Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY367792 Unique Reference Number 17 June 2008 Inspection date Lindsey Pollock 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 satisfactory. 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 2008. She lives with her husband and her three children aged 16 years, 14 years and ten months in a house on farmland on the outskirts of the village of Elton. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years. She is currently caring for two children under eight years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA)

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder implements health and hygiene guidelines effectively to ensure children are protected from infection. Children's understanding of the importance of good hygiene is promoted in their everyday routines. They have a growing awareness of the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet and use paper towels to help prevent the spread of infection. The home is clean with good hygiene routines fare followed

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 to minimise the risk to children from germs. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication meet requirements and protect children effectively. Children enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air. They go for walks in the surrounding countryside looking at the animals in the fields and the wild flowers. They use a range of equipment in the garden, the park, and at toddler group to promote their physical development and helps them develop a positive attitude to exercise.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides healthy meals and snacks for the children. She ensures these are as nutritionally balanced as possible and encourages children to try fresh fruit and vegetables. They enjoy snacks and meals, such as fruit, vegetables toast, pasta, and yoghurt. Drinks are readily available so children are not thirsty.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. There is a wide range of toys and resources available to children which are easily accessible to allow them to choose what they want to play with and develop their independence. All toys and equipment are in sound condition and are checked regularly to ensure they remain safe and clean so they are not a risk to children's safety and health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder helps children to gain an understanding of keeping themselves safe. For example, she talks to them about road safety if outdoors and reminds them to be careful when using cutlery and other equipment. Although the childminder is confident that she can evacuate the premises quickly in an emergency, she has not yet practised this with the children to raise their awareness of what to do should an incident occur. She takes steps to promote safety both in the home and when on outings. For example, safety gates are fitted and children wear colour coded 't' shirts when on outings so they are easily identifiable. Doors are kept secure at all times to prevent unauthorised entry to the home and children leaving unsupervised.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is appropriately safeguarded in matters of child protection. The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of issues including the indicators of abuse. She has information regarding contact numbers which would allow her to report concerns promptly.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. They relate well to her and her family and happily cuddle into her when playing and feeling sleepy. There is lots of verbal interaction, eye contact and encouragement so children feel secure and good about themselves. Young babies are beginning to vocalise, making different sounds to attract attention. Older children confidently move around the home choosing what they want to play with they enjoy having stories read to them by the childminder's daughter and creating fuzzy felt pictures with her.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder responds well to children's individual needs. She recognises when they are tired and when they are hungry. She discusses their routines with parents and follows these so children are secure and settled. She provides a wide range of interesting resources and appropriate toys for them to promote their learning, for example, books, musical toys, and construction toys. She has a sound understanding of how young children learn and progress, and is aware of the importance of observing and assessing children so she can promote their

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 learning and development. Regular opportunities are provided for them to socialise with other children out of the home, broadening their experiences and developing their social skills.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to equality and ensures children feel valued and free from discrimination. Books and other resources to raise children's awareness of diversity are currently limited, however, the childminder is a positive role model for children and promotes anti-discriminatory practice. She has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and understands the importance of including all children. Behaviour is managed according to children's development stage and in a positive and consistent way.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Trusting partnerships have been established with parents. This enables the childminder to work with them and to meet the needs of the children. Information is shared on a daily basis both verbally and written to ensure children receive appropriate care. The registration certificate is displayed for parents' attention so they are fully aware of the conditions of registration. Good quality documentation ensures that parents are well informed of the setting's policies and procedures including what to do if they are unhappy with the childminding service.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is supported by the way the childminder organises her home, time and daily routine. Space is available for children to play, rest and sleep as needed. The correct adult-to-child ratios are maintained so that children receive appropriate attention. The childminder has completed mandatory training, such as a registration course and a first aid course and understands the importance of continuing to develop her childcare knowledge.

p.4

Organisation

Documentation is well organised, is of good quality and is available for inspection. Policies are sufficiently detailed, however, although the childminder is fully aware of the procedure to follow should an allegation be made against herself, this is not included in the safeguarding children policy. Confidentiality is maintained to safeguard children's privacy and welfare.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.4

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.4

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

p.4

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 satisfactory. 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): • practise the evacuation procedures so children know what to do in an emergency • develop the range of resources to raise children' awareness of diversity • include details of procedure to be followed should an allegation be made against childminder in the safeguarding children policy.

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