Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY270315 Unique Reference Number 09 April 2008 Inspection date Angela Howard 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 good. 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 2003. She lives with her daughter aged seven years, in Balby near to Doncaster town centre in south Yorkshire. The whole of the childminder's house, excluding the main bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a dog, guinea pig and hamster.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding five children under eight years plus three children over eight years of age. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local pre-school group and takes children to the local park and library.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from illness and infection as the childminder follows effective hygiene procedures. The home is clean and well maintained and children learn simple effective hygiene procedures through regular routines, such as the washing of hands before eating meals. This ensures they know what the childminder's expectations are and that the risk of cross infection is successfully minimised. Good systems are in place to record accidents, to obtain consent from parents for giving medication and seeking emergency treatment. This further promotes the children's health and well-being.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a well-balanced, healthy and nutritious range of snacks in accordance with parents' wishes. They enjoy a wide range of nutritious snacks, which develop their awareness of healthy eating. For example, children enjoy different fruits at snack time. They enjoy this time as it gives them the opportunity to enjoy their food and is a social occasion where children sit with their peers and the childminder, joining in conversations. Clear records show any dietary requirements are adhered to and children's preferences are catered for well.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of opportunities to participate in a good range of physical activities. They access the outdoor play area when the weather permits and visit the local park on a regular basis to access large climbing apparatus, which develops their gross and fine motor skills. They explore, test and develop physical control as they jump on the trampoline, pedal bikes, use scooters, catch and kick balls and dig and pour in the sand play. The childminder ensures that children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise, which contributes to their good health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are visually attractive and are enhanced with posters and displays. Resources are easily accessed and activities are presented in an appealing manner which invites children to take part. Children access a broad and well-balanced range of equipment that is maintained to a high standard.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is given a high priority by the childminder. She takes effective measures to maintain a safe and secure environment. The outer doors are securely locked and safety gates and socket covers are in place. Regular risk assessments of the premises are completed to ensure they remain safe and secure. Children are well supervised by the childminder who makes sure she is within sight or sound at all times. She talks to them about safe practice, during outings practises road crossing procedures and indoors gives gentle reminders as children play so that they do not trap their fingers in doors. This results in children developing some sense of awareness for their own safety. Good fire precautions are in place. For example, smoke alarms are in working order, exits are clear of obstructions and the fire evacuation plan is regularly practised with the children. However, the fire blanket is not appropriately sited.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities and is confident about the procedure to follow if she has any concerns relating to the safeguarding of children.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children share a very warm and caring relationship with the childminder. She is very kind, caring and supportive. Children receive plenty of reassurance and the childminder stays physically close to help children feel secure. They are given lots of praise and encouragement which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. This ensures they feel happy, settled and secure.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a very high regard for what children say, she is interested in them, and listens, talks and extends their play through effective questioning as they play a word recognition game. She asks thought provoking questions, such as 'What is red, rings and you can talk to Daddy on?', 'Can you count how many jigsaws you have done?' and 'Can you find a picture that begins with the letter K?' The good communication with each child ensures children enjoy and achieve to their full potential. They are engrossed in their play, are confident and interested and interact well with adults. As a result, children are motivated and enjoy a well balanced range of activities and experiences to promote their overall development well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met well. This is due to the childminder taking good measures to get to know the children. She works in complete partnership with parents to ensure each child's daily routine is followed successfully. Children are encouraged to make their own decisions about their choice of play resources, which successfully develops their independence and confidence. This inclusive approach means children's individuality is strongly valued and nurtured. This results in children feeling good about themselves because the childminder knows them well and is interested in what they say and do.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand expectations for their behaviour and to develop a sense of responsibility. They are given clear instructions and guidance and this results in them knowing what is expected of them. The childminder provides opportunities for children to manage their own behaviour, such as learning to share and take turns. Therefore, children are learning to behave successfully in a warm and caring environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of the local community is promoted well through regular visits to the shops, local carer groups and parks. Children have equal access to all resources and are beginning to learn about the wider world though the use of a good range of equipment and activities that positively address diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership between parents and the childminder is good. Children benefit from the effective two way sharing of information. This shows the childminder is aware of the children's emotional needs and aims to make the transition from home to the setting a secure and positive experience.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and has good daily routines which effectively contribute to children's high self-confidence. They move around the home freely and confidently and are clearly very settled and happy. This means they can freely initiate their own play and learning, promoting their independence.

p.4

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 Documentation is kept up-to-date and well organised. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. The comprehensive policies and procedures in place, which are reviewed, updated and shared with parents, provide a clear sense of purpose and direction. The childminder reviews her policies and procedures to address any changes made to the National Standards. For example, she has devised a robust system for recording complaints. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the quality and standards of care were judged as inadequate. The childminder had allowed her first aid certificate to expire. This was a clear breach of regulations. The childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. This promotes children's health.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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 good. 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 the fire blanket is appropriately sited.

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