Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361441 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2008 Inspection date Carys Millican 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 two children aged seven and five in Brampton, Cumbria. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. The bathroom is on the first floor. The small front bedroom is used as an additional storage room for toys. There is a rear garden available for outdoor play, which is used as an outing by the children and under the supervision of the childminder.

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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 and is currently minding five children aged under eight years, full-time, part time and occasional hours. She walks to the local schools to take and collect children and uses her car to transport children on outings. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler groups. The family has two pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 good. Children are well cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained environment. They begin to understand the importance of good hygiene practices and personal care following the good role model set by the childminder. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after nappy changing. They use their own towel to dry their hands and competently use their own toothbrush after meals. Information is obtained from parents to ensure all children’s needs are well met. Children are protected from the potential risk of infection as the childminder follows her sick child policy, which is discussed with parents on registering. Accident recording systems include obtaining signatures from parents, however, this is not completed after administering medication and written permission to seek medical treatment or advice has not been obtained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their nutritional needs well met. The childminder has a good understanding of what constitutes a balanced diet and consults parents for information about individual children’s likes and dislikes and allergies, in order to provide suitable refreshments. Children therefore are well nourished. Drinks are accessible at all times and children are provided with a variety of healthy snacks and meals. Small child sized tables and chairs are available allowing younger children to sit down at meals times and socialise with older children at tea time.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from many outdoor activities. They walk back and forth to the childminders on school runs and enjoy visits to the local parks and play grounds. These outings contribute to their good health. Children are active indoors, playing with musical mats and activity toys. Quieter activities are available where children can unwind whilst sitting on the childminders knee looking at books. Children benefit from the secure, close and caring relationship developing with their childminder. This promotes their emotional well-being.

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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 and secure indoor environment. They access an extensive selection of high quality toys and resources which are rotated to maintain stimulation and interest. These resources and play opportunities are appropriate for the children's age and ability. There is a good balance of toys available for all children. Children confidently help themselves to the resources stored in clear containers, which are placed on the floor to allow free access. The childminder regularly checks the equipment for any broken or loose parts. Resources are supervised and monitored to ensure younger children’s safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe indoors by the provision of appropriate safety equipment. Visual safety checks and risk assessments are conducted for most areas used by children. Fire safety equipment is accessible in an emergency and smoke alarms are in good working order. The childminder is clear on what she would do in the event of a fire or emergency and practices the procedure regularly with the children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box is easily accessible in the kitchen. Children begin to learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe. For example, when washing hands she clearly explains about hot water and younger children repeat words, such as hot and cold.

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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 Children are protected because the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities in any child protection situation and understands the importance of keeping records. She regularly updates her own knowledge by attending additional courses, such as child protection training and has a good understanding of child protection issues. She has obtained the Local Safeguarding Children Board's website details and record keeping is in place to record concerns or existing injuries. Children’s safety and well-being is promoted through the documentation in place. Procedures are in place to ensure only named persons collect children. Written permission for outings such as visits to the park is obtained. The rear garden is available under the supervision of the childminder and with written permission from parents, however, this has

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and contented in their surroundings and settle easily in the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Their enjoyment and achievement are promoted through the flexible play experiences created during their time spent in the childminder’s company. She has sound knowledge and understanding of children’s development and has experience of caring for a number of children. Young children develop confidence and self-esteem through close interaction with the childminder and through the care and individual attention they receive. The childminder actively plays with the children, supporting them and encouraging development through their play. Children enjoy playing with the pasta shapes. They confidently fill small and large containers and pour the pasta out again. Children snuggle into the childminder as they look at books together, which increase children’s sense of well-being and security. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

make choices and decisions in their play. The toys and resources are stored at a low-level enabling children to help themselves. Children play with a range of musical instruments such as a triangle, tambourines, and bells. They confidently sing songs and listen to simple instructions as they help to tidy away the toys. The needs of children of varying ages are met as the childminder provides suitable activities which follow their interests and take into account children's ages and individual ability.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which is seen in practice as children play. Although no written planning is in place the childminder briefly records what activities children will undertake during the session with her. She completes detailed daily diaries for parents recording care needs and what their child has completed that day. These do not record progress and development linked to aspects of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework or evaluate experiences to help with their next step in learning. Children engage in a wide range of activities. Photographs show children happily engaged in a wide range of alternative play opportunities. Children go on outings to places of interest and good physical play opportunities are experienced. The childminder provides activities which take into account their individual needs and offer sensory experiences. Children use natural materials

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and explore their environment. They enjoy looking books and complete floor puzzles. Young children follow flexible routines that flow with their needs. These routines are discussed with parents to ensure continuity of care. Children begin to socialise with others as they attend several social groups and facilities. Children benefit from the close attachment forming with their childminder, which contributes to their sense of belonging.

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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 are made to feel very welcome and therefore settle easily. They are confident in their surroundings and help themselves to the storage boxes containing a range of suitable resources. Children develop a sense of belonging and self-assurance since they form familiar, trusting, safe and secure relationships with the childminder and with other children. They confidently talk to the childminder responding to her questioning as they play. Children enjoy the company of others, they feel safe and loved and respond to what they see, hear and feel. They behave well and play harmoniously with each other. Children respond well to the positive ways the childminder rewards achievement, through gestures, such as smiling, praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities. An all inclusive environment is created where all children are encouraged to take part and become actively involved in all play opportunities. Children are provided with activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships developed with parents. Their general welfare is promoted since the childminder collects detailed information from parents to ensure children’s individual care needs are followed. The required documentation and most parental consents are in place. This also includes the complaints procedure, which is explained to parents. The complaints register is established. Children benefit from the regular exchange of information which is shared daily by the use of a diary. The diary is used for as a two way communication and exchanging of information with parents to ensure continuity of care and exchange of information relating to the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by an experienced practitioner who values, understands, supports and encourages all children. Children's care, learning and play is fully supported by the childminder, through the individual attention they receive. Children feel at home and at ease in the warm, welcoming, well organised environment. They move around freely and confidently initiate their own play and learning. Children are confident and gain independence through the childminder's encouragement and support. Their developmental needs are met as they are provided with a suitable range of toys, resources and activities.

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Organisation

Children's health and hygiene is promoted. They are cared for in a clean, well maintained environment. Children are kept safe. Children's welfare and well-being is supported by the childminder maintaining most of the required documentation in place. Their individual needs are recorded and most parental consents are obtained. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and sound knowledge of child development. The regular exchange of information keeps parents informed about the childminding service, their child's day, and the activities they have undertaken whilst in her care. This contributes to continuity in the children’s 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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Improvements 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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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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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 written permission from parents to seek advice or medical treatment in an emergency • complete a risk assessment on the garden and obtain written permission from parents to allow children to access the garden as an outing.

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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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