Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343916 Unique Reference Number 18 August 2008 Inspection date Elaine Poulton 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and two year old child in a house in Cannock, Staffordshire. She is registered for a maximum of four children and currently minds one child two years of age on a part time basis. Shops, parks and a library are within walking distance. All of the ground floor, one bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The childminder holds an appropriate early year’s qualification. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends a local playgroup.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is well-promoted as there is a high standard of cleanliness throughout the childminder's home. Fresh bed linen is used in cots and individual hand towels are used for each child for hand drying. This helps to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infection. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through well-planned routines. For example, after nappy change and before handling food they are encouraged to wash their hands. The

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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 childminder acts as a good role model and uses antibacterial gel on her hands after each nappy change. This ensures children's good health is promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive good continuity of care through the sound systems to share detailed information with parents. For example, there is a sick children's policy, accident and medication procedures and emergency medical consent slips are signed by parents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she is able to act in the best interests of the child should they become ill or have an accident whilst in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to offer a flexible service. For example, children's individual dietary needs are effectively met and their preferences are valued. She provides breakfast for children and ensures they benefit from healthy options such as strawberries, grapes and blueberries at snack times. Water, milk and fruit drinks are readily available, ensuring children consistently remain appropriately hydrated. Consequently, children's nutritional needs are well promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Physical play is a daily activity and the garden is well used and equipped. Younger children enjoy kicking soft footballs and riding on wheeled resources. They are eager to have a turn at blowing bubbles and watch in amazement as the bubbles float away and burst. They have fun bouncing up and down on the small trampoline and jumping and running freely in the enclosed outdoor play area. They are taken out regularly into the local community. For example, to the local shops, library, parks and on nature walks. These activities contribute to their physical well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The indoor space is used very creatively to meet children’s play needs. Toys, games and craft materials are readily available for children to safely access as soon as they arrive. Resources are stored in large clear plastic boxes so that children can easily access or ask for a toy they wish to play with. Children also choose from a wide range of clean, good quality, play resources and equipment outdoors. This means that are stimulated and safely challenged.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Hazards are identified and minimised as the childminder is active in removing potential dangers. Through her detailed, formal risk assessment and daily checks she assesses safety well. Children are kept safe when on the premises as the setting is secure and the childminder supervises the children at all times when on outings. Children effectively learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, through discussion and regular involvement in emergency escape procedures the children are now used to walking outside calmly when they hear the alarm raised. The childminder ensures that the appliances in her home are safe and meet the required standards. For example, there is a fire blanket, safety gates and smoke alarms. These all contribute to keeping children safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is given high priority. The childminder has attended relevant training on safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare. Her written child protection policy demonstrates a clear understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. All her procedures are shared with parents. This means the childminder has a good awareness of her role and responsibility should there be a child protection concern or allegation.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has excellent planning and assessment in place. She also uses these tools to help move children on to the next stage in their development effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children greatly enjoy their time with the childminder. She closely observes them and formally involves their ideas and interests in the planning. For example, extending their knowledge of animals by visiting the local pet shop. From the well organised activities she develops ideas to include finger painting and pet collage, taking photographs of pets and reading stories about animals and pets. This supports children's learning exceptionally well and encourages them to be good communicators and develop a strong sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children follow a highly appropriate, flexible routine that takes into consideration their day to day care needs. For example, the childminder includes quiet and active times. Children are involved in a excellent range of activities to make very good progress in all areas of their development, including the enjoyment of books. For example, through imaginative use of ‘Story sacks’ and story telling, the childminder skilfully develops younger children’s interest, communication skills, concentration and imagination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are greatly interested and want to play with the excellent resources. For example, they make their own water shakers, by manipulating clear plastic bottles and posting beads and sprinkling glitter into the narrow neck. They pour water down into the bottle through a funnel and add drops of colouring and watch the water change colour. They are introduced to new concepts and explore new ideas such as floating and sinking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes full advantage of every learning opportunity. For example, they have fun counting the number of steps as they climb to the top of the stairs and back down again. The childminder takes an intense interest in what children say and do. She interacts freely with them, listening carefully to them and offering consistent encouragement and praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children quickly settle and feel at home. They relate well to the childminder, her family and to each other as they learn to play with younger ones. All children have access to appropriate toys and equipment. For example, there is a good range of resources such as puppets, dolls and figurines depicting disability. These effectively help children to develop a positive attitude towards others. The childminder provides experiences and resources that positively represent individuals from the wider community as well as the children who attend. For example, through books, clothes, and food connected with celebrations. However, there are limited resources to show family diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for as individuals. The childminder is clearly aware of the importance of working closely with parents and other professionals so requirements of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are effectively met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well-supported to behave appropriately as the childminder encourages them to share and to take turns. She uses distraction tactics with younger children and praises them consistently. Children respond well to the quietly spoken words of encouragement, hugs and smiles. This demonstrates their good behaviour is valued and rewarded.

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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 Children benefit from the wealth of verbal and written information shared with parents. Parents are well informed about the provision as they have their own copies of the childminder's contract, and policies and procedures. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes as all required permissions are obtained. Parents are effectively informed about the children's progress through sharing detailed assessment records and daily conversations. For example, there are individual portfolios and daily diaries. There is an effective complaints procedure in place should a parent wish to raise a concern about the child care arrangements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is able to show parents that she has undergone the required checks to establish suitability. She has good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards.

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Organisation

She has a childcare qualification and is keen to further develop her knowledge in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Since registration she has attended training to benefit children in learning and development.

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Organisation

The childminder makes very good use of the available spaces and plentiful, high quality, play resources so children have room to play and are highly stimulated to develop. Children are able to move around freely and safely. The daily routine is organised to include quiet times, active times, meal times and outings. Records, such as those concerning the children's development, are routinely shared so parents are effectively kept up-to-date and involved.

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Organisation

The certificate of registration is displayed to keep parents informed of conditions relating to registration. The record of children’s attendance confirms compliance with the conditions of registration. All of the required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare and care of children is well maintained and stored securely.

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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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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

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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): • increase resources to reflect family diversity.

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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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