Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY274832 Unique Reference Number 11 August 2008 Inspection date Louise Brawn 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and seven years in a small village near Spalding in Lincolnshire. The whole of the childminder's house is 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She does not provide overnight care. The family have a pet cat and rabbit.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm clean environment where they are starting to learn about basic health and hygiene practices through their daily routines. Children's healthy growth is supported by the childminder's knowledge and understanding of healthy eating. They are provided with

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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 nutritional snacks such as fruit, sandwiches with healthy fillings and yoghurts. The childminder ensures the children's drinking cups are replenished throughout the day to ensure they remain hydrated. Information about allergies and individual dietary requirements are discussed with parents and recorded on information sheets and the childminder abides by parents' wishes. All children are able to rest or sleep according to their individual routines, a travel cot is available for babies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected by the childminder having a fair understanding of the importance to maintain appropriate records and she has effective systems in place in the event of any accident or medication requirements. However, not all medicine records have been signed by parents after medicines have been administered. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has a first aid kit available which would enable her to treat any minor injuries. This ensures that any accidents can be dealt with effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a varied range of physical activities outside the home which contributes to their good health. They are offered regular opportunities for exercise as they walk to and from local schools and go on walks to the local shops. Children also have immediate access to a safe enclosed garden where they have many physical play opportunities, for example, a slide, ride-on toys and a trampoline.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a mostly safe and secure environment where they can move around freely and independently. Children's safety is promoted and the risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has taken effective steps to reduce possible risks. For example, safety gates are used at the top and bottom of the stairs, and cupboard locks have been fitted. However, not all hazardous items have been moved out of children's reach and children are not always directly supervised. This does not promote children's safety and welfare. Fire safety precautions such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place and the childminder has considered how she would escape in an emergency. Children learn to keep themselves safe on outings as the childminder acts as a positive role model and reminds them of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a stimulating range of good quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards and are appropriate to their age and stage of development. These are stored in child-friendly storage units which encourage children to choose what they want to play with and therefore their independence is promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection signs and symptoms. She is aware of the need to inform parents of her duty to protect children, maintain appropriate written records and the procedures to take should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care and enjoy their time with her. They independently select their own toys and initiate their own activities. They have formed effective relationships with the childminder and approach her with confidence and ease. The childminder supports children's early language and communication skills by encouraging them to spell out loud and then praising their efforts. Children have opportunities to develop their social skills

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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 by playing alongside other children inside the home and when taken into the local community. These activities promote children's learning and stimulate their interest in the wider community.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their confidence as the childminder knows them well and praises their achievements. They happily take part in a variety of activities which ensures all areas of child development are promoted and met, such as, reading, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. Children confidently ask questions and use their initiative, for example, by independently accessing other areas of the house to select toys. The childminder has a clear awareness of the needs and abilities of the individual children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a positive sense of belonging because the childminder knows them and their families well which ensures they are valued and included. Children have built good relationships with the childminder who responds sensitively to them and respects their individual personalities. Children are starting to learn about the wider world by going out into the local community and the childminder has some resources that reflect diversity. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder is a positive role model and has a good awareness of effective behaviour management strategies that are appropriate for the differing ages and stages of development. She is calm and sensitive towards children and uses positive reinforcement to promote good behaviour and develop a child's self-esteem. Regular communication with parents enables any behavioural changes to be shared and ensures a consistent approach is maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare and development is promoted because the childminder builds positive relationships with their parents. Through regular discussion the childminder keeps parents informed about her procedures and matters concerning their child. This helps to support consistent care. The childminder ensures that she obtains relevant information from parents to allow her to provide appropriate care and cater for children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises the home to provide a stimulating and very child-friendly environment in which children can take part in a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Space and resources are reasonably well organised to provide children with a balance of interesting activities both inside and outside of the home.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is positively promoted by the documented information kept, this is well organised to ensure children's details are kept updated. A record is maintained, accurately showing children's actual hours of attendance and the majority of the required documentation was available at the time of inspection.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound understanding of the National Standards which ensures children are well protected in her care. Appropriate checks have been carried out to ensure children are cared for by a suitably vetted person and children are never left alone with any person not vetted. The childminder has attended relevant training required when registering as a childminder

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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 to ensure that she has adequate knowledge for her role. This contributes to the quality of care offered.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure parents are informed about arrangements should they have a complaint and ensure the registration certificate is clearly displayed. All parents received a letter informing them of how to make a complaint. The registration certificate is clearly displayed. She was asked to have an awareness of the booklet 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' and know whom to contact with concerns about a child. The childminder has the booklet and is aware of who to contact with any concerns she might have. The childminder was also asked to set out plans as to how she intended to keep Ofsted informed of significant events. The childminder is aware of the process to follow should she need to inform Ofsted of anything significant.

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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 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): • ensure that medicine records are signed by parents before and after administering medication • ensure any potential hazards both inside and outside of the home are removed; this refers to garden waste, sharpe cutlery and nail polish remover • maintain children's safety, by ensuring they are well supervised at all times.

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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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