Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362255 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2008 Inspection date Clare Elizabeth Pook 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 partner and five children aged one, four, eight, 12 and 13. The family live in a house near the city centre in Peterborough. The whole ground floor 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 one child on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s health is satisfactorily promoted. The childminder encourages children to learn about hygiene routines. For example, encouraging them to wash their hands before meals and explains

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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 to them about the importance of washing their hands to prevent the spread of infection. However, hand washing was not observed during the inspection before snack time. The childminder knows how to respond to accidents appropriately through training she received on her first aid course. Although she keeps accurate records of any accidents some entries contain other children's names involved in the accident, which breaks confidentiality. She is aware of any consents and records that need to be kept regarding the administration of medication. These help safeguard children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary preferences are respected and catered for. Fresh fruit is provided as snacks during the day such as grapes and bananas. Parents provide a packed lunch for the children, but the childminder is happy to provide cooked meals if required. Regular drinks are offered and children can access their own drinks when thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a suitable range of activities that contribute to their health and physical development. The childminder ensures children have fresh air and exercise through walking to and from school, visits to the park or by playing in the garden.

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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, secure and generally safe indoor and outdoor environment. They have access to a suitable range of toys and equipment that meet safety standards and are appropriate for the ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of possible hazards and reduces the risks to children. Socket covers and safety gates are used where appropriate. Fire alarms are checked regularly and a written emergency evacuation plan is in place. This is practised with the children so they know how to escape in the event of a fire. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has effective procedures in place. For example, she talks to children about road safety and helps them to learn safe practices such as finding safe places to cross.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has basic knowledge and understanding of child protection. She is aware of the signs of abuse and the importance of contacting professionals if she has concerns for a child. However, she is unclear who to contact and the procedure to follow, as a result children are not fully safeguarded. Parents are made aware of her duty to child protection in her policies and information she provides to them. The childminder is trying to attend training in this area, but as yet has been unsuccessful in gaining a place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home, this enables them to make progress in their development. The childminder plans a suitable range of activities based on topics to help children learn. Children also benefit from a range of outdoor experiences such as going for a walk, visits to the park as well as playing in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts well with the children encouraging conversations. Children are occupied in their play and generally behave well. The children play with the 'Duplo' building houses and when necessary the childminder intervenes to prevent upsets. The childminder supports their needs and provides additional resources when children need a new direction, for example, setting out the play dough when the children have finished drawing. Children are aware of the

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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 daily routine and when it is time to play outside. Resources are easily accessible, which encourages children to explore them independently, making their own decisions about how they spend their time and developing their interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a reasonable understanding of how children develop. She is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is booked on the new Early Years Foundation Stage training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy and benefit from warm relationships with the childminder. Children generally behave well. The childminder is calm and consistent in her approach and encourages children to share and take turns fairly. Children listen and respond well towards her. Children are polite and remember to say 'thank you' after being given a snack and drawing materials. The childminder’s good use of praise and encouragement promotes children’s confidence and self-esteem. Children are developing some awareness of other cultures through exploring books, resources and discussions about family traditions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are looked after according to their parent’s wishes. Parents are fully informed of the childminder’s practice through discussions with the childminder and through her portfolio which contains several policies. A noticeboard displays information for parents about the daily and weekly routines. Written agreements are in place with parents including all necessary consents required by the National Standards. Daily conversations ensure that parents are kept well informed about their child’s day. This contributes positively to children’s well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder’s care. The childminder has a suitable understanding of the National Standards for childminding and is showing a commitment to developing her practice. She has completed her Introduction to Childminding Practice as well her first aid course. She is keen to attend courses and is booked on several courses for the spring including complaints procedures, knowledge and understanding of the world and Jabadao play. The knowledge that she gains from these will enable her to enhance the provision for all of the children who attend.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her day appropriately to provide children with a balance of activities and experiences both indoors and outdoors. All documentation and written consents set out in the National Standards are in place to support children’s care and well-being. Good information is shared with the parents and although all necessary records are in place, not all are fully maintained or entries kept confidentially.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements 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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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): • ensure all accidents are recorded confidentially • ensure the register is kept accurately and up to date • obtain the booklet 'What to do if worried about a child' and improve knowledge on procedure to follow in the event having to make a referral.

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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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