Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357323 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2008 Inspection date Anna Davies 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 two children aged two and four years in Hampton Hargate, Peterborough. The whole of the childminder’s house 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder cares for two children before and after school on a part-time basis and also cares for children over the age of eight years. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 good. Children follow effective hygiene routines which contribute towards their good health. For example, they wash their hands after using the toilet and are advised why this is so important. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment where the childminder ensures that the risk of cross-contamination is minimised. For example, the mat used for changing nappies is wiped between changes and toys are regularly cleaned to ensure they are suitable, for example for young babies to place in their mouths. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and checks the first aid boxes on a regular basis which ensures that in the event of an accident she is able to respond appropriately. All relevant documentation is in place to support the care of a sick child or report accidents to parents. This promotes children's safety and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise on daily walks to and from school, in the garden and at the local play park. Older children benefit from the provision of outdoor games such as basket ball and other sports sets. This ensures that all children develop their physical skills and this contributes towards a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works with parents to ensure that children's dietary needs are well met. Menus are clearly displayed and show a wide variety of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. Drinks are freely accessible to children throughout the day which ensures that they remain well hydrated. Children are encouraged to take an interest in food and healthy eating. For example, they grow many fruits and vegetables together and are eagerly awaiting the keys to a new allotment to enable them to grow a wider range of produce. The childminder offers children healthy choices at mealtimes which promotes their independence and encourages them to enjoy the food they choose.

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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 homely environment which is made welcoming for children and parents. For example, children's work, photographs and posters of interest adorn the walls of the kitchen. Children move freely between rooms, particularly on the second floor where toys are stored at low-level to promote independent access. Children use a good range of toys, resources and equipment to support their needs. These are checked regularly and a log maintained, to ensure that they continue to be in a safe and clean condition for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety, both inside and outside, is promoted well as the childminder takes many positive steps to minimise hazards to children. For example, the front door remains locked whilst minded children are present and stair gates are situated at the foot of each stair case in the three storey house. This ensures that children are unable to leave areas without appropriate supervision. All dangerous substances and items are stored out of reach of children. The childminder has a good understanding of conducting regular risk assessments in order to ensure that any risks are identified and appropriate action taken. This includes for example, before going on any major outings to local places of interest or play centres. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe as they are reminded to use resources appropriately and hold on tightly to the hand rail as they come down the stairs.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and her responsibility to report any concerns she has about a child in her care. She has all relevant documentation in place to support her with child protection issues which underpins her knowledge in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Following their arrival, they confidently settle to activities and engage easily with the childminder and her own children. The childminder provides all children with a good range of activities to promote and support their enjoyment, learning and development. A good range of toys and resources are stored at low level so that children may freely choose what they wish to play with and take their play in the direction they wish. Children learn from many first-hand experiences such as planting and growing, using cardboard tubes to tunnel pebbles, observing the life cycles of creatures and lots of arts and craft activities such as painting, gluing, junk modelling and drawing. Children's imagination is stimulated through role play ideas such as 'going camping' and they are given lots of time to voice their ideas and feelings because the childminder takes time to listen and value their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

contributions. This promotes children's language development and self-esteem. The childminder skilfully supports children as they play, promoting discussion and asking them questions to extend their learning. She plans a good variety of activities and has just begun to develop individual assessment files for children. Although in their early stages, they demonstrate the childminder's ability to observe children and assess these observations in order to promote children's next steps of learning. However, these have yet to be put into place for all minded children in order to further underpin the good quality learning opportunities provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and their uniqueness is valued by the childminder. As a result, children are happy in her care and share warm relationships with the childminder. Children have access to a wide range of resources reflecting diversity and this is further underpinned by the provision of a good range of activities that encourage children to understand and appreciate many different cultures, beliefs and traditions. The childminder has previously cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and demonstrates a positive attitude towards working with parents and outside agencies in order to promote inclusion and meet all children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of behaviour management and age-appropriate strategies. Good behaviour is promoted because the children are actively engaged in activities, they are listened to and valued and inappropriate behaviour is dealt with in a calm and respectful manner. Children are praised for their achievements and efforts which boosts their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. Clear rules about conduct in the childminder's house, such as eating nicely at the table, ensure that children feel safe and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parental feedback is important to the childminder. For example, questionnaires are issued and feedback is acted upon if necessary. A good range of permissions are sought from parents so that the childminder is clear as to their wishes. Newsletters during the year ensure that all parents are kept informed of up and coming activities and events. They are kept informed of their children's day through daily diaries and verbal conversations when children are collected.

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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 speak highly of the care offered by the childminder, particularly the good range of activities offered and the childminders attention to providing children with a healthy and nutritious diet.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has attended many training workshops since registration which demonstrates her commitment to developing her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues and practices. She organises her childminding very effectively and puts much time into ensuring that planned activities are well researched and that all her paperwork is in line with requirements. She organises her time so that much of it is spent interacting with the children, which promotes their enjoyment, learning and development. Resources and space are well organised to promote children's independence and ability to take part in a good range of activities and experiences.

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Organisation

A good range of written policies and procedures fully underpin and reflect the good quality of care offered. All necessary documentation and records are in place and in line with requirements. Children's individual records are kept confidentially. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 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): • continue to put into place and develop observations and assessments of all children's learning.

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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 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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