Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY366212 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2008 Inspection date Jan Burnet 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 in a residential area close to Nuneaton town centre with her husband and three children aged six years, five years and three years. The whole of the ground floor and a single front bedroom are registered for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding three children aged under five years, all on a part-time basis. The childminder is able to walk or transport children to the local school and attends parent and toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children's health is protected because the childminder makes sure that standards of hygiene are sound with thorough routines and preventative measures in place to ensure minimal risk to children. Children are aware of the appropriate practice with regard to hand washing and are

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Helping children to be healthy

well- protected because the childminder provides antibacterial liquid soap. Parents are aware that their child should not attend if he or she has a contagious illness or sickness and diarrhoea and that they will be contacted if the child becomes ill. Children's best interests are served in case of accidents because the childminder holds an in-date first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder provides three meals daily and snacks. Lunch is the most substantial meal and a two-week menu has been drawn up. Meals include, diced chicken and spaghetti, fish and vegetables, lamb curry and chapatti, and shepherds pie. A variety of fresh fruits are provided for morning snacks and, as none of the children currently stay late, the final meal of the day is an afternoon snack that could be cheese on toast, scones, raisins and banana or muffins. Children are at no risk from unsafe food because the childminder has a satisfactory awareness of food hygiene procedures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s emotional well-being is initially addressed with a good settling-in procedure and children are happy and secure in the childminder's care. They develop physical skills and confidence using large equipment at the park, at groups and at home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play, eat and sleep in satisfactorily safe and healthy premises. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents. The main play area is an open plan sitting room and dining room, the kitchen is suitable for art and craft and messy play, a bedroom is suitable for sleeping children or quiet play activities and access to the large garden at the back of the house is through the kitchen. Storage of resources in the dining room is organised so that children are able to self-select, thus promoting their independence. Their toys and equipment are safe, clean and in a good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, holding hands when out walking and looking and listening when crossing the road. The childminder is alert to her responsibilities with regard to supervision at all times, particularly in the garden where there is a large trampoline that is not suitable for children aged under three years. Children’s risk of injury inside the home is minimised because the childminder has identified and satisfactorily addressed potential hazards. However, in the garden children's safety is compromised because a water butt, without a cover, is accessible and a drain is not satisfactorily covered. Children gain an awareness of the fire procedure because the drill is practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound working knowledge of abuse and neglect and is aware of her responsibilities with regard to local referral procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy and learn from the range of activities provided by the childminder. She has a sound awareness of their different developmental needs and ensures that children attending are effectively challenged and have access to suitable resources. Relationships are good and children are cared for as individuals. They are happy and settled.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children benefit from consistent routines that include activities inside and outside the home. Social development is promoted at groups and physical development at the park. Children explore their senses as they play, for example, the difference between raw and cooked pasta. Outdoor activities at home include a hopscotch game that promotes numeral recognition and helps balancing skills. Manipulation skills are developing with regular use of pencils and crayons, malleable materials and small toys and equipment. Children name shapes and colours and they count as they play. Independence is encouraged as children are able to select toys from low-level storage units. They have access to books and enjoy listening to stories. Creative development is satisfactorily promoted as they have access to role-play resources and enjoy art and craft activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s individual needs are known and appropriately met by the childminder. They benefit from good communication between the childminder and parents that ensures consistency of care. Information for parents is contained in a portfolio and includes public liability insurance, motor insurance, police clearance, training certificates, Warwickshire Safeguarding Children Board procedures, menus and a range of policies and procedures. Admission forms include all required details and information is shared daily through discussion. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to assessing and improving her service as she gives parents some information on complaints, however, parents are not made aware of required response times to written complaints or their right to see complaints records. Potentially, this has an impact on the overall quality of the service provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that diversity is valued by children. She talks with children about similarities and differences, celebrates different religious and cultural festivals and provides resources that reflect positive images. The childminder has not yet been asked to care for a child with a learning difficulties and/or a disabilities. She makes sure that all children are valued and included so that they are able to reach their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is fostered well and behaviour management strategies include the ongoing use of praise in acknowledgement of positive behaviour. When children's behaviour is inappropriate, the childminder talks to the child giving an explanation that is appropriate for the child's level of understanding. Children learn to share, take turns and consider how their behaviour affects others.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's implementation of a range of policies and procedures including ones on child protection, equal opportunities and behaviour. Documentation is

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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 well- organised and required records are kept up to date. Blank record sheets for complaints are shown to parents but information on complaints is not up-to-date. A portfolio has been developed for parents. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to improving her skills and knowledge. Since registration she has attended a quality childminding practice workshop and training on first aid and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

Daily routines are consistent and activities are varied. Children's independence is developing well, activities are organised to meet different needs, and admission information and verbal communication with parents ensures that each child is known as an individual.

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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): • improve safety in the garden by making the water butt and the drain inaccessible to children • develop the complaints procedure to include revision to criteria October 2005.

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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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