Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355509 Unique Reference Number 14 May 2008 Inspection date Lynn Rodgers 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 years in a railway cottage in Wombwell, on the outskirts of Barnsley. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, both full and part days and five children over five, before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a guinea pig as a pet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes children's health by recognising and reducing possible risks and takes very positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, keeping the premises very clean and the safe handling and storage of food. Routines are established that help children to understand that washing their hands before handling food and after meals helps keep them healthy. There are effective arrangements in place to care for sick children. If they become ill, the childminder makes them comfortable and they are cared for sensitively until their parent arrives. The childminder has completed first aid training and has the required written parental permission to administer or seek emergency first aid. Documentation for keeping a record of any accidents is in place and parents receive a copy of all relevant information pertaining to the health of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an excellent understanding of food nutrition. The good health of children is promoted by a wholesome, nutritious and well balanced diet. Meals are freshly prepared using fresh fruit and vegetables, including food from other countries and cultures. Food is not processed and salt and sugar levels are kept to the basic minimum. Parents are verbally informed of daily menus, meal choices, and drinks are regularly served throughout the day. The childminder is aware of each child's dietary needs and ensures these are met, by respecting parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children get plenty of fresh air and exercise. They use the outdoor play area most days and enjoy walks to the local parks and woods. Children learn about what is dangerous and are learning to keep themselves safe. The childminder ensures her setting is safe, secure and child friendly. She ensures children take part in regular fire drills to ensure they are familiar with the procedure. Appropriate equipment, such as smoke alarms and safety gates are provided, and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. However, the fire blanket is not securely fixed in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very good understanding of how to protect children and recognises that this is her first priority. She is vigilant, aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and knows the procedure to follow should she have any concerns about a child. She has a copy of the government booklet 'What to do if your worried a child is being abused' and has based her child protection statement on this booklet and the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. Her willingness to make notes on existing injuries and to discuss them with parents ensures the safety of children in her care is always her first priority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use an extensive range of toys and equipment, including everyday items that are of good quality, in excellent condition and are safe. These support enjoyable activities that stimulate and challenge in ways appropriate to the needs of the children attending. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to keep children safe and supervises them at all times. There are clear and comprehensive policies and practices in place to ensure the well-being and safety of the children. Policies and procedures are shared with parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides a broad range of activities suitable to the children's age and stages of development, ensuring their individual needs are met. She spends time with them, helping them to learn and develop their independence. Children are able to self-select toys and become increasingly confident in their surroundings. The childminder responds well to the children and is skilled in talking to them and listening to their requests. Language skills are developed through lots of discussions, stories and outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages and supports the children during their developing independence and self-motivation. Children are relaxed and settled within the setting and this enables them to make good progress in their overall development. She plans suitable activities and ensures children have access to plenty of fresh air and exercise, including this in their daily routines. There is a calm environment where children are happy and contented. Good, warm caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. They communicate easily with each other, which helps the children to enjoy and achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Partnership with parents is established in a very positive and professional way. The childminder works closely with them, sharing relevant information, policies and procedures. Relationships between parents and the childminder are honest, open, trusting, friendly and respectful. This helps to ensure children are settled and feel secure. Parents receive clear information about the setting and their child's progress, for example, through daily diaries and regular communication. The childminder encourages parents to share what they know about their child's interests and achievements, which enables her to plan activities they like and are interested in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder goes to a great deal of effort to ensure that the individual needs of the children in her care are met. She treats children as individuals, with equal concern and respects them. She ensures she spends equal amounts of time with each child and provides a non gender biased environment. Toys and resources reflecting diversity are appropriate and suitable to encourage children to learn about other cultures and the wider world we live in. Books and information sheets are used well to help children learn about disability, and food from around the world is included in their meals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour and endeavours to help children understand right from wrong, through appropriate explanations and basic house rules. She manages behaviour in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development. They are well mannered and are beginning to take turns and share toys. The childminder respects the children and they in turn are learning to respect her and each other. The childminder praises and encourages the children frequently and is calm, consistent, polite and respectful, which means children are able to follow her good examples. Reward certificates are used to positively acknowledge children's efforts and encourage them to continue to perform well.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has shown total commitment towards her own development and constantly strives to improve her knowledge by accessing relevant courses to enhance her practice. She uses this knowledge to effectively provide children with a wide range of learning experiences. She is professional in her work and has all the necessary documentation to enable her to safely manage her setting. Most records are clear and up-to-date and available for inspection. However, the exact times of children's arrival and departure are not clearly recorded.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed extremely well organised play situations that appeal to children. She provides a wealth of exciting learning opportunities which are easily accessible. Parents are kept well informed, both verbally and in writing, on a daily basis about what their children do and where they go. All significant information is recorded, demonstrating to parents that the children are being provided with stimulating routines, offering sufficient challenge to their development. 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of any 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): • ensure the fire blanket is fixed in place appropriately • ensure the times of children's attendances are clearly recorded.

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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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