Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY355805 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2008 Inspection date Jean Otter 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 one child aged four close to Alfreton in Derbyshire. The whole ground floor 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 a maximum of five children at any one time which rises to eight children when working with an assistant. She is currently minding five children at various times. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and attends the local playgroup.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, comfortable home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the childminder's consistent daily routines. They know, for example, to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating, and to brush their teeth after meals. Children access toys and equipment which are clean and in a good state of repair. They stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate guidelines, policies and procedures. For example, accident records are correctly completed and shared with parents,

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 most of the required procedures to administer medication are in place and the sickness policy contains periods of exclusion to minimise cross-infection. Children's welfare is supported in an emergency because written parental consent is obtained to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. Each child has an individual health care plan, the information for which is collated at the beginning of the placement and is added to when necessary, for example, any clinic or hospital appointment details.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of healthy eating and involves the children in activities and discussion that promote knowledge of a healthy diet. She talks to the children about their preferences and encourages them to take an interest in food by taking them shopping and providing activities such as baking and decorating cakes. A sample menu prepared for new parents is contained in the portfolio. A choice of drinks are available at all times which ensures children remain hydrated. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the likes and dislikes of the children when providing meals and snacks. Any special dietary needs are respected.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise. They regularly play in the garden where a wide range of equipment is available to support their physical development, go for walks to the shops and attend the local playgroup where a further range of equipment is available.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well-organised setting which has good safety precautions in place, such as a child safety lock on the cupboard in the kitchen where hazardous materials are stored. Children are learning about safety as the childminder involved them in completing a risk assessment on the premises. Security measures are effective, for example, the front door is kept locked and when children are playing outdoors the entrance gate is always locked, which means that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. The childminder takes appropriate action to minimise harm to children in the event of a fire because children regularly practise emergency evacuation. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place to further safeguard their welfare.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate toys and resources that are accessible to them. The childminder encourages children to ask for preferred toys and activities if they cannot see what they want. Equipment and furniture is both practical and comfortable and kept to a high standard of cleanliness ensuring a welcoming environment for children. Children are well supervised by the childminder which further safeguards their welfare.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her responsibilities regarding safeguarding children, ensuring that they remain safe. Procedures that relate to the Local Safeguarding Children Board are fully understood and a written child protection policy is in place that is shared with parents. The childminder regularly updates her knowledge in this area.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and enjoy their time in the setting. They are gaining in confidence and approach the childminder for their needs which are met well. The childminder demonstrates good communication skills with children; she extends their thinking by asking supplementary questions and adds extra knowledge to what they already know. She listens and talks to them

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 constantly, values what they say and do and develops their self-esteem by the positive use of meaningful praise and encouragement. The childminder supports the children well to use their own initiative and to develop skills. Activity planning forms are used by the childminder as a tool to support the planning process. She thinks about what resources she may need, the language she can introduce and whether activities need to be differentiated to meet different abilities. Children's enjoyment is further promoted because the childminder has begun to evaluate the activities she provides for them. By asking questions and listening to what children say about the activities she can identify the quality of the activities and decide whether to repeat them or not. Children are encouraged to choose activities of particular interest. Early

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

literacy and creative skills are well promoted because of the childminder's interest and ability to extend their learning in this area. There is a wide range of good quality books available and children go to the local library with the childminder to encourage their interest in literature. Children have good opportunities to develop their imaginative play and are learning to contribute to their environment because the childminder involves them in her domestic routine, for example, helping to sort, hang washing and tidy away. A good range of social activities are offered, children go to the local playgroup, go for nature walks in the area, to the local shops and on various trips to a range of interesting venues. These activities support their understanding of the local community and the wider world.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are fully included in the life of the setting. Their understanding of the wider society is developed by the childminder's positive approach to diversity, which enables them to learn to respect the differences of others. The childminder has previous experience of caring for children with learning difficulties/disabilities needs and is confident to judge how well individual children's needs can be met within existing routines. All children are included in planned activities and have free access to good range of toys.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Appropriate behaviour management methods are in place which support children in their understanding of what is right and wrong, and children take part in deciding the 'house rules'. The use of praise and encouragement, as children try to achieve different tasks, helps them to develop their self-worth. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure clear and consistent boundaries. A written behaviour management policy is in place which outlines the childminder's good practice.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has with parents, for example, she spends time at each session sharing information with them about their child's well-being and how their needs are met during the day. Daily routines and activities are recorded for parents, and useful written information is available for new parents which outlines policy and business procedures. Written contracts are used. Information given by parents at the beginning of the child's placement is respected to ensure the best possible care for the children. Written parental consent is obtained for all necessary activities. Parents know how to complain as a written complaints procedure is in place, however the procedure does not state the timescale in which the childminder must respond to a written complaint.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the childminder. She is keen to offer a high standard of service to the children and works hard to ensure they are well cared for. The organisation of the premises contributes positively to their good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Space and resources are organised well to effectively meet their individual needs. Children are supported appropriately to achieve their potential and the childminder works closely with their parents to enable this progress. She is committed to developing her practice by attending various training courses and is preparing for the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has completed her 'Introduction to Childminding' training and attained a first aid certificate as required.

p.5

Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place which contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being. For example, children's records which include information from parents support their individual needs and the daily register showing children's times of arrival and departure impacts positively on their safety. However, medication records do not include the date of the administration. A range of policy procedures are shared with parents which give a clear indication of good practice. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

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.5

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): • ensure the complaints procedure includes the timescale for responding to a written complaint • ensure the medication records include the date of the administration.

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 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.6