Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY365360 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2008 Inspection date Janet Fairhurst 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 February 2008. She lives with her husband and children aged 17, 16, five and three years. They live in a house in near to Prudhoe. Children have access to the living room and kitchen. There is an enclosed garden to the front and rear of the house, however, these are not suitable for children's play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through informal daily routines, for example, they are encouraged to wash their hands and the childminder

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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 provides the children with simple explanations as to why. Children's health is further supported by the very clear policies and procedures which the childminder follows to protect them from illness and to deal with any accidents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which ensures the treatment of injuries is carried out appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy lots of exercise which contributes to their physical health. Good access to the local parks and the excellent use of the local amenities means that children are able to participate in physical activities on a daily basis. Children learn to practise and develop their physical skills and control over their bodies as they attend judo and swimming session. The exciting range of outdoor opportunities encourages children to play together and learn to appreciate the fun and freedom of being outdoors from an early age. The childminder's positive attitude to being outdoors contributes to children's confidence and enthusiasm to take part in such activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks. Meals are freshly prepared using fresh fruit and vegetables. Regular drinks are offered throughout the day to ensure children never become thirsty. Children are not served food and drink with high levels of artificial additives and sugar. Mealtimes are relaxed social occasions for the children to enjoy. The childminder keeps parents informed verbally of what their children have eaten throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risk of accidental injury to children is minimised by the good supervision of the childminder. Positive steps are also taken to ensure the surroundings are very safe and secure. Examples of these include the fitting of a security camera in the kitchen to ensure the childminder has sight of the children at all times. The childminder regularly reviews safety arrangements, taking into account children's age and stage of development. Space and equipment are organised effectively so children move around freely and explore with confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a good range of safe and very well-maintained toys which are suitable to meet their developing needs and stimulate their interests. They are well-organised to encourage children's independent access so they can make decisions about their play and learning. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys carefully to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children respond well to the childminder's sensitive approach to understanding safety. This extends to outings and trips out when children are learning how to cross the road and to stay with the childminder. Visual risk assessments and close physical proximity maintains children's safety when they are outdoors in public areas. The childminder ensures that fire precautions, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket, are in place to ensure children do not come to harm. However, the procedures for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation of her home in an emergency are not practised with the children. Young children can move freely and are protected from harm within the home as the space is very well organised, creating a very safe and child-friendly environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder, who is confident and secure in her knowledge of child protection policies and procedures. The policy is shared with parents so that they are aware of what her responsibilities are regarding the welfare of children.

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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 happy and confident in the childminder's home. The childminder's regular routine helps children to settle quickly and become familiar in their surroundings. Children enjoy their time and have fun. They play very well together co-operating and sharing. The children were actively engaged in an imaginative shopping game. They exchanged pretend money for items of food and developed their understanding of the value of money as they discussed if they had enough to buy specific items. Children are encouraged to make independent choices about play; they select from a good range of age appropriate resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore and discuss their ideas openly and are confident at communicating their thoughts and ideas with others. For example, one child created a model using bricks explaining what she was doing and what she needed to use to complete it. The children benefit from regular visits to the local pre-school group. Here they enjoy new experiences away from the home environment and learn to socialise with their peers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children she cares for well and she has a sensitive manner as she interacts with them. The childminder places a strong emphasis on communication and language. She talks to the children about what they are doing and uses appropriate questioning which encourages them to think. The childminder praises the children and this helps build feelings of good self-esteem and growing confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and play an active part in the setting. As a result, they feel at ease to express themselves. Children's individual needs are well addressed as the childminder is well informed about each child and consequently able to provide them with appropriate care and activities. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities, learning difficulties and disability issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and effectively, ensuring clear rules and boundaries are in place. The childminder makes very good use of praise and encouragement to help children develop their self-confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with good written information relating to the provision, which is well presented and detailed. They are encouraged to share information about their child, which helps the childminder to meet the children's individual needs successfully. Time is taken prior to admission to ensure that each child's needs, interests and abilities are identified.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and totally at ease with the childminder. The childminder ensures that all of her time is spent in supporting children in their play and interaction with their peers. Consequently, children learn to develop warm and positive relationships with one another.

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Organisation

Comprehensive policies are used effectively to ensure there are positive outcomes for children. A complaints procedure is in place. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the childminder's

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 effective organisation. Indoor space is well laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Children feel at home in this child centred setting and benefit greatly from the amount of individual support which fosters their confidence and learning. The sharing of fun experiences with the childminder ensures they enjoy a good time.

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Organisation

The childminder has a very strong commitment to the continuous development of her childminding practice to provide a quality service. She keeps abreast of current issues in childcare by accessing training which ensures she is very well informed and up to date with new developments. She uses her knowledge effectively to provide children with a good range of learning experiences. 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

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

Since the last inspection, 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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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): • improve children's safety further by practising the emergency evacuation procedures with the children.

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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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