Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358550 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2008 Inspection date Pauline Pinnegar 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 has been registered since July 2007. She lives with her partner and three children aged eight, five and two years old. They live in an established residential area of Marske, close to local amenities, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog and tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She also at times, works alongside an assistant and when both adults are present a maximum of six children may be cared for. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. There are currently four children on roll aged from eight months to five years. 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, suitably maintained home, which contributes to their good health and sense of security. The childminder has satisfactory procedures in place regarding sick children, administration of medication and accident recording. Equipment and toys are kept clean to help prevent the spread of infection. The childminder understands and promotes some basic hygiene routines, such as ensuring the children wash their hands with wipes and paper towels after using the toilet and before mealtimes. As a result, the children's welfare is promoted and their awareness of personal hygiene is developing. However, nappy changing procedures are not sufficiently effective to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The childminder is equipped to deal with accidents involving children, for example, she has a well stocked first aid box and has a suitable first aid qualification. She obtains written consent to seek emergency

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Helping children to be healthy

medical treatment for the children in her care. The childminder's sound understanding of the needs of younger children supports their developmental progress. She establishes shared understanding with parents to ensure consistency with home. Arrangements for eating and sleeping reflect the child's needs and parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder negotiates arrangements for meals and drinks with parents. Children's dietary needs are met by healthy meals, which are varied to meet their individual preferences. The childminder grows her own vegetables at a local allotment and she takes children to pick the vegetables for dinner. This prompts conversation around healthy eating. Healthy snacks, such as grapes, bananas and yoghurts are on offer which encourages children to make healthy choices. Children are offered drinks of juice and water throughout the day so they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a suitable range of physical activities that contribute to their good health. Activities include opportunities for children to be outdoors as they play in the local park with large play equipment. They enjoy playing in the garden using a range of play equipment to practise their large motor skills. Children also enjoy walks within the local community. Younger children routinely visit local toddler groups and soft play centres, where they are able to develop their large physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in the child-centred environment. The good interaction of the childminder ensures they feel secure. There is a good range of developmentally appropriate toys and equipment which is kept clean and safe. Appropriate furniture is available to enable children to sit, eat, play and rest in comfort. Children are encouraged to be independent and to self-select from the play resources on offer. Many are stored in easily accessible boxes and children happily and readily help themselves. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choices, ensuring that all toys provided are safe and age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well as the childminder has addressed all potential hazards within the home and minimised risks. There is sufficient and appropriate safety equipment in place, such as a stair gate, smoke detectors and a fire blanket. There is a clear emergency evacuation procedure in place which includes a regular fire drill with children to raise their awareness of safety. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep

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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 themselves safe and maintaining their safety outside the home. Children begin to learn about road safety and are closely supervised on walks and visits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of her role in dealing with child protection. She has a basic working knowledge of child protection issues, is aware of some of the signs of child abuse and neglect and has an awareness of where to seek advice and support should the need arise. However, the contact details are not easily accessible to her should she need to report any child protection concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder interacts warmly and naturally with the children, which ensures that they are very happy, content and able to form positive relationships. She offers frequent praise about their behaviour and achievements, which makes children feel good about themselves and increases their confidence. Children are clearly settled, relaxed and very much at home in their surroundings. The childminder is always interested and makes time to listen to them. Children become engrossed in activities that engage them, like making animals out of play dough, exploring the texture and smell. Their language skills develop well as they talk about what they are doing, generating lots of conversation. Children enjoy a broad and balanced range of play opportunities. There is a good balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder knows the children well, and responds sensitively to support their individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy interesting and varied daily experiences. There is a suitable range of resources to support children's play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are positively encouraged to become independent, for example, when choosing activities and in their personal care. Children spend their time purposefully and confidently make good use of all areas, and are keen to engage in purposeful and fun activities. These include a range of craft activities, books, domestic play and construction. Children are provided with learning and play opportunities through everyday experiences, and have freedom to choose their own activities. The childminder has a sound understanding of how young children learn and progress. She is beginning to develop photographic records of children's achievements. Children experience a balance of activities and play opportunities including stories and completing jigsaws. Small world toys and dressing up are particular favourites and children enjoy using their imagination well. Children have good fun singing and dancing to their favourite songs accompanied by

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

musical toys. Outings include trips to the beach, woods, storytime at the local library, and trips to local farms. Children also explore features of the natural world as they plant seeds which they plan to transfer into the childminder's allotment patch.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the setting and participate fully in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. The childminder promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. However, children access a limited range of activities and resources to increase their awareness of diversity. Children's individuality is respected and valued. They learn about the local community as they take part in outings to local parks and other places of local interest. Although there are currently no children on roll with disabilities or learning difficulties, the childminder has given this matter consideration.

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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 The childminder establishes successful working relationships with parents in order to meet children's individual needs. She uses effective discussion with parents and ensures that she is fully informed about children's likes, dislikes and individual needs. The childminder ensures that there is time to give daily feedback about children's experiences with her. Agreements reached with parents are clearly recorded and parents also receive written copies of all policies and procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. She helps them to take responsibility for their own behaviour by supporting them and being a positive role model. She consistently reinforces boundaries giving children clear messages of right and wrong.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is promoted in the well organised and safe environment. Their individual needs are supported by flexible planning. Routines are responsive to individual needs and support children's care and development. Resources are accessible so that children can independently select their own activities and plan their own play. As a result, the children are confident and happy. The childminder has completed all mandatory training.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe and their welfare is effectively safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of the required policies and procedures. Although there have been no complaints about the provision to date, the childminder has not yet established a clear system for recording any complaints. The childminder fully understands requirements with regard to reaching agreements with parents, so that their wishes are clearly understood and inform her childcare practice. She shares information daily with parents about children's activities and care needs, enabling consistency and continuity of care.

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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 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 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): • improve nappy changing procedures • ensure all contact details relating to the Local Safeguarding Children Board are easily accessible • develop the activities and resources available to children which reflect positive images of diversity • develop a system for the recording of complaints, in line with regulations.

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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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