Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358191 Unique Reference Number 07 August 2008 Inspection date Mary Van De Peer 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 three children. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, along with one bedroom upstairs for children to sleep and the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under eight, as well as older ones. She attends the local toddler groups and other local amenities are within walking distance. The family has a pet rabbit and two guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good personal hygiene routines; the childminder makes sure they wash and dry their hands properly after using the toilet, at nappy changes and before eating. There is a clear written sick children policy which means that children who are unwell do not attend, helping to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses. The childminder has a current first aid

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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 certificate and a well-stocked first aid kit. This means children who sustain minor injuries are treated quickly and effectively. Accident and medication administration records are very clearly written, informative and up-to-date. Parents sign all entries relating to their own children. Children's physical needs are met through opportunities to play indoors and outdoors in the back garden. There are good choices in role play activities, including dressing up resources, and children are able to use their imagination. The childminder provides travel cots, so children can sleep and rest when they need to. Children have a choice of healthy foods and drinks throughout the day. They are able to help prepare their lunch, for example, putting fresh toppings of their choice onto a pizza base. Good arrangements with parents mean the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder is aware of any allergies or intolerances children may have. Children are encouraged to eat healthily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play in a safe environment. All the necessary steps have been taken to minimise risks to children, for example, socket covers and safety gates. The garden is fully enclosed and secure, which means children cannot leave the premises unaccompanied. Children are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's care. The safety measures in place allow them to move around the downstairs area freely and safely. Car safety has been given good attention with the required children's car seats and belts in place. The childminder provides an attractive range of safe and suitable resources and equipment for use both indoors and outside. These are stored at a low level, so that children can make choices in their play. The childminder has thought carefully about her emergency evacuation procedure and practised it on several occasions. She is proud of the way the children behaved and their understanding of phrases

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

such as 'safe place'. The childminder is very understanding of her role in the protection of children. This and her relevant policies, which are shared with parents, means she safeguards the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Many of the toys and activities are stored at child height; this allows them to make choices in their play. There are puzzles, books, educational games and resources, dolls and small world figures. Art and craft materials help children's creativity. The children are having a wonderful time painting frogs which progresses to hand prints. They are able to use their imagination and create their own play, meeting their own expectations. Children also enjoy the accessibility that the outdoor play opportunities give them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder makes sure she obtains all required and other relevant and useful information on children's backgrounds, including their interests, likes and dislikes. Parents must also complete appropriate child record forms and contracts. Children are beginning to learn about the world around them by being able to access a wide range of colourful books. However, there are limited toys and resources reflecting positive images of people from different cultures and with disabilities. The childminder is a good role model, in that she treats the children with respect and listens to them carefully when they talk to her. She shares her behaviour management policy with parents. The strategies are simple and effective, providing children with lots of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 different opportunities and support. She explains clearly why she needs children to do something and how it keeps them safe. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder has clear policies and procedures to refer to, including one for complaints, which helps ensure parents are kept well informed about the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her time with the children very well. She has clear policies and procedures that are shared with parents. The Ofsted certificate is displayed for parents and visitors to view and public liability insurance is in place. The childminder has attended some training and workshops to enhance the children's enjoyment and achievements. All the required paperwork and record-keeping is in place and confidentiality is observed. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of her role as a registered childminder. The children receive consistency and continuity of care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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. 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): • consider providing additional resources that reflect disabilities, helping children become more aware of the differences in people

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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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