Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343219 Unique Reference Number 29 April 2008 Inspection date Diana Pidgeon 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and young child. The home is close to the local school and shops. The whole of the downstairs of the house is used for childminding with toilet facilities in this area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years at any one time. There are currently two children under five years of age on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted through a range of positive actions that encourage healthy eating and provide good opportunities for exercise. Arrangements for the provision of food are agreed with parents and any individual dietary needs are sought and recorded. Currently, parents provide a lunch for their children and the childminder works with them to ensure this is served appropriately. Children enjoy eating their finger foods picnic style and the childminder

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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 offers some additional sliced raw vegetables to eat alongside their own savoury items. Children readily eat fresh fruit, which the childminder provides at snack time. The attractive presentation of the fruit platter entices children to try the range of different fruits on offer. This encourages them to develop a taste for healthy options. Children help themselves to a drink whenever they want because their individual containers are placed on a low table within their reach. This ensures they are not thirsty, especially after being active. Children play outdoors on a regular basis. They use a suitable range of toys and equipment to enhance their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is safeguarded through the generally sound implementation of good hygiene practices. For example, the home is kept clean and the childminder follows good procedures when changing children's nappies and preparing food. After using the toilet and before meal times children wash their hands and dry them on individual towels. However, at snack time children eagerly begin to eat the fruit before having their hands wiped or washed, which means they may not be fully protected from germs. Secure arrangements are in place to ensure children receive appropriate treatment when they are ill or injured. The childminder has a suitable knowledge of administering first aid and maintains accurate records of any medication given or injury sustained so that parents are well informed. This ensures children's ongoing care and medical needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in the childminder's home because appropriate precautions are taken to ensure they are protected from any identified hazards. Positive steps are taken to ensure the premises are secure at all times and that children cannot leave unaccompanied. Children learn simple safety messages such as why it is important to tidy away toys to prevent trips and falls. Good precautions are in place to minimise the risks in the event of a fire and this includes having a clear evacuation procedure that is regularly practised with the children. All of the toys and play materials within children's reach are suitable for them to use. They are set out carefully all around the room with sufficient floor space for children to play comfortably and safely. Children select what they wish to do from the many portable drawer units as well as choosing to use the larger toys that are set out for them. All resources are routinely checked for cleanliness

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and safety so that children's well-being is not compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder is alert to the indicators of abuse and neglect and knows how to act on any concerns she may identify. Her awareness has been raised through attending relevant training and she has written guidance materials available for reference. This ensures she is able to act in children's best interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enthusiastically become involved in the activities planned for them. For example, young children particularly enjoy handling the home made dough and slightly older children are eager to make shapes and patterns using the tools provided. Good emphasis is given to providing children with a range of materials they can handle so that they explore using all of their senses. For example, photographs show children experimenting with a range of substances such as cornflour, shaving foam and spaghetti. Through activities such as playing with musical instruments children learn to listen and differentiate between sounds. They enjoy lots of opportunities to sing with the childminder

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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 and children are beginning to join in with the words as their language develops. At times, children make considered choices. For example, they choose a toy from the song box to indicate the song they wish to sing together. There is an abundance of good quality play opportunities provided in the home and children have access to many varied resources that they may freely select to use. Whilst these are set out safely the presentation does not always enable children to make informed choices. For the youngest children this sometimes compromises their ability to concentrate fully as they are easily distracted by other interesting items.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Routines and activities are planned to meet the needs of the children who attend. For example, the childminder takes account of younger children's patterns of rest when planning what they will do. Throughout the week there is a good variety of play planned within the home, in the outdoor environment and in the community so that all aspects of children's development is provided for. Planning is based around the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the childminder tracks children's progress so that she is always ready to move them on to their next stages in learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the good partnership between the childminder and the parents. Information is exchanged so that children's individual needs are clearly understood and regularly updated. Parents speak highly of the service provided by the childminder and the progress made by the children who are in her care. They are provided with good quality written information so that they are aware of her care practices and planned activities. Children benefit from the childminder's high regard for their individual needs. She provides relevant support for children who speak English as an additional language. For example, she uses basic words in their home language, pictures and signs to ensure children understand and are reassured. Children's individuality is celebrated in an 'I'm special' display, which helps all children to feel valued. Furthermore, children use a good range of resources that reflect the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This helps children to appreciate similarities and differences in others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respect one another and to play happily together. Through activities planned to develop their understanding of taking turns and sharing resources children learn to be considerate to one another and to cooperate in their play. For example, the childminder sits with two young children and helps them to take turns to post their shapes into a shape sorter. Children's behaviour is managed in an age-appropriate manner so that they become confident and develop the skills needed to work successfully with others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to providing a high quality service for the children. She has attended all of the required training and some additional courses so that she has the appropriate knowledge and skills to meet children's needs effectively. She takes positive steps to review the quality of her service through regularly seeking the opinions of the parents. The childminder strives to provide a child-centred environment for the children by setting up her lounge as a play room before they arrive. She provides a wealth of play materials for them to use. However, at times the quantity of choice provided overall is overwhelming for the younger children who currently attend.

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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 Children's care is firmly underpinned by the effective use of documentation. The childminder has a good range of policies and procedures that are shared with parents. This ensures they are fully aware of her practices and business arrangements. All of the necessary records are maintained and show good attention to detail. This organised approach to record keeping contributes to children's welfare. 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

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): • ensure good hygiene practices are implemented at all times, with particular regard to children always washing their hands before eating • review the organisation of the resources to fully support children's play and learning.

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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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