Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364071 Unique Reference Number 01 July 2008 Inspection date Denise May Smith 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 child aged four in a village near to Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the childminder’s house may be 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 and is currently minding two children under five, both on a full and part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family has a number of cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder encourages children to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well organised activities and daily routines. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after meals. Effective nappy changing procedures such as the childminder cleaning the changing mat with anti-bacterial spray after each nappy change further

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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 promotes children's health. Each child has their own colour coded flannel to minimise the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has a well equipped first aid box which ensures children’s needs are met. Effective procedures are in place for the care of sick children. Children benefit from the positive measures in place regarding the administration of medication. This further promotes children's health and welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good knowledge about health and nutrition which means that children are well nourished and benefit from meals that are nutritious and well balanced. They have constant access to drinks so that they remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the many, varied opportunities available to support their physical development. They are encouraged to walk, if possible, and go for walks into the village to the local shops, to the library and to the park to play on the static equipment. The children play with a range of equipment in the garden which promotes physical and active play such as bouncing on the large trampoline, using trundle toys and playing with bats and balls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time in the setting and are involved in a range of stimulating activities in a safe environment. The premises are well maintained and space is used effectively to encourage children's all round development and independence. Children have free access to a good range of age appropriate toys and equipment which are clean and in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is active in promoting children's safety both inside and outside of the home. Risk assessments are undertaken both indoors and prior to outings to help identify and minimise risks to children. When taking children out in the community safety precautions are practised in order to maintain their safety and raise their awareness of risks. For example, the childminder explains the principles of road safety to the children as they cross roads. Fire practices are undertaken and discussed with the children developing their knowledge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues and current guidance. This ensures that any concerns can be dealt with promptly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s learning and enjoyment is well supported because the childminder carefully plans activities according to their individual needs. This allows them to make choices in their play and begin to learn to become independent. Children are developing their confidence and self-esteem through forming positive relationships with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a range of appropriate activities, which include reading books, role play and taking part in art and craft activities. They are beginning to develop social skills by having opportunities to play with other children of a similar age through attending local toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder listens to the children and shows a keen interest in what they have to say and do.

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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 Children enjoy creative activities and are given many opportunities to experiment with paint and glue. They practise mark making with a range of pens and crayons and enjoy making cards for their parents at Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children go on many outings into the community. They go on bus rides into town and have been on trips to the local zoo and farm. These activities help to develop the children’s understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to extend and enrich the care provided for the young children. She is currently looking at how she will develop this care with the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal access to all activities and their individual needs are respected. They develop good levels of confidence and independence and learn to play successfully alongside other children and respect their feelings. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries and uses praise and encouragement effectively to reinforce good behaviour and promote children's self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play happily with a good range of resources that promote positive images of other cultures. For example, they play with a range of dolls, books and puzzles which depict diversity. As a result children are learning to appreciate differences. Although not currently caring for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities at present, the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding and appreciates the importance of valuing each child and working closely with their parents and outside agencies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective partnership that has developed between the childminder and the parents. A wealth of information relating to the childminder's policies, practice, daily routine and activities are made available to parents. This keeps them up to date with their child's care and experiences. Children's individual needs are discussed at admission enabling them to be fully met. However, the agreements with parents regarding the use of the large trampoline and water based activities are not fully developed and so do not fully underpin the good quality of care provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are fully informed of the procedures to follow should they wish to make a complaint. Parents have high regard for the childminder. They acknowledge the good quality care offered to their children which enhances their development and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's well-being and progress are supported well because the provision of care is managed effectively. They benefit from a safe, comfortable and stimulating environment where space and resources are well organised. Effective policies and most procedures are well maintained ensuring that children's welfare is monitored. Children benefit from the consistency and continuity which derives from the daily feedback between childminder and parents. All aspects of the childminding service offered are detailed in a portfolio available to parents, ensuring they are provided with a wealth of information about the care provided.

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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 The childminder has a professional approach to her childminding. She is qualified in childcare and uses policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of all children. She ensures all legally required documentation relating to children’s health, safety and well-being is in place and is regularly reviewed.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to continually appraising and developing the quality of the care provided. She is currently attending training on the EYFS to ensure she keeps up to date with current childcare practice. 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 the last inspection 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 the agreements with parents, in particular the use of the large trampoline and water based activities such as swimming.

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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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