Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356666 Unique Reference Number 22 April 2008 Inspection date Pauline Garfield 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 three daughters, six year old twins and a two year old, in Maltby near Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a clean environment. Children are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and at appropriate times. The childminder provides appropriate equipment, such as liquid soap and individual towels to promote hygienic practices.

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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 Good nappy changing procedures are in place and the childminder uses protective clothing, such as disposable gloves, to prevent cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents wishes are respected and the childminder records children's dietary requirements. They are given choices and meals can be provided by the childminder or parents can provide a packed lunch. The childminder provides a range of healthy and nutritious snacks. For example, children choose from a varied range of fruit and enjoy apples, raisins and grapes for snack. Children bring their own drink containers from home and the childminder fills and replenishes them throughout the day as required. A range of sugar free drinks are available, including drinking water.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of energetic activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For example, they play in the garden on outdoor equipment and have regular opportunities to use large physical equipment in the local park. Indoors, children enjoy regular dancing sessions and movement to music. They show pleasure and delight as they sing and dance to favourite nursery rhymes. This helps build children's confidence and their physical ability.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in secure premises and benefit from the use of an appropriate range of safety equipment. The childminder has a fire safety policy, smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector, which are checked regularly. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and know how to exit the building in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources are organised in storage boxes at child height so children can reach them easily. Children's toys and equipment are of very good quality, conform to safety standards, and are regularly changed to maintain interest and stimulation. Play provision is checked on a regular basis to ensure it is suitable and there are no broken parts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm through the childminder's good understanding of child protection procedures. She has attended recent child protection training and is able to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect. This enables her to act upon any concerns she may have about any children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident and approach the childminder to request toys, equipment and resources. The childminder is very responsive to the needs of the children and provides activities alongside their interests. For example, all children are included in an activity about fish and cooperate with each other to make a large display picture. Children's creative development is encouraged by the childminder through a varied and interesting selection of activities and resources. Children enjoy painting activities, including decorating bird houses to take home for Easter.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing with a colour and shape matching game. The childminder encourages children to count and recognise shape, promoting mathematical development. Children's learning is promoted through praise and encouragement and a range of equipment, such as alphabet and number jigsaws. Children plant seeds in the Spring to attract insects and make pictures of flowers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 listens and values what children say. Children talk confidently to the childminder and other children. Their language skills are developed through regular discussions, sharing books, stories and singing nursery rhymes. Children show glee and excitement as they enjoy their favourite songs and rhymes. They are happy and content in the relaxed atmosphere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of how to support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. For example, she attends any appropriate training courses to meet children's individual needs, and works closely with parents to ensure relevant play opportunities are provided. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, by using books, food tasting and small role play people. Children learn about their community as they visit the local library to change books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals and receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder. Children show care and concern for others and play harmoniously together sharing toys and equipment. The childminder has a behaviour policy and ground rules. She shows a good understanding of age appropriate ways to manage children's behaviour, such as distraction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are very happy with the care provided. The childminder has both written and verbal compliments from parents. They appreciate that she is hardworking, trustworthy and that children enjoy their time in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is calm, patient and well organised. Children are very relaxed and at ease in their surroundings. Space is organised well to meet the needs of the children that attend. Children are aware of what is available and self-select or ask for what they need. This means they are confident to initiate or extend their learning.

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Organisation

The childminder has a privacy and confidentiality policy and all children's details are kept securely. A good range of policies and procedures are in place including a complaints policy. However, a complaints log is not in place. Policies, procedures and children's records are reviewed regularly which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. 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 complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 a complaints log is in place.

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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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