Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362297 Unique Reference Number 20 May 2008 Inspection date Cynthia Walker 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 was registered in 2007. She lives in a terraced house in Colne with her two children aged three years and six years. Children have access to all areas of the house and this includes a lounge, kitchen, conservatory, bathroom and two bedrooms. The childminder is within walking distance of the local parks, shops and library. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet rabbit. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a qualified nursery nurse. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child, who attends on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's health is promoted. She explains how she will introduce a variety of fruit and vegetables into the children's meals and snacks which is highlighted in her sample menus and policy on diet. Children are given regular

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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 drinks which include the option of water. Dietary needs are discussed with parents and there are appropriate systems in place to record these.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder describes how children learn about personal hygiene through their normal routines, for example, washing their hands after going to the toilet. A written policy is in place to support children if they become ill in her care. The childminder demonstrates that children are cared for appropriately if they have an accident or need medication because she follows suitable procedures. The childminder sensitively enables children to have appropriate rest or sleep.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder explains that children would be able to develop their physical skills through regular access to the garden, walks in the local area and visits to the park. There are a reasonable range of resources to support the children's physical development which include a slide, a sandpit, wheeled toys, tents with tunnels and a selection of small resources including balls, skipping ropes and hoops.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken action to ensure that most risks inside her home have been minimised to enable children to play safely, which is reflected in her detailed risk assessment. However, the glass panels in the kitchen door do not contain safety glass which impacts on children's safety. The childminder explains that she helps children learn about fire safety through regular evacuation practises which are supported by a clear written policy. Children are learning about keeping safe through clear explanations from the childminder on how to use scissors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is providing a warm and welcoming environment for the children in her care. The areas used by children are effectively arranged to enable children to move spontaneously and independently around. Children can access a wide range of resources which are appropriate to the ages and stages of children attending and support their learning and development. Toys and resources are arranged to enable children to make independent decisions about their play. The safety of the resources is maintained through regular checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of child protection procedures which are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The childminder has attended relevant training on child protection. However, the contact numbers to notify if there is any concerns about a child are not in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy being with the childminder and are comfortable within the home and routines. They enjoy playing with a simple programmable toy as they watch the other children play. Children sit together as they look at items within a catalogue identifying which they like best and competently use scissors to cut the pictures of different toys out. They chatter to the childminder as they cut out a variety of pictures of bicycles and explain that their bike is broken. The childminder asks if the toys will be for Christmas or their birthday and there was a discussion around individual ages of children using fingers to identify their age.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder who listens and values what children say. The childminder explains that she will introduce creative activities, such as baking,

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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 painting, music and reading into her daily routine. Her professional file includes a statement on the activities she intends to introduce to support children's play and learning. Children's experience will be extended by visits to toddler groups, walks to places of interest and visits to the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Parents receive effective information about the care the childminder provides in a very detailed parent pack which ensures they are well informed of the policies and procedures that have been produced. The childminder displays all her certificates in her entrance hall to maintain parents' awareness of her levels of training. The ongoing needs of children are shared through regular telephone calls and information included in the children's bag.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the calm and consistent response from the childminder. The childminder has developed house rules to promote positive behaviour which she displays clearly in her home. Children play harmoniously together, they share and take turns as they cut pictures out of a catalogue.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a positive attitude to others through the provision of resources which include dolls, books and small world figures. Discussions with parents identify the individual children's needs ensuring appropriate care can be given.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has most of the required documentation in place to support the welfare, care and learning of children. She has produced a detailed professional file which is linked to the National Standards and includes a wide variety of policies and procedures. The quality of care is enhanced with the childminder's positive attitude to training to improve her knowledge and practice and she has attended a good range of short courses. She is a member of the local childminding network which ensures the quality of care is regularly monitored. Space and resources are effectively organised which enables children to extend their play and learning.

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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): • ensure that the glass in the kitchen doors is made safe for children • ensure contact numbers are in place to enable any concerns about a child to be reported in accordance with the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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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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