Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355340 Unique Reference Number 07 May 2008 Inspection date Diane Hancock 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, son and daughter in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire. Their home is a terraced house and all of the ground floor rooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden which is available for outside play. The childminder walks children to and from local pre-school groups and schools. She accesses local toddler groups and takes children to the park and on walks. The family do not have any pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. There are currently six children on roll, who attend on a part-time basis. She supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s good health is actively promoted. They are cared for in a clean and tidy home to a high standard where they learn the importance of good hygiene routines. Children develop good self-care skills with tissues easily accessible for children to blow their own noses. Children learn they must wash their hands before eating, after going to the toilet and they have their own wet wipes. Children's individual needs and routines such as sleep are well maintained and respected. Children's health care needs are well met as the childminder gives appropriate care when the children are ill or following an accident; documentation is recorded adequately. Children are protected from illnesses as the childminder ensures that procedures for when children are ill are followed. The childminder is reasonably well prepared for emergencies such as having a first aid kit in the car, contact details in her mobile phone and she has the support

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Helping children to be healthy

of other local childminders, however children's health is potentially compromised because the consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment is not fully in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children dietary requirements are well met as they enjoy regular sociable meal and snack times. The childminder offers a flexible service and provides various nutritious home cooked meals for some children if parents prefer. Good food hygiene procedures are in place. The children's health is protected as the childminder stores their packed lunches in a fridge, heats their food appropriately and has a good knowledge of food hygiene. Children are well nourished and make good progress in eating fruit and vegetables through the childminders creative use of different foods. Regular drinks are provided with water being actively encouraged and beakers are available for children to help themselves throughout the day. Children are beginning to learn about healthy eating as they eat fruit before any biscuits and are encouraged to eat savoury food first. The children develop good self-care skills as they are encouraged to eat independently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from very good opportunities for fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. They enjoy very good use of the garden which is well resourced with equipment including a sandpit, easel, playhouse, as well as creative play. Good physical development and stamina is also promoted as the children walk to and from school and nursery. Children from a young age are encouraged to walk and enjoy going on local walks; a buggy board is in place if they get tired. The childminder makes good use of local outdoor facilities such as a variety of parks and playing fields for the children to enjoy physical activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children’s safety and well-being is positively supported because they are cared for in premises that are safe, well-maintained and secure including a fully enclosed garden. The toys and equipment are in good condition and damaged items are replaced. Children settle well in a welcoming environment where a good variety of resources are provided in the conservatory at a level where they can self-select. Different rooms are used for different activities to ensure small children are kept safe from activities undertaken by older children. Children are cared for in a tidy environment where toys and equipment are stored in a safe and organised manner. They learn about safety as they help tidy away to maintain a safe environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop a good understanding of road safety while out walking as they actively take part in doing the green cross code and older children stay within sight. In addition they learn

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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 about the dangers of exposure to strong sunlight as they learn about the importance of sun cream and children are good at wearing their hats. The childminder has evacuation procedures in place however children's safety is compromised as a recent fire practice has not taken place and not all the children are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a fire. Children learn about safety within the home, through good routines and explanations are given, for example, why not to throw the sand.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The supervision of children within the home and when out and about is given a high priority. Additional safety equipment is used when appropriate, for example, the use of reins and there are good procedures on outings to the park and when out walking. The childminder is well prepared for emergencies with procedures and policies in place regarding the collection of children and in the event of a child being lost or not collected. The layout of the home with through rooms and good supervision ensures the children can be seen or heard at all times. Sleeping children are well monitored within sight downstairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a basic knowledge of child protection strategies through up to date training. She has some basic knowledge of Worcestershire Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures however children's safety is potentially compromised as she does not have all the relevant information and contact details for other local authorities where children reside. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities and would seek appropriate advice in a confidential manner and has some relevant information accessible to ensure children's safety and wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are making good developmental progress. They are very happy, content, relaxed and enjoy coming to the childminder's home. They develop good relationships with the childminder, her own children and the other children who attend the home. Children settle quickly as the childminder is caring and friendly. She provides a homely environment which is very welcoming with a good range of toys accessible at their level for them to choose from both indoors and outside. Children are secure with daily routines and weekly activities in place. The day is flexible enough to ensure it meets the children's individual routines, especially children's need for rest and sleep. The childminder is well informed as to what time the children wake up at home and ensures young children rest or sleep before nursery and after meals. Children are well stimulated as they choose from a wide range of good quality toys and activities which are rotated to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from the childminder's one to one attention and good interaction as she engages with their play and encourages their learning and development such as shapes and colours. Children respond well to praise and encouragement with good use of achievement certificates and stickers for activities they have done, such as drawing and dancing. Children develop good imaginations, as they enjoy good role play opportunities and resources, for example, the kitchen set, dressing up, making dens and doing plays. Children of all different ages enjoy playing together. The childminder knows the children very well and has resources that she knows they are interested in such as diggers and tractors which are also placed in the sand pit. Children are well supported through any fears, for example, learning about spiders and singing 'incy wincy'. The children develop good creative skills as they enjoy a wide range

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of activities including sticking pictures with different textures, chalks, play dough, leaf printing and painting. Activities are adapted to include stimulating and creative opportunities for babies with the use of easy painters and sticking activities.

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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 Children develop good social skills as they attend a variety of toddler groups and enjoy getting out and about in the local community to parks and local walks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a good understanding of the wider social world through activities about different cultures including Chinese New Year and Divali. There are some toys within the home which reflect difference and the childminder ensures good use of library books to increase children's awareness of different aspects of diversity. Children enjoy equal access to all resources; the boys as well as the girls enjoy dressing up, playing with the imaginative home equipment and dolls. Babies are supported and included as much as possible in a range of activities including sand play and crafts. Children are self motivated as they readily decide what they want to play with. The childminder knows the children well and plans the day around how they are for example, if a child is tired they may not go to the toddler group. The childminder knows the children's abilities and supports children in their language development. Children's work is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

valued as the childminder takes lots of photographs to celebrate their achievements and demonstrate the fun they are having together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have made progress in their behaviour and are well behaved, they respond well to clear rules, boundaries, routines and positive strategies for managing behaviour. The children are polite and demonstrate good manners under the childminder's encouragement and praise. Certificates and smiley faces are used as rewards to encourage good behaviour. The children get on very well together and have made good progress as they are encouraged to share toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has very good relationships with parents. She spends time talking with them at the beginning and end of the day informing them of how the children have been and how long they have slept. Children's needs and parents’ wishes are very well met as the childminder spends time gathering information on an ongoing basis. Good induction procedures ensure that children settle quickly. The childminder continues to work closely with parents to ensure consistency of care especially regarding sleep routines and toilet training. The childminder is approachable and spends time talking about children's development including what new words they can say and songs they have sung. Parents view photos and take home creative work the children have done. Parents are well informed as they receive newsletters, copies of policies and information regarding the childminder and the service she provides. Children are safeguarded

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Helping children make a positive contribution

as their parents are given a copy of the childminder's complaints procedure. Contracts detailing business arrangements and informed consents are in place to ensure clarity of arrangements. The childminder is flexible and supportive to meet parents needs such as when she has the children, meal arrangements and she provides advice. The childminder seeks feedback from parents as she strives to improve her service. Parents report that children are happy and they receive excellent care and activities in a homely environment.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and ‘at home’ in a well-organised environment with good resources and clear routines. The childminder spends time preparing structured craft activities in advance to enrich the children's play experiences. The childminder is well organised regarding the preparation of meals. Resources are stored in an organised manner and toys are rotated and stored in an orderly way.

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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 The childminder offers a professional service with informative documentation in place. Records are accurate, up to date and support children's health, safety and care. A timetable of attendance ensures ratios are maintained and records are completed daily to reflect accurate attendance. Personal and sensitive information is effectively protected because documentation is stored in a very organised and confidential manner. Children and parents benefit from the detailed procedures that are in place to ensure a smoothly run setting. Parents are very well informed by the childminder's detailed policies, photographs and newsletters. The children benefit from the childminder's ongoing training. The childminder is keen to make ongoing improvements, she keeps up to date with changes, is beginning to evaluate her practice and seeks advice from

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Organisation

the support network. Overall children's needs are met.

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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 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 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): • obtain consent from parents for seeking emergency advice and treatment • improve children's safety through regular practise of emergency escape plan • ensure children's protection through improving your knowledge of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures for all relevant local authorities.

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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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