Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347088 Unique Reference Number 18 April 2008 Inspection date Kathryn Margaret Clayton 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 2007. She lives with her partner and her two children, aged 10 and six, in Cleethorpes. The family have a large pet dog and two rabbits. She is registered to care for four children and currently four children attend on a part-time basis. The whole ground floor of the house and the first floor bathroom is used for childminding and there is an enclosed yard outside. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable level of activity during the week. In term time they walk to and from school and pre-school, and visit a local Sure Start Centre where they can be physically active. When the weather is fine, they walk to Cleethorpes beach. Children start to learn about good personal hygiene routines as they are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting and before eating a snack. Liquid soap and individual flannels are available to children, therefore reducing the risk of cross-infection. The childminder does not care for sick or infectious children and ensures her dog has all of the required vaccinations.

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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 Children start to learn about healthy eating as they eat mainly healthy snacks and meals. Snacks include fresh fruit, such as banana and apple. Meals include casseroles with mashed potatoes, sausages and fishcakes. Accidents are dealt with correctly and accurately recorded by the childminder who holds a current first aid certificate. However, there is no written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment in the future for minded children. Not all parents have been asked to record their children's dietary requirements and allergies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home where there is enough space to eat, rest and play. They choose from a good range of toys that are readily available within the playroom. They particularly enjoy building with construction toys and dressing up. They remain safe in the home because the childminder has ensured risks are minimised. For example, there are locks on cupboard doors, a fire blanket readily available, safety catches on some doors and a stair gate to deny children access to the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have some opportunities to start to learn about managing their own safety as the childminder talks to them about road safety when out walking. Although there is an evacuation plan in place, it has not been practised by the childminder with the minded children and therefore older children may not be fully aware of what to do. Children are safeguarded because the childminder follows a suitable written policy and is aware of the signs and symptoms that may cause concern. She understands the need to contact the appropriate agencies regarding any concern she may have.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable range of experiences both at home and away from home. The childminder supports children's learning appropriately as they play. One way she does this is by questioning children about the activity they are doing, for example, asking them to talk about a picture they have completed. Children concentrate well and receive encouragement as they play. Children enjoy a stable routine throughout the week so ensuring they feel secure, settled and confident with the childminder. This routine includes set times for meals and quiet times for older children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have the opportunity to freely choose what they would like to play with and their independence is promoted by the childminder. For example, when appropriate, children are encouraged to use the toilet independently. Some examples of activities provided at home and away from home in the local Sure Start Centre, include using play dough, painting, completing puzzles and sharing books. Children have limited exploratory opportunities, for example, through using resources, such as sand, water, foam and gloop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy in the positive, homely atmosphere. They have access to a range of suitable resources that are of interest to all children. There is no discrimination of any kind in the care that is provided. Children's emotional needs are met because the childminder is very calm and supportive. For example, children happily sit on the childminder's knee for a cuddle. They learn

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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 about acceptable behaviour as they are praised and encouraged, for example, as they share bricks when building a tower with the childminder's own children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Mostly parents are appropriately informed about the childminding service. There is a written agreement in place for all of the minded children and the childminder talks to them every day about their child's time with her. However, within the written agreement there are no details for parents about the activities that are provided by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit because they are cared for by a childminder who has undertaken the necessary training and is working towards a relevant level 3 qualification. Other courses attended include training in creating policies and procedures, planning for children's individual needs and inclusive childminding. The certificate of attendance and a valid insurance certificate are clearly displayed in the playroom for parents to see. The required documentation, for example, the register of children's attendance is accurately completed.

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Organisation

The childminder uses her time directly with the children giving appropriate support and encouragement. Space is suitably organised with one large playroom which meets children's needs. There are some written policies to support the service. 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 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. 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): • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice in the future • record children's dietary requirements and allergies

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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 • practise the evacuation of the premises • provide children with more exploratory play opportunities • ensure the written agreement with parents includes details of the activities available to children.

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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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