children in a fun outdoor activity. As a result, children have their individual needs met and are developing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

a satisfactory range of knowledge and skills because there are effective plans which provide activities and play opportunities that help children achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The exchange of information with parents and carers is effective. Parents are able to access folders which provide information about the way the childminder operates. She provides details of the qualifications she has obtained, the insurance she carries and the routines and typical arrangements made for children in her care. Daily diaries are completed for children and space is provided in the diary for parents comments. Children are becoming aware of their own needs and respect the needs of others. The childminder has some well thought out strategies to deal with overly excitable or unacceptable behaviour and provides good explanations to children. There are further strategies agreed with parents which include the use of a reward card. Further rewards include outings and stickers for good behaviour. As a result, children understand responsible behaviour and learn about boundaries because the childminder is able to manage

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Arrangements are made to ensure all children are included. The childminder obtains suitable permissions from parents to allow children to go out and about in the community and ensure their individual needs are well met. There are suitable resources and activities to help children learn about diversity through their play. She makes good use of everyday events in the lives of children and in outings and other activities to introduce children to the wider environment and make them aware of similarities and differences of people around them. However, children

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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 are not aware of the wide diversity of cultures, religions, races, abilities, disabilities or family structures and beliefs. This is because they do not present themselves readily in the local environment and no planned activities are organised to ensure children are aware of and value others, which actively promotes inclusion.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good organisation of the setting. Most policies and procedures protect children sufficiently and are shared effectively with parents to promote good outcomes for children. Records are available and retained for inspection. They are well organised and kept confidential. The childminder uses the time well to ensure children can mix with other children during the day, either on outings or at the childminder's home. She has some well prepared activities to support children's learning and development and has developed a good rapport with the children she cares for. As a result, children settle well and play happily with games and resources offered.

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Organisation

The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and continues to update her skills and knowledge by attending further courses in child care and education. Children are protected from harm as the childminder is aware of the importance of ensuring that all unvetted visitors are suitable and not left unattended with children in the setting or whilst on outings. Overall children’s needs are met.

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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

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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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): • ensure the written records kept of medicines administered to children are signed by parents to acknowledge the entry

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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 • ensure written parental permission is requested, at the time of the placement, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • develop children's appreciation of diversity in the community further.

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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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