Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355077 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2008 Inspection date Justine Ellaway 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 one child aged four years in Derby. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house, along with the first floor bathroom and one bedroom, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's good health is suitably promoted. The childminder employs effective hygiene procedures through the daily routine, such as using anti-bacterial spray to clean surfaces. The risk of infection is suitably minimised. Children have their own towels and face cloths to use. The childminder has a clear policy on the exclusion of children who are ill to prevent cross-infection.

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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 Children's good health is promoted when they are ill. Suitable records are in place for the recording of accidents and the administration of medication. All relevant information has been recorded when children have been given medicines. The childminder has an up to date first aid qualification and a suitable first aid box to ensure children's needs are met in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy some opportunities to develop their physical skills as they go to the park and on walks. Children are suitably nourished, as healthy options are provided. Children have access to drinks to ensure they do not become thirsty.

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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 environment. A selection of toys and resources are laid out on the floor so that younger children can reach them. The childminder sets up the conservatory for older children with different areas to suit their interests, such as a music area. There is sufficient space to meet children's needs throughout the day, including sleep, floor play and a table for meals and activities. Toys and equipment are in good condition and are checked regularly by the childminder. There is a suitable range of toys for children to play with and the childminder is keen to expand the range as minded children grow older.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe environment. Risks and hazards are suitably minimised. Stair gates restrict access to certain areas and safety harnesses keep children safe when sitting in a high chair. Collection procedures ensure that known adults are collecting children. Children's welfare is mostly effectively promoted in the event of child protection concerns. The childminder has an understanding of possible indicators of abuse, and has relevant information from external agencies, although she has not firmly established her reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and comfortable with the childminder. She greets them as they arrive and they do not become upset when their parents leave. They happily sit on the childminder's knee to listen to a story or play. Children's self-esteem is well promoted. A child bangs on a drum and the childminder encourages him by cheering him on. All children are encouraged to play together and be considerate of others when playing. As a result older children show concern for younger children and help them during play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in free play, along with weekly attendance at a 'stay and play' session and some adult-led activities such as cutting and sticking. The childminder is in the early stages of identifying children's stages of learning and their interests and identifying suitable resources and activities to promote their enjoyment and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder has regular discussions with parents about their routines. Children play with a small range of toys that promote an understanding of the wider world. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive appropriate support as the childminder has a suitable understanding of the issues.

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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 Children are positively encouraged to play together, share and take turns. The childminder is friendly and talks positively about the children in front of each other. She encourages them to be considerate of others when they play. Suitable methods are used to manage inappropriate behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good amount of information is shared with parents at the time of placement, about the childminder's policies and procedures. Parents are kept up to date with verbal feedback at the end of each day and are comfortable to stay and chat when dropping off their child. This benefits minded child as consistency of care is promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment, where all adults have undergone suitable checks. All of the required documentation is in place and maintained appropriately. Additional written policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents. The organisation of time and space supports the care provided for children. Children receive appropriate support whilst with the childminder. She shares her time with the children, giving them equal attention.

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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): • develop activities, play opportunities and resources to fully promote children's play, learning and development • develop knowledge of reporting procedures for child protection

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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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