Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY307095 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2008 Inspection date Melanie Calway 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 2005. She lives with her partner and two children, aged 15 and 16 in a small village near to Kings Lynn, in Norfolk. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives to the local school to take and collect children. She takes children to nearby parks and on regular outings to a farm park. She also takes them to see her two horses.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of The National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well because there are very good hygiene procedures in place. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and so

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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 are learning about good hygiene through the daily routine. The childminder talks to them and supports them, saying 'you need to wash your hands to stop the germs' so that they begin to understand why good hygiene is important. Children use the downstairs bathroom where they are provided with a step stool so that they can be independent. Individual flannels are provided for children to dry their hands to minimise the risk of cross-infection and children know which flannel is theirs. Flannels are washed daily. The home is clean and well-maintained and toys are cleaned regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical needs are met as the childminder has a current first aid qualification and keeps a first aid kit in the kitchen so that she can deal with minor accidents and injuries appropriately. An accurate record of all accidents is maintained. There is a system for recording the administration of medicines, which is completed correctly. Consent has been obtained from parents to seek emergency treatment or advice so that she can seek help in the event of an emergency. Children are protected from the risk of infection as the childminder has clear procedures on not accepting children with infectious conditions, which she shares with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to sleep and rest according to their needs. Travel cots are available for young children to sleep in comfort and individual bedding is provided for each child to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children have regular opportunities for exercise and fresh air as they are taken on outings to nearby parks and to a local farm and play outside in fine weather.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. Some children bring their own snacks and meals and others have them provided by the childminder. She has produced a menu so that parents know what is offered and uses daily diaries to keep parents in touch with what their children are eating. The childminder sits with the children while they have their snack and chats to them, making it a pleasant social occasion. The childminder gives children explanations about foods that are healthy to enable them to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. She also plans activities about healthy eating to further develop their understanding. Children are able to help themselves to their drinks which are left out on a small table in the kitchen and fresh drinking water is available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in premises which are safe and suitable. The premises are secure as doors are locked while children are present and there is a notice on the outside gate reminding people to close it after them. Children have plenty of room to move and play freely and the environment is made welcoming because there is a wide range of toys, which are presented attractively at children's level so they are easily accessible. The childminder takes care to arrange resources to make the environment inviting, for example, laying out books in a book area. Examples of children's work is displayed on the walls and there are attractive displays covering recent topics and visits, for example a visit to the woods, providing a point of interest for children and their families. Toys are appropriate for the age group attending and checked regularly for hygiene and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as the childminder maintains a good level of supervision at all times. Children can move around safely as the environment is free of hazards. Stair gates restrict access to the upstairs and to the kitchen. Cupboard catches are used, where necessary, to protect children and all harmful substances are placed out of reach. Children begin to develop an awareness of safety issues as the childminder chats to children as they play and talks about safety. Children are protected on outings as the childminder ensures that children are all

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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 restrained in appropriate seats and are kept close by when out and about. Outdoor areas are checked in advance to ensure that they are suitable for children. The childminder takes a first aid kit and all the emergency numbers are kept in the car. She has formed a back up plan using other responsible adults so that she can deal with emergencies effectively. Children are protected from the risk of fire as there is a clear written fire evacuation procedure which is displayed by the door and which is practised regularly so that the childminder and the children know what to do in the event of a fire. Fire blankets and smoke alarms, which are tested monthly, are in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is aware of her duty to report any child protection issues. She has up to date information on child protection procedures and has attended training to ensure that she knows what to do if she has any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating and interesting activities in the childminder's care. She takes them to see her horses, to a local farm to see the lambs and to nearby woods. She also gets together regularly with another childminder and visits local parks so that children can socialise and enjoy fresh air and exercise. Inside the home she has created an interesting learning environment for children with many displays, child-sized furniture and toys and equipment are well laid out and presented to make them attractive. Children are able to choose what they want to play with and can select resources for themselves, for example, they choose books to take to the childminder to read to them and then put them away again when they are finished, demonstrating their independence skills. The childminder gives children plenty of attention sitting at their level on low furniture or on the floor and joining in with their play. She talks to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them and listens, asking them questions to encourage their language development. As a result, children express themselves well and extend their vocabulary. Children can recognise print as they select their name cards after they have washed their hands and from the examples of print displayed in the home. She asks open-ended questions to encourage children to problem-solve such as 'what do you think will happen now?' and talks to them about recent events to promote their recall. There are lots of opportunities for children to develop mathematical awareness as children count while they play and recognise numbers. Children are able to do this in meaningful contexts, for example, counting backwards as they count down for a rocket ship which they have made.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder makes regular observations of children's play and learning. She records the next steps for their learning so that she can provide them with challenges, which are geared to their individual needs. Children can play in the garden every day and in the summer most activities are offered outside for children to access freely. However, the outside area is currently being re-designed and equipment is not presented as attractively as in the indoor environment. Children develop self-confidence and self-esteem as they are able to express themselves freely as they are given praise and encouragement. Their independence is promoted as they choose what to play with, select and put away resources, fetch their drinks and wash their hands.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three are given good care. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework pack to support her practice and provide young children with a wide range of appropriate activities.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder gathers good information from parents about their care. She obtains information about comforters, routines and any special requirements from parents. She gets to know the children in her care well and chats to them about their experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about the wider world as some resources reflect other cultures and lifestyles. The childminder uses topics to cover festivals from around the world such as Diwali and she uses the library and the toy library to supplement her resources. Children are given appropriate support. The childminder has experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has attended training to ensure that she has the necessary knowledge and skills to care for children who may need additional support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the childminder's care as she has consistent boundaries so that children know what is expected of them. Good behaviour is promoted because children are happily occupied and interested in the activities on offer. Children are able to participate in activities at their different levels and older children are encouraged to help the younger ones. As a result children are forming positive relationships and learning to respect each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for effectively because she has a very good relationship with parents. She provides useful information about her service in a folder. When children start the childminder makes up a welcome pack to give to parents with all the information they need. A regular exchange of information about the children's care takes place as daily diaries are used, which provide an effective method of communication for the childminder and for the parents. The childminder keeps an attractive record of children's play and development in their 'special books', which are shared regularly with parents and the children themselves, enabling them to reflect on what they have done and how they have grown. Parents are made aware of how to make a complaint and Ofsted's number is available for them. A record of complaints is kept in line with regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is a suitable person to care for children. She and her household have the necessary clearances and evidence of these is kept in a folder for parents to see. She has experience in caring for children in different settings and has attended training courses on a wide range of issues to develop her knowledge and skills.

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Organisation

The premises are well organised to ensure children's safety and well-being. The environment provides good opportunities to promote children's independence and learning. Outings are used to give them a range of fun, stimulating and interesting experiences. Children benefit from high levels of adult attention and interaction. An accurate record of children's hours of attendance is kept.

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Organisation

All of the required documentation is in place and is maintained in an orderly and accessible manner. Clear and effective policies and procedures are in place and are given to parents. Attractive records of children's play and learning, which identify the next steps for their development are kept and shared with parents. The good care children receive is therefore enhanced by effective documentation. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide appropriate facilities to enable children to rest or sleep in comfort. Travel cots are now available for children who need a proper sleep and the childminder takes steps to ensure that they can sleep undisturbed. She was also asked to ensure all hazards are minimised and the emergency escape plan is practised. The childminder ensures that the environment is safe for children. She carries out a risk assessment for outings and regularly practises the evacuation with the children so that they are safe and know what to do in the event of a fire.

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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 use of the outside area to give children free access throughout the year and to provide a stimulating outdoor environment.

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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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