Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337536 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2008 Inspection date Vivienne Dempsey 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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her husband and child aged two. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. Her home is close to local amenities, parks and a children's centre. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Currently there are four children under eight years on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is sufficiently promoted through simple health and hygiene practices. For example, children are beginning to learn good hand washing practices as part of the daily routine. A sick child policy is in place which helps to prevent the spread of infection. Clear procedures are in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication. Parents sign to acknowledge entry, keeping them informed at all times.

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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 The childminder creates regular opportunities for the children to participate in physical exercise. They enjoy visiting the local parks, dancing and joining in with action rhymes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a sufficient range of healthy meals and snacks. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's religious and health needs are met. Drinks are readily available. This helps to keep children nourished and hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are welcoming, secure and friendly for children and parents. The childminder's home is in a suitable state of repair and decoration. The suitable range of toys and resources is appropriate to the children's developmental stages and interests, keeping them motivated and interested at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Reasonable safety precautions have been implemented to minimise accidents and mostly keep children safe. For example, smoke alarms, a fire blanket and socket covers are in place. However, some safety gates are not securely fitted. This does not always protect children's safety. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place and has been practised, although has yet to be practised when younger children are present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibilities for protecting children against abuse, and is aware of the procedures to follow when necessary. However, the child protection policy does not include procedures to follow in the event of allegations being made whilst children are in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children relate well to the childminder and are settled and happy. They respond positively to the childminder's encouragement, as she joins in with their play. She takes an interest in what children have to say and do, which promotes children's self-esteem and confidence. Children enjoy singing with the childminder, such as 'wheels on the bus', 'twinkle, twinkle, little star' and 'Old Macdonald had a farm'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy attending a variety of sessions at the local children's centre, which helps develop their social skills. Resources are easily accessible to children. This supports their play and learning and helps to develop their independence. The childminder is beginning to observe children's learning and is aware of children's individual learning needs. For example, one child is learning the features of a face, and the childminder supports this learning with activities throughout the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued an treated as individuals. The childminder is very aware of their individual needs and routines and children settle extremely well. Children are beginning to learn social skills and enjoy being with the childminder and peers. They are developing a good understanding of the wider world and diversity, as the childminder provides a wide range of opportunities to develop this, such as celebrating a wide range of festivals.

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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 The childminder is proactive in welcoming children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children are very well behaved and the childminder provides lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder has a positive relationship with parents to ensure the individual needs of all children are met. Continuity of care is ensured for all children. There is an opportunity for a daily two-way sharing of information and parents are provided with a daily diary of their children's activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming, safe and organised home. Relevant vetting procedures have been undertaken, the childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate and children are supervised at all times. This ensures children's safety.

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Organisation

An attendance register is maintained and includes all relevant information. Adult to child ratios are maintained at all times. This ensures children's welfare is protected and appropriate care is provided. All documents are available for inspection and are stored with regard to confidentiality.

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Organisation

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

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 the safety gates are made safe for children • develop further the child protection procedure to include procedures to follow if allegations are made while a child is in the care of the childminder.

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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 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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