Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY364374 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2008 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington 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 partner and children aged 11, 10 and eight years. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years. There are currently five children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have two cats, a rabbit and hamsters.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted effectively through the good care the childminder takes to promote a healthy environment. Children play in a clean home where they learn sensible hygiene routines to prevent the spread of germs. The childminder wears gloves and a disposable apron for nappy changing and cleans surfaces regularly. If children become ill, good systems are in place to ensure that parents can be contacted to collect their children. A well equipped first

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 aid kit is available; however permission to seek emergency advice or treatment has not been obtained from parents.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy nutritious food freshly prepared for them each day. For example, for snack they enjoy fruit, such as banana or satsuma with a drink of fresh water. For main meals they have roast dinners or pasta dishes, followed by yoghurt. Parents provide important dietary information to ensure that their children's dietary needs can be met appropriately.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Small children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills as they move confidently around the spacious lounge and use the garden. The childminder encourages their skills by ensuring a selection of age appropriate resources are available for the children to use. Children develop their finer movements as they use puzzles and toys which encourage their hand and eye co-ordination.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted well through careful planning and consideration of the children's ages, needs and abilities. They play and rest in a well maintained attractive environment where space is used well to provide a stimulating and interesting environment. Equipment is good quality and suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children. Children explore the home environment confidently and access suitable resources easily.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder effectively promotes safety through careful risk assessment of her environment and her good understanding of the development of the children in her care. A clear evacuation plan has been considered and practised; smoke detectors are in place and a fire blanket available for emergencies. She carefully plans outings and indoors encourages children to think about their safety. They learn safe behaviour, such as not climbing on furniture and to cross roads safely with an adult.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded by the childminder's awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the action she is required to take if she has concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well. Through good communication with parents and careful observation of the children the childminder develops a knowledgeable understanding of the children in her care. This enables her to easily identify when children are unwell or tired.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children confidently move around the setting using the available resources. They make choices in their play and the childminder encourages and praises them for their activity. Children confidently bring items to the childminder seeking her assistance or to simply sit close to her as they play. She sits on the floor with the children listening, making eye contact and responding appropriately to them.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A full range of activities are undertaken enabling children to progress in all areas of their development. Children enjoy a wide range of age appropriate activities both indoors and out. They go for walks in their local community increasing their awareness of the world around them and also develop their social skills as they meet other adults and children. The childminder recognises the importance of routines for young children and so she ensures they have times

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 for quiet, restful activity in addition to stimulating experiences. This enables them to feel secure and confident in her care.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children experience good opportunities to develop their social skills and awareness which will contribute to their abilities to make a positive contribution to society. Through information sharing with parents the childminder develops a good understanding of children's individual needs enabling her to meet them appropriately. Children play with toys irrespective of their gender and access resources which reflect a diverse community.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to share and take turns as they play. They are developing their abilities to be patient and tolerant of others. The childminder sets a good example to the children as she calmly manages their needs and uses good manners at all times. Her understanding of child development enables her to manage children's behaviour well and recognise the importance and value in working closely with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are made very welcome and information is shared on a daily basis enabling a good understanding of the child's activities and needs to develop. Comprehensive policies enable parents to understand the service the childminder offers and use it appropriately.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She clearly enjoys her role and takes positive steps to provide the children with a stimulating and caring experience when they are with her. Her qualifications and experience are evident in the good quality service she provides to children and their families. The children are secure and happy in her care and use the resources available to them confidently. Good care is taken to promote children's health and safety and enable them to develop their skills in a happy and caring environment. In addition to this the children's welfare is further promoted by the childminder's understanding and commitment to meet the requirements of her registration.

p.4

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.

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 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): • seek permission to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment from parents

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