Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY366878 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2008 Inspection date Ros Church 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 partner and young daughter; they live in their own part of a shared house with her parents. The home is in a village close to Newark, Nottinghamshire. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The home is within walking distance of all local amenities including shops, schools and parks.

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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. She currently cares for five children under five part-time and two children over five. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home where clear health and hygiene routines are followed; this helps to promote and protect children's health and well-being. For example, the childminder ensures tables are clean prior to serving meals and snacks. Children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet, the childminder helps them to learn

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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 about the importance of these routines. Clear procedures are shared with the parents regarding the care and attendance of sick children. The childminder has a current first aid certificate; she keeps this up to date and a first aid box is accessible to ensure children are appropriately cared for if they become ill or have an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Daily routines incorporate time for physical activities and fresh air either in the garden or at local facilities such as the park or toddler groups. A good range of equipment is provided in the garden which promotes a variety of physical skills. Indoors children join in with activities which include dancing, action rhymes and moving imaginatively, such as pretending to be different animals. Children are provided with a healthy balanced diet, where fresh fruit and vegetables are part of their daily snack and meal menu. Children eat at the dining table which helps to provide a social time for them. Drinks are available as children require them from a covered jug within the play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure setting where space is used effectively to meet their needs. The lounge with dining area is the main play area for children, where a good range of toys and equipment is easily accessible enabling them to make choices within their play. Additional toys and equipment are available; these are rotated to take account of children's individual developmental needs. Other rooms are used within the home to provide additional space, such as an area where children can rest and sleep in comfort. Sleeping children are checked and monitored to ensure their safety. Children are kept safe as the childminder identifies and minimises risks prior to children arriving and whilst they are in her care. For example, safety gates are fitted at internal doorways, socket covers are in place and the home and garden are kept secure. The childminder ensures children are supervised at all times; this enables them to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

play and explore their environment in safety. During outings the childminder takes account of individual developmental needs and ensures children's safety. For example, young children and babies are secured in pushchairs; older children either hold hands or keep within sight and a short distance of the childminder. Children are protected and their welfare safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection, she knows what to do in the event of any concerns and clear procedures are in place which are shared with the parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access a broad range of activities which are planned by the childminder and take account of children's developmental needs and interests. They enjoy choosing from the various stimulating activities such as drawing and mark-making, construction, role play and reading. Children are keen to select books to look at and benefit from regular trips to the local library. The childminder plans additional craft activities, such as making musical instruments out of junk materials or doing various craft activities which link with weekly themes, such as painting sea-life pictures during 'Seaside week'. Visits to local toddler groups and parks enable children to have different learning experiences and opportunities to socialise with larger groups of children. The childminder actively encourages children’s independence skills as they make choices in their play and practise their self-help skills, for example, removing their shoes when

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they come into the house, washing their hands and putting on dressing-up clothes.

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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 are happy, confident and settled in the childminder's home. They are warmly welcomed and fully included in family life. They have good relationships with the childminder, confidently moving around the play areas exploring their toys and comfortably engaging with her in conversation. The childminder interacts effectively with the children and encourages their development well. Children make good relationships with one another where they learn to share the equipment, such as learning to take turns during a matching game.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are encouraged to make individual choices regarding their play. They are cared for according to parents' wishes; the childminder ensures she is aware of and meets children's individual needs, likes and dislikes. To ensure consistency in their care and routines she talks to parents daily. The childminder is aware of the need to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities by working with parents. A folder of information about her childminding service is available for parents and they are provided with written copies of her policies and procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children learn about their community through regular outings to local parks, toddler groups, shops and the library. However, a limited range of resources is available which supports children's independent learning about diversity in society. The childminder ensures children's behaviour is managed consistently, taking account of their individual understanding and maturity. She uses praise and encouragement to foster good behaviour; this helps to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are looked after in an environment which is organised to meet individual needs. Space within the home is organised to enable children to play, eat and rest in comfort. Children are able to independently access toys and play materials and make choices within their play. They are settled and content in the childminder's care; children freely move around the home and express their needs and feelings. The childminder ensures children are supervised at all times to ensure their safety. All required vetting procedures have been carried out on persons 16 years and over to ensure the safety of children. Children's records, individual details and parental consents are in place; these are kept confidential. Daily attendance records are kept, however, these do not identify times when they are being cared for by an assistant. The childminder has attended the required courses which includes first aid and the 'introduction into childminding

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Organisation

practice' course; this helps to support the needs of children within her care. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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 provider is required to keep a record of complaints made to 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): • ensure the daily record of children's attendance includes specific times and names of the persons who looked after them • develop the range of activities and resources that promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, to help children learn to appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences.

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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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