Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY366215 Unique Reference Number 02 July 2008 Inspection date Elisabeth Wright 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband two sons aged six and three years. They live in Grantham, Lincolnshire. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. All local amenities are within walking distance of the family home. The family has one rabbit and keep fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted because the childminder has good routines in practice which support a hygienic environment and contribute to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Young children are developing knowledge and understanding of how to look after their own personal needs and why this is important. For example, notices are displayed to remind them to wash their hands, together with a rhyme about washing germs away. Children are protected from cross-infection because they have their own towels to dry their hands on.

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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 The childminder has good practice for the administration and recording of medication, thereby promoting children's health and well-being. For example, she obtains prior written permission from parents and records the time and dose given, which herself and parents then sign. Children receive appropriate care in the case of an accident or medical emergency because the childminder has attended relevant first aid training and ensures that the first aid box is always accessible; a first aid kit is also taken on outings. Children benefit from being able to play outside in the garden on most days, weather permitting. Therefore, they are able to exercise in the fresh air and consequently develop good physical skills and coordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks throughout the day which promotes their health and well-being. Packed lunches are stored in the fridge, to ensure that they are fresh and safe to eat. Children are able to access drinks, which are left on the counter top in the kitchen, therefore they do not become thirsty or dehydrated. They learn about healthy diet through activities, for example they sort food into healthy food and junk food in a game. They grow some vegetables and herbs themselves, which they can take home, consequently they are encouraged to learn about healthy eating and to try new tastes. Children are provided with an appropriate diet because the childminder is proactive in gaining information regarding dietary needs from parents, which ensures that children with allergies are protected and dietary preferences are supported.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children develop a good sense of belonging because they are made welcome in the childminder's home, which is organised with their needs in mind. Space is organised so that they are able to rest if needed. Toys and resources are stored in low-level cupboards, therefore they are able to access these independently and make their own choices. Toys and equipment are checked regularly by the childminder to ensure that they are safe for the children to use and that they are kept clean. The childminder provides them with a wide range of toys and resources that are appropriate for the age range of children she cares for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted because the childminder carries out risk assessments of the premises and activities to ensure that hazards are identified and minimised. For example, the kitchen is made safe because cleaning fluids and knives are kept in locked cupboards out of reach and the cooker is kept turned off at the wall. Children are protected because the house and garden are made secure, therefore, they cannot leave the premises unsupervised and adults cannot enter without the knowledge of the childminder. An escape plan has been devised and this is practised with the children so that they know how to respond in an emergency. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place, which promote children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder is aware of her role and responsibilities in the reporting and recording of any child protection concerns. However, although the childminder demonstrates a firm undertaking to protect children, she is not fully conversant with the latest information and procedures and would need to seek advice. This means that children may not always be suitably protected in all eventualities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children in the childminder's care progress well, because she has good knowledge and understanding of their individual needs and stages of development. Consequently, she is able

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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 to plan well-considered activities that extend the children's learning and development. For example, through regular cooking activities they learn about the weight and measure of ingredients and how they change in the oven, or how yeast makes bread rise. She is able to make adaptations, ably supporting their age and ability, so that all the children are involved together at varying levels. Children in her care and relaxed and confident, therefore they are able to make good progress and enjoy the time that they spend with her. They benefit from the rich variety of activities and resources that are made available for them. Children's communication skills are developed through good quality interaction with the childminder. They have access to a good range of creative resources which they use to make pictures,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

developing good imaginations and physical skills as they cut and glue the materials to make pictures and models. The childminder is currently developing her practice to include observations of the children which she will use to inform her planning in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are supported well by the childminder because she takes time and care to obtain detailed information of each child at registration. She provides parents of children under three years old with a questionnaire, information gathered includes their likes and dislikes, methods of comfort, progress in toilet training and any fears. Children's own cultures are respected and valued by means such as displaying words in their home language alongside English words, therefore, children develop good self-esteem. The childminder provides the children with toys and images that reflect a diverse range of cultures and abilities. Therefore, she creates an atmosphere of positive inclusion. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities would be welcome in the childminder's home because she has a positive attitude towards this area of child care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good because the childminder has a range of strategies to promote acceptable behaviour and manage challenging behaviour. She uses praise and encouragement and finds this successful in promoting good behaviour. Children in her care are polite and respond well to her. They listen to what she says to them because she listens to them and shows them equal respect and consideration. They benefit from the good relationships which she builds with their parents. Systems for registration ensure that parents have clear expectations of the service offered, for example, by having contracts in place and written policies and procedures which parents are able to access.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder ensures that they are constantly supervised. The house is organised so that children can rest or relax in the lounge, play and eat at the kitchen table or play actively in the garden. They are under the direct supervision of the childminder because they can always been seen or heard by her. Furniture, toys and resources are organised to provide a child-orientated environment, enabling children to feel at home and relaxed. She takes steps to ensure that they only come into regular contact with adults who are suitable whilst they are in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that all required documentation which is necessary for the care of the children is kept up to date and accurately completed. Documents which contain children's

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 personal information are stored in a locked file to maintain confidentiality. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards the continual improvement of the service she offers and seeks to enhance the care of the children by actively seeking and attending training courses offered locally. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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): • develop further knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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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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