Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355648 Unique Reference Number 02 June 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 first registered in 2007. She is registered to look after three children under the age of eight years and currently has four children on roll who attend on a full and part-time basis. She lives with her husband and three teenage sons in Immingham. Minded children have access to all of the ground floor of the property and bathroom on the first floor. Currently the childminder does not use her garden. The family keep a dog and cat as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to the local toddler group, park, on local walks and outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy suitable opportunities to be active during the day. Indoors, babies use a musical activity centre and crawl freely within the childminding areas. Although the childminder currently does not use her garden, children regularly walk to the local school, visit activity centres, and go to the park and local toddler groups where they have the opportunity to develop physical skills. Children are cared for in a clean home where suitable hygiene routines are maintained.

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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 For example, before and after eating a snack, babies' hands are cleaned. Routines are supported by a written hygiene policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating as they are provided with healthy snacks and meals in agreement with parents. An example of the snacks provided includes fruit and rice cakes. Children's independence is promoted as the childminder encourages children to learn to feed themselves from an early age. They are encouraged to drink regularly throughout the day. Records relating to children's health are accurately maintained, for example, the accident record, and the childminder is fully aware of the need to meet all children's dietary needs.

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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 welcoming, clean and tidy home with enough space to play, eat and sleep. They access a suitable range of toys that are readily available in the play area. Items are of good quality and include some interesting props to support children as they sing songs, for example, the song about 'five currant buns in the bakers shop'. Children remain safe in the childminder's care because she provides very good supervision and is aware of how to minimise risks within the home. Items for older children are stored at a higher level and safety equipment, such as the fire blanket is readily available. The childminder ensures equipment, such as smoke alarms are regularly tested.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although the childminder has a fire evacuation procedure in place, this is only practised on a very occasional basis and therefore it is unfamiliar to the children currently attending. Children are safeguarded because the childminder is aware of her responsibility to notice and report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled and develop a close relationship with the childminder. She provides a range of experiences that children enjoy and a stable routine to ensure they feel secure. There are various opportunities during the week when children enjoy a sociable experience. For example, the childminder takes them to a number of playgroups, meets with another childminder, visits the library and the nearby town. At home young children enjoy plenty of opportunities to play freely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported by the childminder who interacts with them at their level and encourages their play experiences, for example, when they play imaginatively with a telephone. The childminder sometimes works to a theme, such as the story of 'Elma the elephant'. She provides collage and painting activities using a variety of materials. Children also have opportunities to explore their senses, through experiences, such as playing with bubbles in water and feeling a collection of natural materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very positive atmosphere where they have their individual needs met and access toys that reflect a positive image of diversity and disability. The childminder is calm and consistent, using praise to reinforce good behaviour, for example, when a baby feeds herself. This helps children to feel confident and learn about what is acceptable behaviour.

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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 Parents are very happy and kept well-informed about the care their child receives. For example, as well as giving verbal feedback the childminder completes a daily journal for each child so parents are aware of their routines and some development details. References from parents indicate that they are very happy with all aspects of childcare and that they and their children are made to feel welcome. Parents are made aware of how to make a complaint should they wish to.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of space is suitable in meeting children's needs. For example, they sleep in the quiet lounge and have adequate space in the kitchen diner to play. Children benefit because the childminder has made a commitment to attend ongoing training that will extend her knowledge of good childcare practices. For example, she has recently completed training in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

Documentation relating to the care of the children is accurately maintained, for example, the register of children's attendance. Details are confidentially recorded in individual folders for each child. There are a suitable range of policies and procedures to support the smooth running of the childminding service. However, the childminder has not completed a course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children. This is a breach of regulation and a risk to children's health. 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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children

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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 emergency evacuation plan on a more regular basis.

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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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