Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357249 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2008 Inspection date Susan Sykes 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 satisfactory. 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 her child aged one in a township, south of Peterborough. The whole of the ground floor 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 five children at any one time. The childminder goes to local schools to take and collect children. The family have a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder receives support from the local authority and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a very clean, warm and comfortable childcare environment. They are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene practices through daily routines, for example, as they wash their hands after using the toilet or playing in the garden. This sustains levels of

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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 hygiene and helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has up to date first aid knowledge, and an accessible first aid box ensures she can respond to minor injuries. Procedures are in place in the event of accidents, for the administration of medication and if children are unwell. However, on occasions there is incomplete information collated on children's health issues which puts them at risk of potentially serious ailments such as asthma. This particularly compromises the health of those children who may routinely use, for example, an inhaler.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are met through close cooperation between the parents and the childminder. For example, the childminder ensures that children eat their snack and lunch appropriately and ensures they receive a balanced diet. The childminder promotes healthy eating through the range of foods she supplies such as filled pitta bread or fresh fruit. This promotes children's healthy growth and development. Accessible drinks ensure that children can respond to their thirst when needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical development is fostered through a range of appropriate activities in the fresh air. Children visit local parks, walk to feed the ducks or visit indoor facilities such as activity centres or gym classes. They manoeuvre ride-on toys in the garden, bounce on the trampoline and play ball games. This improves children’s balance, coordination and fitness. Children's manual dexterity and co-ordination is promoted as they, for example, handle cooking utensils during baking activities or use paint brushes to create pictures. They are able to rest and sleep according to their needs ensuring their physical well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming home where risks are generally identified and minimised. The premises, including the outside play area, is secure which enables children to move around safety and independently. However, the daily risk assessment does not always identify potential hazards to children, for example, some carrier bags are stored at child-height. Children are beginning to learn the importance of keeping safe by responding to the guidelines set out by the childminder. For example, children learn to tidy up resources so they do not trip over them or listen to instructions to cross the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a range of quality toys and resources, which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Resources have been chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. Toys and activities are stored at child-height so that children follow their own interests and develop their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety and welfare is protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection and is aware of the appropriate procedures to put into practice when necessary. This knowledge is underpinned by the childminder’s child protection policy which is shared with parents so that they are familiar with her duty to report concerns, thus keeping children safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle quickly in the friendly, relaxed atmosphere as they take part in a wide range of activities both in and out of the home. They are learning to be confident, independent and are

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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 developing self-esteem by the childminder encouraging them to try new activities and giving lots of praise. They are sociable and relate well to others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have fun with the childminder. She is attentive and responds well to their needs. They have opportunities to think for themselves, express their ideas and thoughts and interact with others by sharing and taking turns. For example, the provision of role play resources develops children’s imaginative skills as they become 'mum' and take their baby for a walk. This helps to extend their thinking and promotes their development. Children's independence skills are constantly developing as they take part in and initiate child-led activities using their creative thinking. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed but their independence is promoted as much as possible. Children's self-esteem and confidence is growing through the consistent support and meaningful praise offered by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported well as the childminder sets them appropriate challenges and provides a range of stimulating and challenging experiences for them. The activities are varied and appropriate for the children's development and this enables them to become confident and make progress. Children benefit from a range of activities which help develop their knowledge and skills and these are planned to each individual child. The childminder undertakes detailed observations of children to plan for their next stages of development thus sensitively promoting their self-confidence and growing skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder refers to the 'Birth to three matters' framework to consolidate her knowledge and practice. She is adept at understanding the children's needs in order to help them grow and extend their development. Children have warm relationships with the childminder and approach her for physical comfort and reassurance which contributes to their sense of belonging and well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure and develop a strong sense of belonging during their time with the childminder. They are valued and respected as individuals. They are confident in their relationship with the childminder, who knows the children well. The childminder acknowledges the children's needs and wishes which increases their sense of well-being and promotes their emotional development. Children are beginning to appreciate the world around them as they explore the community. For example, they socialise with other children when they attend toddler groups and play in the park. However, resources and activities that positively reflect diversity in society are limited which can impact on children's understanding and compassion of the wider world. Children receive regular praise, encouragement and support which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. As a result children behave well, use good manners and treat resources and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the home with respect. Although there are no children currently attending the setting with learning difficulties and/or disabilities the childminder is able to provide care through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met. The childminder has developed an effective partnership with parents. This ensures continuous and consistent care for the children. Systems are in place to exchange information. For example, a daily diary is used to share information about the children's care routines and achievements. Children see this positive relationship between the childminder and their parents and this fosters their sense of emotional well-being. The childminder has time for each parent to discuss their child's day and achievements and this is consolidated with written daily diaries, involving them in their child's care. This helps keep

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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 parents well informed of how their child's needs are being met and their developmental progress. A variety of written policies and procedures are in place to underpin her practice. Parents are aware of how to make a complaint and a system is in place for recording them. Children's care and development is fostered due to the childminder's commitment to working closely with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met as the childminder has a sound and secure knowledge of child development, which enables her to provide appropriate care and promote positive outcomes for children. The organisation of time, space and resources contribute to children's good levels of independence and enables them to develop their growing skills in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. All necessary records are in place and stored securely although on occasions some of these records lack detail to fully protect children's well-being.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the individual care and attention the childminder offers. Consistent routines and effective support ensure they feel a sense of belonging and are secure. The playroom and downstairs area provides children with plenty of space to play freely with their toys. The childminder’s storage of toys promotes children’s independence as they are able to see what is available and select some resources for themselves. This encourages them to make decisions and pursue their own interests.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • review and improve procedures for completing medication records

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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 daily risk assessments are effective in identifying potential hazards to children • develop resources reflecting positive images of diversity in society.

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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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