Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY350378 Unique Reference Number 24 April 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 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 lives with her husband and four children in Littletown, close to Pittington. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is also an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for up to five children under eight years. There are currently four children under eight years on roll and the childminder also cares for children over eight years. The childminder is also a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as they are cared for in a clean and safe environment. The childminder regularly cleans toys and surfaces and encourages children to follow personal hygiene routines to minimise the spread of infection. She has good procedures in place for the recording of accidents and the administration of medication. Written permission is in place for

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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 to seek emergency treatment or advice. This helps her to ensure children receive the appropriate care when necessary.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. The childminder is aware of the need for the children to eat a balanced diet. She provides a wide range of organic fruit and vegetables, such as cucumber, carrots, pineapple and pears. Fresh drinking water and milk is freely available, helping to keep children hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a range of opportunities for children to develop their physical skills while enjoying the fresh air. They have great fun walking to feed the geese and enjoy visiting local parks and play areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in premises that are warm welcoming and friendly. They move round freely and independently as the childminder has a variety of safety precautions in place, keeping children safe. For example, fire guards, safety gates and low level glass is made safe. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place and is practised regularly with the children. This helps develops children's awareness of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A good range of toys and resources are available. These are appropriate to the children's developmental stages and interests. Children have independent access to resources and toys, keeping them interested and motivated. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues, 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 good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They have good relationships with the childminder and her family. Communication skills are well supported through good adult-child interactions. Children enjoy snuggerling into the childminder to share stories, feeling safe and secure in her care. Their social skills are promoted by regularly visiting a range of activity sessions and the local libraries. For example, they have fun visiting the local toy library to choose new resources and enjoy joining in music and singing sessions at the local Sure Start Center.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses observations to record children's learning and development. These are shared with parents, keeping them informed at all times. The children receive good support from the childminder and they are involved in a wide range of activities that promote learning. For example, children enjoy playing with foam shapes and reading stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are fully involved in the life of the setting and all children are treated with equal concern. There is a suitable range of resources to promote children's awareness of a diverse society. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards caring for all children, including those with physical disabilities or learning difficulties.

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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 are very well behaved. Their good behaviour is promoted by the childminder as she provides lots of praise and encouragement. Good partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well being. There is a two way sharing of information daily, enabling the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are settled with the childminder and in the environment. This means they are happy in their play. A record of attendance is maintained, ensuring adult-child ratios are met. This helps the childminder to give children one to one attention and meet individual needs.

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Organisation

All required records are available and maintained well. A good range of policies and procedures are in place, which promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. This means the care of children is promoted.

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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 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): • further develop 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

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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