Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360431 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2008 Inspection date Beverly Hallett 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 and lives with her husband and three children aged 11, eight and seven years. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler groups and takes children to the local library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family have three cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder ensures children are protected from cross-infection and contamination as all areas of the home are cleaned daily. Children are aware of the importance of washing their hands as the childminder ensures that they wash them after they have been to the toilet and

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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 before they have meals. However, children are at some risk of cross infection because they are not provided with individual towels, and towels are not replaced daily. Signs around the home, for example, at the garden entrance and in the bathroom, remind older children to wash their hands. The childminder ensures all accident, incident and medication books are completed and shared with parents. This ensures they are kept informed about the children's day and supports children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive healthy and nutritious meals whilst they attend the childminder's. The childminder ensures children receive fresh fruit and vegetables daily and that all meals comply with parents' wishes and special dietary requirements. A menu board lets older children know the menu for the week and helps them to look forward to their mealtimes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Outside, the children have excellent opportunities for large physical and imaginative play. The converted garage provides a 'secret castle' where older children can escape adult supervision and fully immerse themselves in a world of pretend. Other garden equipment, including a trampoline, bikes, sand tray and climbing frames help children in developing confidence in movement, balance and control of their whole body.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe whilst they attend the childminder's home as she ensures all toys and resources are checked that they conform to safety standards. Some excellent strategies, such as displaying fun posters and talking about what to do in an emergency, helps children develop skills and knowledge to ensure their own safety. The childminder also has a detailed plan of evacuation, so children are aware of what routes to take should the fire alarm go off.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is very well organised to provide children with a stimulating and interesting environment in which to explore and play. Babies have their own cushioned area to enable them to play safely within earshot of the childminder but out of danger of being accidentally hurt by the play of the older children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection and safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children play with and explore a extremely good variety of toys and resources, which are set out in permanent areas so that they can choose and enjoy independent learning. The childminder also supports this independent play with an excellent range of fun and educational activities that are tailored around the individual needs of the children. The childminder talks to the children about what they would like to do and observes what they are interested in to support the planning of the daily routine and activities. As a result, all children are happy, focussed and stimulated throughout their time at the setting and willingly participate in the activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder sits with children and plays games with them or chats about their day. The childminder is kind and considerate and shows each child respect, giving them individual attention according to their needs. Children have access to information technology which the childminder ensures is educational as well as fun. The childminder also ensures all activities are age appropriate for the children that she is caring for. The children have a good rapport with

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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 the childminder and are treated as part of the family. Children enjoy cooking with the childminder as well as arts and crafts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children very well and uses this knowledge to ensure each child's individual needs are met. She takes extensive information when children start and regularly updates this through her own and parents observations. The childminder is aware of teaching children about diversity and equal opportunities. The children have limited resources to access whilst they are in the home environment, but those that are available show a good range of diversity including stories about children who feel different. As a result, children are developing positive self esteem and learning to value differences in others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is fully aware of positive strategies for behaviour management and works well with parents to ensure they work together for the best of the children. The childminder talks to the children at a level that they can understand, and explains to them the consequence of their behaviour and why they need to listen to the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures she shares her policies and procedures with the parents and that they are aware of the childminder's philosophies. The childminder works with parents to ensure they work together in caring for the children. The childminder has a good understanding of the complaints procedures and ensures she shares this with the parents. The parents receive daily feedback from the childminder which ensures they are kept fully informed on their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has excellent policies and procedures in place which ensures the smooth running of her childminding practices. The childminder protects the children from non vetted people as she ensures the daily registers are accurately completed at all times. The home is extremely well organised and excellent routines are in place to ensure each child's individual needs are met. The childminder ensures she has all of her documentation in place and that it is stored securely and confidentially. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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 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): • ensure children are provided with individual towels to prevent the risk of cross infection.

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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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