Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY365879 Unique Reference Number 29 May 2008 Inspection date Angela Margaret Ellis Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her family in Batley. There are schools, shops, parks and access to public transport in the local area. The whole ground floor and first floor bathroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two cats and tropical fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and currently has four children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because the childminder follows effective health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. She has all of the required records in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Written consent from parents for seeking any emergency medical advice or treatment is in place. Children learn about their personal hygiene well through their daily routines because the childminder

p.2

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 regularly reinforces good hygiene practices. For example, children are reminded to clean their hands before and after meals, after going to the toilet, after playing outside and after stroking the pets.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to learn the benefits of healthy eating for their growth and development. They have regular access to drinks and enjoy a varied balance of nutritious snacks which includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. A menu has been devised to give children and parents information about snack and meal choices. Children follow their individual eating routines and are encouraged to eat at their own pace and enjoy their food. The childminder has systems in place to work with parents to meet any specific dietary requirements.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities and have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They have access to a variety of large and small equipment in the garden, at play gyms and at recreation grounds. This helps them gain confidence and enjoy moving their bodies in various ways. They regularly enjoy a walk during visits to and from school and at the local park. Their finer manipulative skills and control are developed through a variety of stimulating activities.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment both indoors and outdoors. Steps are taken within the home and outdoors each day to minimise the risks to children. Written risk assessments are in place for all the areas used for childminding. Children are encouraged to be independent and are confident to naturally explore the premises.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safely and independently select activities from a varied range of toys and activities which meet appropriate safety standards. The childminder understands that children need a balance between freedom and safe limits. Children have confidence to take risks and try out new skills as the childminder provides appropriate types of activities and gives good levels of support. The childminder knows the children's capabilities well.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder acts in the best interests of the children. For example, she has a secure understanding of child protection issues and has completed a first aid course. The childminder has completed training on the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and understands her responsibilities if she has any concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, confident and content in a stimulating and welcoming environment. Effective and established routines meet the needs of children, for example, for meals, activities and outings. Procedures for settling new children into the home are effective in ensuring children soon become comfortable in the childminder's care. Other children adapting to these changes are sensitively considered.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The independence of the children is promoted well because they have free access to a varied range of toys and activities and make their own choices with enthusiasm and confidence. The childminder knows the children's likes and dislikes well and, therefore, provides activities that she knows will interest and challenge them. For example, the young children confidently explore the imaginative role play equipment and clearly enjoy watering the plants in the garden. Good

p.3

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 interaction between the children and the childminder enhances their experience and makes it a positive one.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Parents are kept informed about their child's activities in a number of ways, for example, through verbal discussion and individual files that include observations and artwork. This is all very informative and demonstrates that the childminder values the children, and this has a positive impact on children’s self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The outcomes for children's learning under three years are well promoted. The childminder has made a start on using aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage to further improve the outcomes for children enjoying and achieving.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's needs are effectively met by the childminder. She treats all children with equal concern, valuing and respecting their individuality. She ensures all children can take part in a wide range of activities appropriate to their needs and abilities, and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the local community and learn to develop an awareness of the seasons and the natural world around them through a varied range of outings, for example, to the local park and toddler group. Children are beginning to learn about the wider society because there is a varied range of resources available depicting positive images of others in society. They learn about other cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year, through creative and food tasting activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the childminder's positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour. Clear and realistic boundaries are established which effectively promote children’s understanding of right and wrong. They learn to care about and respect each other and other things, for example, the children water the tomato and herb plants that they are growing in the garden. Children make choices and independent decisions that contribute to their own learning and development of new skills because the childminder provides a good range of activities that capture their interests and, therefore, they behave well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

A successful partnership with parents contributes to the children’s well-being and provides continuity of care. Sharing information with parents allows the childminder to continually meet the children’s ever changing needs and keeps both parties well informed. Friendly exchanges take place with parents and they are positive about the quality of the service provided and are reassured that their children are being well cared for. Children clearly benefit from this effective partnership and settle well in response, which enhances their experience and makes it a positive one. There is a system to record a complaint and a policy to share with parents, however, it has not been updated in line with the requirements.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of the setting promotes positive outcomes for children because the childminder has made a very good start to her childminding career. She is enthusiastic and motivated in her work with children. She has a good commitment to training and continued professional development by keeping up-to-date with current childcare issues. Skills, knowledge and

p.4

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 experiences gained through training courses contribute effectively to enhancing the service further. This commitment supports children's care, learning and play effectively.

p.4

Organisation

Children benefit from a balance of home-based play and outings because the childminder encourages them to broaden their interests and experiences. This is evident in the stimulating environment provided for the children and her interaction with them. Resources and activities are organised imaginatively both indoors and outdoors, and creative use of space enables children to access areas freely. This includes providing areas for children to play and rest.

p.5

Organisation

All of the required documentation is available and the childminder has compiled a comprehensive range of policies and procedures, which are well organised. These inform parents about all aspects of the service she provides. However, the complaints policy is not up-to-date. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure. This successfully contributes to promoting the care and welfare of children's well-being. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 complaints policy is updated in line with the regulations.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5