Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY345849 Unique Reference Number 04 August 2008 Inspection date Susan Parker Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and 12 in the town of Stevenage in Hertfordshire. She is registered to care for five children, and is currently caring for one child aged seven.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the childminder's house, except the main bedroom, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local shops and park.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after craft or messy activities. The children's dietary needs are met as the childminder and parents work together to provide healthy meals. The childminder also discusses and records any individual requirements with parents and keeps a record of these, ensuring that any special diets are observed. Children are

p.2

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 offered a suitable range of healthy snacks. This includes a choice of fresh fruit which helps to promote their growth and development.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are taken care of if they are unwell or have an accident. The childminder has a valid paediatric first aid certificate and a first aid kit at home.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to a secure garden. They have regular physical exercise as the childminder walks to local playgrounds regularly for children to experience using large physical play equipment. Therefore they have regular opportunities to develop their skills and explore a wide range of physical movements.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is adequately promoted as the childminder has an awareness of possible risks and takes steps to minimise these. However, there has been no emergency evacuation practise with minded children present.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder discusses road safety with them. This ensures that any risks, indoors or outside, are identified and dealt with by the childminder.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of clean and well-maintained equipment. Children have access to a good selection of safe toys and equipment which are checked regularly to ensure their safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully protected as the childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures and has the required contact telephone numbers and documentation in place.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children who attend this setting have access to a varied choice of fun and developmentally appropriate toys and activities.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They are encouraged to communicate with each other and the childminder. Children are offered a variety of activities which helps promote their development. Equipment suitable for children of all ages is available for the children to choose, which promotes the development of their independence.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is encouraging and builds on children's confidence and vocabulary through praise and recognition of achievements. They have regular visits to social groups and play areas which ensure that their social skills and knowledge of the world around them are developing positively.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individualities are valued, and the childminder ensures that she is aware of their own needs and backgrounds. All children are given equal access in all aspects of the childminding including play activities and outings.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 There is a selection of procedures in place which underpins the satisfactory care provided for the children. The children's behaviour is managed by the childminder. They are praised for kind deeds, achievements and good behaviour. The childminder sets consistent boundaries so that the children know what is expected of them.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's awareness of society and other cultures is promoted. Children from different backgrounds mix socially with other children on a regular basis. This promotes their understanding of each other's similarities and differences. They also have access to a range of toys and play resources which depicts images of people and cultures.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory. The children's individual needs are confidentially documented and met. The childminder ensures that information is effectively shared with parents and carers each day.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of the childcare is satisfactory. The childminder has completed relevant training courses which enable her to provide suitable activities for the children in her care. She is effective in organising her time, resources and equipment to enable children to have regular access to suitable activities. The individual needs of children are met as the childminder ensures that all necessary information about the children is recorded and shared confidentially. The children's overall welfare is promoted as the required documentation is in place.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has an understanding of her role regarding the National Standards and associated regulations. She has ensured that she has provided and shared the policies and procedures which reflect the organisation of her childminding.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

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.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 an emergency evacuation procedure is practised with the children.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5