Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357211 Unique Reference Number 02 June 2008 Inspection date Angela Margaret Ellis 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 has been registered since 2007 and lives with her family in Wakefield. Children have use of the through lounge/dining room. Outdoor play is in the enclosed rear garden of the home. There is a bathroom on the first floor. A park, shops, library, school and playgroup are available close by.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under eight years at any one time. At present there are three children on roll who attend at various times.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted appropriately because the childminder follows sound health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. She has all of the required records in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies.

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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 Written consent from parents for administering medication is in place. Good systems are in place to take care of children if they become ill. However, a list of notifiable diseases is not available. Children learn about their personal hygiene sufficiently well through their daily routines because the childminder reminds children to clean their hands before and after handling food and after going to the toilet. However, a protective cover is not used on the settee when children are sleeping, therefore posing a risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a balance of homemade snacks and meals that include some fresh fruit and vegetables. They have regular access to drinks in their individual containers. A sample menu provides information to children and parents about the varied range of foods that are on offer. The children eat together at the table which promotes a relaxed social time, and they are encouraged to eat at their own pace and enjoy their food. Very young children are offered close comfort care and are nursed by the childminder whilst having their bottle feed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children make progress in their physical development because they have access to a variety of large and small equipment in the garden, play gyms and at parks. This helps them gain confidence and enjoy moving their bodies in various ways. Their fine manipulative skills and control are developed through a variety of stimulating activities. Young children rest and sleep according to their individual needs because the childminder acts in the best interests of the children and works closely with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment both indoors and outdoors. Steps are taken within the home and outdoors each day to minimise the risks to children. Written risk assessments for all the areas used by minded children are effectively in place. Children are encouraged to be independent and are confident to naturally explore their environment. Children learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy through reminders by the childminder as situations arise. For example, she asks them to pick up toys from the floor so that no one trips over them and hurts themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safely and independently select activities from a good range of toys and activities which meet appropriate safety standards. The childminder understands that children need a balance between freedom and safe limits. Children have confidence to take risks and try out new skills as the childminder provides appropriate types of activities and gives good levels of support. The childminder knows the children's capabilities well. Good procedures are in place to keep children safe when they are on outings and road safety is reinforced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to have a good understanding of the systems for fire evacuation because they regularly practise them and a record is kept. The childminder has all of the required documents to ensure she acts in the best interests of the children. She has an understanding of child protection issues and has undertaken training and obtained up-to-date information on the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. A child protection policy has been devised that is shared with parents and is up-to-date in line with these procedures. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, to act in the best interest of the children if they are ill or have an accident.

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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. Children are settled, confident and content in a stimulating and welcoming environment. Effective and established routines meet the needs of children, for example, for meals, activities and outings. Procedures for settling new children into the home are effective in ensuring children soon become comfortable in the childminder's care. Other children adapting to these changes are sensitively considered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The independence of the children is promoted well because they have free access to a good range of toys and activities and make their own choices with enthusiasm and confidence. The childminder knows the children's likes and dislikes well and, therefore, provides activities that she knows will interest and challenge them. For example, children confidently explore the imaginative role play equipment and clearly enjoy dressing up and using props in their play to act out situations. Very young children flit from one activity to another because their attention span is naturally short. The good range of activities available to them allows them opportunity to explore independently what is on offer. Good interaction between the children and the childminder enhances their experience and makes it a positive one.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Parents are kept informed about their child's activities in a number of ways, for example, through verbal discussion, a daily activity sheet and individual files that include observations, photographs and artwork. This is all very informative and demonstrates that the childminder values the children, and this has a positive impact on children’s self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The outcomes for children's learning under three years are well promoted. The childminder has made a start on using aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage to record the children's progress and plan their next step. This helps to further improve the outcomes for children enjoying and achieving.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's needs are effectively met by the childminder. She treats all children with equal concern, valuing and respecting their individuality. She ensures all children can take part in a good range of activities appropriate to their needs and abilities, and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the local community and learn to develop an awareness of the seasons and the natural world around them through a varied range of outings, for example, to the local toddler group and the park. The childminder has also involved the children in baking activities to raise funds for a children's charity, which helps children to learn about children less fortunate than themselves. Children are beginning to learn about the wider society because there is a varied range of resources available depicting positive images of others, for example, through books and imaginative role play resources. They learn about other cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year and Easter, through creative and food activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the childminder's positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour. Clear and realistic boundaries are established which effectively promote children’s understanding of right and wrong. They learn to care about and respect each other and other things, for example, by learning to share and take turns. Children make choices and independent decisions that contribute to their own learning and development of new skills

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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 because the childminder provides a good range of activities that capture children's interests and, therefore, they behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A successful partnership with parents contributes to the children’s well-being and provides continuity of care. Sharing information with parents allows the childminder to continually meet the children’s ever changing needs, and keeps both parties well informed. This takes place in a number of ways, for example, verbally, through newsletters, questionnaires and through children's progress records. Parents are appreciative of the quality of care provided and this evident in the thank you cards received from them. Children clearly benefit from this effective partnership and settle well in response, which enhances their experience and makes it a positive one. There is a complaints policy and a system in place to record a complaint from parents in line with the requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the setting promotes positive outcomes for children because the childminder has made a very good start to her childminding career. She is enthusiastic and motivated in her work with children. She has a good commitment to training and continued professional development by keeping up to date with current childcare issues. Skills, knowledge and experiences gained through training courses contribute effectively to enhancing the service further. This commitment supports children's care, learning and play effectively.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a balance of home-based play and outings because the childminder encourages the children to broaden their interests and experiences. This is evident in the stimulating environment provided for the children and her interaction with them. Resources and activities are organised imaginatively both indoors and outdoors, and creative use of space enables children to access areas freely. This includes providing areas for children to play and rest.

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Organisation

All of the required records are available for inspection and accurately recorded. For example, the register of attendance is completed accurately and up-to-date, which demonstrates that the childminder maintains ratios to ensure the safety and well-being of children in her care. A comprehensive range of documentation that is well organised has been devised for parents. This contributes effectively to children’s well-being. Confidentiality is maintained because documents are kept secure. 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 complaints 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): • obtain and keep a list of notifiable diseases • ensure that children have individual bedding to sleep on to prevent cross-infection.

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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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