Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360193 Unique Reference Number 03 June 2008 Inspection date Sharon Watson 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 partner, teenage step-son and two-year- old daughter in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. The whole of the childminder's house except for the small rear bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for three children at anyone time and is currently minding two children, who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local stay and play group and takes children to the library and local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from the childminder's high standards of cleanliness within the home. They learn about personal hygiene through their daily routine as hands are washed after toileting and before eating. They know hand washing removes germs and individual towels are used to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Floor areas remain clean for children's play as they routinely put on slippers as they enter the home. All required documentation to promote children's

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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 health, such as the recording of medication administered is completed. A comprehensive sickness policy is implemented to promote children's health and welfare. Children are encouraged to take regular exercise as they walk to and from school and visit the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The providing of children's meals and snacks are agreed with parents. Generally healthy snacks of fruit and raw vegetables are provided daily in addition to the children's packed lunch. Any special dietary requirements are discussed and acknowledged prior to children's entry to the setting. Drinks are accessible to children at all times and include water and juice. The childminder ensures lunchtime is a social occasion for the children as she joins them at the table to discuss the mornings events.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a home that is safe, warm and welcoming and meets with their routines. Good quality toys and resources are available in all areas accessible to children and therefore, promotes independent selection. Toys are rotated to provide children with an opportunity to experience large play equipment and also maintain their interest. Space within the home is limited, however, managed well and children are encouraged to take responsibility for tidying away their toys to limit the risk of accidents. At lunch time and when carrying out activities, children sit at the table to aid their comfort. The children receive quiet time with the childminder as they share a book on the sofa when they need to relax.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A risk assessment of the premises has been completed and safety measures implemented to enhance children's safety. For example, unsupervised areas of the home are secured with safety gates and help to familiarise children with 'no-go' areas. Supervision of the children is good as the childminder remains vigilant in her approach. Fire safety procedures are implemented well and the emergency evacuation procedure is practised with the children, therefore, helping them to take responsibility for their own safety. Children are kept safe from harm by the childminder's good understanding of roles and responsibilities in the protection of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children remain happy and settled in the childminder's care and demonstrate a sense of security. Toys are set out well at floor level to capture children's interest and help them to make independent choices. Planning and evaluating of activities demonstrate that a variety of new experiences are available to children. For example, making jelly highlights the changes of liquid to a solid as children gain knowledge and understanding of the world. Jigsaws are a favourite with the children and chosen to meet their level of ability and provide sufficient challenge. However, the childminder is at times over directive in her support of children's learning when they are completing jigsaws.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder introduces new activities after discussion with the children to ensure they meet with their approval. The craft activity engages children well as they choose from a good range of materials to create a collage. Scissors and glue are used independently by the children and promote their hand-eye coordination. Nursery rhymes are played in the background when children are playing and enables them to join in with repeated refrains at times of their choosing. The park and stay and play groups are attended to add further interest to children's play and provide a change form the home environment.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's equality of opportunity is met because they are treated with equal concern. The childminder promotes the inclusion of all children and liaises with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. In particular, managing their routines and responding to their likes and dislikes. Children respond well to the childminder who considers their needs at all times. They demonstrate a sense of trust and security towards her and are confident to say when they need the toilet or wish to play after lunch. The routine follows that of the children's interest and they are included in decision making about their activities. They enjoy a balanced range of resources that reflect the abilities of those present at the setting. Inclusion and positive relationships are developed through play and this is reflected in the resources available to children. Observation and assessments are completed to monitor children's development and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

any cause for concern will be raised with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed well as the childminder maintains a calm manner. Strategies are discussed with parents to maintain consistency and help children feel secure. Incidents are challenged at a level of children's understanding. In particular, when they demonstrate inappropriate behaviour whilst eating their lunch. A firm but fair approach is adopted at this time to teach children right from wrong. Appropriate praise is given to children when recognising their achievements, for example, when tidying away their toys. This helps to raise their self-esteem and develop confidence. Partnership with parents is good as they remain up to date with children's activities and progress. Comprehensive information about the setting is provided and helps children settle well into the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from the childminder's organised approach to managing their care and routines. She prepares well for children's arrival when setting out activities and manages time effectively to meet with their routines. In particular, when collecting them from school and organising their lunch. She prepares well for school holidays ensuring a variety of activities are planned to maintain children's interest. Resources are organised well into boxes at floor level to aid children's learning and promote choice. The childminder has completed the required and additional training to enhance children's care and development. Adult to child ratios are met and children's attendance is recorded up to date.

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Organisation

Children's details are organised effectively in a secure file and remain individual to ensure their confidentiality is maintained. All regulatory documentation required to care for children and enhance their safety is completed. 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

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 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 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 adult support of children's learning provides play opportunity and first-hand experiences, which allow children to build on their natural curiosity as learners.

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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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