Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355278 Unique Reference Number 07 May 2008 Inspection date Claire Jenner 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 satisfactory. 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 children aged six and four years in a village in Leicestershire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park. The family have a pet dog and a hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted through a well-maintained home and effective hygiene practices. For example, antibacterial sprays are used to clean food preparation areas and appropriate arrangements are made for the care, control and hygiene of the family's pet dog. Children benefit from regular routines as the childminder introduces good hygiene procedures such as

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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 washing hands before eating and after visiting the toilet. Access to liquid soap and individual hand towels helps to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. A sick children's policy is implemented which promotes children's good health and a common sense approach helps to ensure they are protected from infections. The childminder is able to provide appropriate treatment in the event of children having an accident because she has undertaken relevant first aid training. All records and consents are in place to ensure children's health needs are suitably maintained. Children's needs for rest and sleep are well supported because the childminder works with parents to ensure routines are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular opportunities to develop their physical skills and enjoy fresh air through a range of activities and experiences. They have regular visits to the park where they make good use of the large static equipment. Within the home they are able to play in the garden and use a variety of equipment including trampoline, bikes and tunnels, to develop their physical control.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are clearly recorded and their likes, dislikes and parents' preferences respected by the childminder. They develop a sound awareness of healthy eating as the childminder provides a well-balanced range of meals and snacks. These include sandwiches with a variety of fillings, fresh fruit and yoghurts. The childminder recognises the need for children to have regular drinks and encourages them to do so to ensure they remain adequately hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident when moving freely between accessible areas of the comfortable family home and garden. For example, when they chose between bricks in the lounge or playing on the trampoline in the rear garden. The childminder has a good understanding of keeping the environment safe. For example, through the use of stair gates and cupboard locks. The use of written risk assessments help to highlight potential hazards and the steps to be taken to minimise them. Smoke detectors and an identified emergency escape plan help to minimise the risk from fire. Children begin to learn about keeping themselves safe within their daily activities, for example as they talk about road safety on the way to school or when following the clear procedures when using the trampoline. Children are able to access the suitable range of toys and resources which encompass all areas of development. Some toys are stored within

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the main play area at child height allowing children to be independent and have freedom of choice when deciding what they wish to engage in. A selection of other toys are stored elsewhere in the family home which the childminder rotates on a regular basis, therefore helping to maintain children's interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has an understanding of child protection signs and symptoms and the procedures she should follow should she be concerned about a child. She is aware of the need to inform parents of her duty to protect children and to maintain written records. However, she is not yet fully familiar with current guidance to enable her to deal with issues confidently. As a result, this potentially compromises her ability to safeguard children's welfare effectively in such circumstances.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house and receive a good level of adult support which allows them to explore their environment in safety. They have access to a suitable range of toys and resources which promotes their play and learning, although at present this does not always provide sufficient challenge or balance of activity. The childminder is not yet using relevant guidance, such as the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which hinders young children's learning opportunities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy activities both inside the home and outside. For example, they visit the local library, park and shops on a regular basis and learn about their local environment. Within the home, children are able to make choices from the selection of toys and resources set out for them, such as bricks, chalking pictures and books. Children's communication skills are promoted as the childminder ensures she spends time talking to them. They engage in conversation easily with the childminder and talk about their family and interests. Children begin to learn about numbers and words as the childminder builds these into daily routines, such as counting the washing on the line. They experience a warm and caring relationship with the childminder and they receive positive interaction so they feel valued and confident in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and valued as individuals. They are happy at the setting and are offered a consistency of care and high level of adult support which enables them to feel comfortable and settled. Children are beginning to learn about the local community by going on regular walks and outings. However, opportunities to extend their knowledge and understanding of the wider community are limited. There are minimal hands-on toys and resources which reflect equality of opportunity in relation to other cultures and lifestyles. This further limits opportunities for children to increase their knowledge and understanding in this area. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but stated that if this arose she would discuss and consider the request.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and they begin to understand what is expected of them because the childminder is clear and consistent in her approach. They are given lots of individual attention, which contributes to their good behaviour. Appropriate behaviour-management techniques are implemented, such as clear explanations, 'time out' and time to calm down. The childminder praises children and acknowledges their achievements which promotes their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents. She has devised a good range of policies and procedures regarding all aspects of their partnership, which she makes readily available when a child is placed in her care. Informal discussion on arrival and departure enables the parents and the childminder to share information about daily events and experiences. This enables children to feel happy and secure in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and at ease in the relaxed family home. The childminder has undertaken relevant introductory training and holds a current paediatric first aid qualification, so helping

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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 her to maintain children's safety and welfare. However, although she has heard of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, she is not currently using it to support her practice when caring for children in this age group. Consequently, children's well-being may be compromised.

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Organisation

Daily registers are up-to-date and clearly show hours of attendance. Consequently, they demonstrate that required adult-child ratios are met, enabling children to be appropriately supervised. Children's welfare and care are suitably fostered as the childminder keeps all required records. She shares a written portfolio with all parents when they visit. This contains information about safety and the childminder and her home. Therefore they are kept fully informed and feel consulted and involved. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the childminder's last inspection 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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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop awareness of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to improve outcomes for younger children • ensure that there is a sufficient range of activities and resources available to all children that promote positive images of diversity • improve arrangements to safeguard children's welfare be ensuring familiarity with local child protection guidance.

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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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