Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY152980 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2008 Inspection date Dianne Lynn Sadler 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 2001. She lives with her husband and four children aged 14, eight, six and three years in Tamworth, Staffordshire. All areas of the downstairs are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding 13 children aged 18 months to 14 years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and are cared for well in a clean, tidy environment. The childminder has implemented clear and concise policies and procedures which reflect good health and hygiene practices. For example, pets are managed well and children are beginning to learn the importance of simple good health and hygiene practices through daily routines. They wash their hands

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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 before mealtimes to remove germs using liquid soap and paper towels. Their independence is promoted well at this time with the use of a 'step-up' to the toilet and sink if needed. Children receive good care when they have an accident or become ill. The childminder maintains clear, concise records and has permissions for all of her practice. This safeguards children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably well nourished. There is a written sample menu available which shows they enjoy a varied range of meals and snacks that are nutritious and mainly healthy. Some children benefit from a packed lunch provided by their parents which the childminder stores appropriately. Whilst others enjoy a hot evening meal such as spaghetti bolognese, offered by the childminder. At snack time children enjoy fresh fruit at times and other foods such as scotch pancakes. Children also access their bottles of squash throughout the day which helps to ensure they are well-hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a spacious environment where they can play freely and rest or relax according to their needs. They have daily opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise as they play in the large, interesting garden. They develop their physical skills outdoors very well using the wide range of challenging equipment which includes a climbing wall, climbing frame, swings, slides and large trampoline. They also enjoy ball games such as football and basket ball and access bikes, go-carts and scooters.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a safe and secure home which is well maintained. The childminder uses the available space effectively to meet the children's needs and promote their development. Children benefit from a spacious and relaxed environment where they can move around freely, safely and independently which helps them to settle and feel confident. The risk of accidental injury to children is minimised because the childminder takes positive steps to prevent accidents. All hazards both indoors and outdoors have been identified. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. For instance, they discuss the emergency evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have good access to an extensive range of good quality furniture and play equipment suitable to meet their different needs. Play resources are stored well and easily accessed by the children. This fosters their independence and allows them choice. The childminder uses effective methods to ensure that toys and resources are well-maintained and rotates the toys that are available on a daily basis to ensure children have variety and use toys appropriate to their age and needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and their welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of her role in child protection. She follows a well-written policy and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle and play well in the childminder's home because she is able to give them good support when needed and individual attention. They benefit from a stimulating environment in which they are happy, content and secure. Children are developing positive relationships with each other and the childminder who demonstrates a warm, caring nature. The childminder provides a broad range of activities to help children's development in all areas of learning.

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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 well-motivated and interested in activities and experiences that are purposeful, allowing them to explore, investigate and develop their independence. Some activities are planned and organised, whilst others are initiated by children themselves. For instance, children enjoy choosing to relax in the ball pool whilst watching the television. They also choose a computerised game to play with together, which helps develop their social skills. They enjoy well-planned creative activities daily. For example, they paint pictures at the table and collect leaves and twigs outside to use in their collages. When they find a bird's nest in the garden they are able to bring it in and observe and investigate it further.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. The childminder ensures the environment and activities planned meets the needs of all children present. She organises her time effectively and children benefit from being given individual attention and support when needed. The childminder provides an inclusive service to children in her care who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works in partnership with parents and other professionals to meet their individual needs well. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through some play resources which reflect positive images. For instance, they access books, puzzles and small world characters that show positive images of disability and different cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to play together and behave well. There are clear expectations and boundaries which are recorded in a well-written policy and children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. Children's self-esteem is promoted well and good behaviour is encouraged and praised through the effective and consistent approach the childminder has for dealing with a range of children's behaviour. Children are learning to share resources and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for and supported well by the childminder. She promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to ensures children's individual needs are met successfully. They receive care consistent with home. Parents are made welcome in the setting and information is shared daily. For instance, all parents benefit from accessing an informative information folder which contains all written policies and clearly details procedures. Parents of younger children also benefit from receiving a daily diary which details their routines and activities they have participated in. This is particularly effective in the case of children who attend for very short periods of time each week. Written statements from parents demonstrate they feel their children benefit from creative and interesting activities planned by the childminder who has a good awareness of their development needs and provides a happy and caring

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met well through the effective use of space and resources. Children benefit from a stimulating environment, where resources are easily accessible and activities are well planned. The childminder is willing to improve her knowledge and understanding by undertaking training, which ensures children are cared for by an appropriate adult. She has a high regard for the well-being of children and arrangements effectively promote their health, safety and enjoyment. Her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease.

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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 implemented well-written policies and procedures which are effective in practice and has permissions for all of her practice. This actively promotes the welfare, care and learning of all children, according to the wishes of their parents. All documentation is shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. All documents are reviewed regularly and stored securely. However, the children's daily attendance is not recorded clearly, which may compromise children's welfare.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: comply with the conditions of registration all times; keep a signed record of all accidents and keep accurate records of all administered medication. Good improvement has been made. Accident and medication records are well maintained and signed by parents and the childminder complies with the conditions of her registration.

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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 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): • further improve the daily attendance record.

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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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