Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY272962 Unique Reference Number 02 April 2008 Inspection date Sharon Watson 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and 10 year old daughter in Ashby, a suburb of Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house 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. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children for a variety of sessions. She attends the local stay and play group and takes children to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is clean and tidy, and benefits children's health and wellbeing. Hygiene routines are generally good, such as individual hand washing and drying facilities available to children. Germs are discussed with children at this time and they are beginning to learn about cross infection. Regular nappy changing ensures children remain clean and comfortable and the procedure is satisfactory in preventing cross infection. The children benefit from 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's understanding of a specific condition and how to treat this. Prescribed medication given to children is recorded, however this is not always acknowledged by parents. The garden provides reasonable opportunity for children to engage in outdoor exercise as they use a trike, see-saw, sand pit and trampoline. The school run ensures children have access to fresh air on a daily basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The dietary requirements of children are discussed with parents and their wishes respected. On the whole parents provide children with a packed lunch and this is stored appropriately to promote children's health. Snacks of fruit and biscuits are provided for children during the day and drinks of juice or water are offered frequently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a homely welcoming environment that is safe and well maintained. The children's safety is considered at all times as the childminder remains vigilant in her supervision. Children move around the home safely as good procedures are implemented, such as a daily risk assessment and the installing of safety equipment. Separate areas within the home are created to ensure children can rest and sleep. Good quality equipment, such as pushchairs and a cot, provide safety and comfort for children when used on and off the premises. When sleeping outside children are well wrapped up and protected from the cold as they remain within sight of the childminder at all times. A good selection of safe pre-school toys are accessible to children and stored at low level for ease of use. At meal times, and when carrying out messy activities, children are secured into high chairs to aid their safety and promote their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The garden is secure and risk assessed to ensure children can play safely. An emergency evacuation procedure is implemented and practiced with the children to enhance their safety. A comprehensive child protection procedure, in line with the Local safeguarding children's board procedure, is followed and shared with parents. This enhances children's safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children demonstrate that they are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are made welcome on arrival and are confident to engage in play without instruction. The train track stimulates children's imagination and develops their hand to eye co-ordination when pushing trains along the track. Through body language children show they are developing relationships with their peers. They become excited and more engaged when children familiar to them arrive at the setting. Children's routines are followed effectively as the childminder has come to know them well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Observation and assessment records are completed and activities are planned to promote children's learning in all areas. Out of home activities, such as attending 'stay and play' and visits to a local childminder, are enjoyed by the children and enhance their social skills. A sensory basket is used well as children explore natural materials. A sensitive approach is maintained at this time as not all children are ready to explore unfamiliar items. On collection from school, lunch is given to children as they relax and talk about their morning. They are keen to help themselves to games and soft connecting bricks that are available. They use construction materials well as they build with a purpose in mind when making a spider.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the setting and demonstrate a sense of security as they confidently engage in play with their peers. The childminder has come to know the children well and therefore recognises their varying abilities and stage of development. Toys and activities are well balanced and provide appropriate stimulation for the children. At snack time children under two are served finger foods to aid their independent feeding and promote their development. A good settling in procedure is implemented and ensures a smooth transition for the children. Registration forms are completed on entry and provide a good starting point for children's care and learning. The children are reassured as they are kept informed of routines and daily events at a level of their understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

House rules are implemented and help children to recognise routine and take responsibility for their own behaviour. Children are well behaved and with support, children under two are learning to share their toys. Children are well supervised and remain stimulated, therefore incidents around behaviour are minimised. The setting behaviour policy is discussed with parents prior to commencement of children's care. The childminder monitors children's development through observation and any concerns are shared with parents. Comprehensive policies and procedures are available to parents and ensures they are well informed about the operation of the setting. The childminder remains sensitive to the needs of all children, responding well with cuddles when they are tired or unsettled.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised in her approach to caring for children. The main play room is set up well to support children's choosing of toys and activities. There is sufficient space for children to move around as they use all areas of the ground floor. The lounge provides a quiet area for all children, in particular for sleeping and relaxing after school. The routine of the day is managed well and organised around the needs of the children. In particular, the childminder prepares well for the school collection allowing plenty of time in which to get children dressed and ready. Adult to child ratios are good and children's attendance is recorded up to date.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and available for inspection. Policies and procedures are comprehensive and reviewed regularly. Children's details remain individual and are securely stored to maintain confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has now informed Ofsted of changes to the premises and rooms that are accessible to children. This maintains their safety and ensures sufficient space is available to them.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection their 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): • ensure parents sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry.

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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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