Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY359198 Unique Reference Number 10 July 2008 Inspection date Angela Margaret Ellis 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 has been registered in January 2008 and works with her mother who is a co-childminder. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. There are 19 children on roll that attend various days and times. She lives with her family in Meltham. This is close to schools, parks and is on a local bus route. The children have access to all areas on the ground floor. There is access to enclosed gardens at the front and back of the premises.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because the childminder follows effective health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. She has all of the required records in place to gather

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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 information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. Prior written consent from parents for administering medication is in place. Children learn about their personal hygiene well through their daily routines, because the childminder regularly reinforces good hygiene practices. For example, children are reminded to clean their hands before and after meals and after going to the toilet. Arrangements for pets successfully promotes good levels of hygiene and ensure they do not pose a health risk to children. The dog is regularly wormed and vaccinated at the vets and are well cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to learn the benefits of eating for their healthy growth and development well. They have independent access to fresh water and enjoy a varied balance of nutritious meals and snacks which includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. A menu has been devised to give children and parents information about meal choices. The childminder is well organised to ensure that meals are prepared using fresh ingredients that meet children's individual dietary requirements. A tea party was prepared to celebrate one of the children's birthdays. The children enjoyed a wide selection foods including a selection of salad vegetables and homemade pizza. Children are encouraged to taste new foods and are given praise for their efforts. Children sit together and enjoy a relaxed social occasion. They are encouraged to eat at their own pace and enjoy their food. The childminder has systems in place to work with parents to meet any specific

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive as they enjoy a wide range of physical activities and have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They have access to a variety of large and small equipment in the garden, at play gyms and at recreation grounds. This helps them gain confidence and enjoy moving their bodies in various ways. They regularly go for local walks and visit parks which gives children access to a wider range of more challenging activities. Their finer manipulative skills and control are developed through a variety of stimulating activities. Children play and rest according to their individual needs because the childminder acts in the best interests of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment both indoors and out. Risk assessments are undertaken and where risks are identified, these are minimised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a balance between freedom and safe limits. The childminder understands that suitable types of activities and appropriate levels of support give the children confidence to take risks and try out new skills. She knows their capabilities well. Good procedures are in place to keep children safe when they are on outings, because thorough risk assessments are undertaken before each one.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safely and independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and activities. These are highly appropriate to children’s age and stage of development and all meet safety standards. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe and healthy because the childminder reinforces safety during routines and activities as situations arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to have a good understanding of the systems for fire evacuation because a fire plan is displayed and they regularly practise them. Detailed records of drills show which children have taken part. This enables the childminder to plan the next drill when other children are present. Children have visited the local fire station as part of an outing to reinforce fire safety training.

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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 The childminder has all of the required documents to ensure she acts in the best interests of the children. She has an understanding of child protection issues and has obtained up to date information on the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, and the child protection policy that is shared with parents is up to date in line with these procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, confident and content in a stimulating and caring environment. Effective and established routines meet the needs of children, for example, for meals, activities and outings. The independence of the children is promoted well because children have free access to an extensive range of good quality equipment, and make their own choices with enthusiasm and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children's likes and dislikes well and, therefore, provides activities that she knows will interest and challenge them. For example, some children enjoy designing and making with the craft materials, while other children take turns in playing with the console games and other children clearly enjoy in participating in ring games such as 'The farmers in his den'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported by the childminder well when necessary, demonstrating that she understands when and when not to intervene. She knows the children well and many of them have been cared for in the setting since they were babies. A caring relationship is demonstrated through good interaction between the children and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Parents are kept informed about their child's activities through verbal discussion and the child's individual book provides examples of art work and stories. This is all very informative and demonstrates that the childminder values these and this has a positive impact on children’s self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's needs are effectively met by the childminder. She treats all children with equal concern, valuing and respecting their individuality. She ensures all children can take part in a wide range of activities appropriate to their needs and abilities, and is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. Children learn to feel a sense of belonging because the children are valued and the childminder has a warm caring manner with the children, and offers continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the local community and learn to develop an awareness of the seasons and the natural world around them through a varied range of outings. For example, children visit the fire station where they learn how to keep themselves safe if there was a fire and they receive a fire safety certificate. Children are beginning to learn about the wider society because there is a good range of resources available depicting positive images of others. They learn about other cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year, through creative and food activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in response to the childminder's positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour. Clear and realistic boundaries are established which effectively promotes children’s understanding of right and wrong. A reward system is used as an incentive to promote positive outcomes. They learn to care about and respect each other and other things, for

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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 example, there is a rota for children to take a turn as a helper, giving them a sense of responsibility. Children are learning to share and take turns and the older children act as good role models. Children make choices and independent decisions that contribute to their own learning and development of new skills, because the childminder provides an extensive range of activities that captures children's interests they behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A successful partnership with parents contributes to the children’s well-being and provides continuity of care. Sharing information allows the childminder to continually meet the children’s ever-changing needs, and keeps both parties well informed. This takes place through verbal discussion, through the children's individual book, photographs and art work. Children clearly benefit from this effective partnership and settle well in response, which enhances their experience and makes it a positive one. There are systems in place to receive feedback from parents and this is evident in a number of ways, for example, as they collect their children, from responses received from parent questionnaires and 'thank you' cards. There is a complaints policy and a system in place to record a complaint from parents in line with the requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of the setting promotes positive outcomes for children because the childminder has made a very good start to her childminding career, and has a successful partnership with her mother who established the childminding business. She is enthusiastic and motivated in her work with children. She has a good commitment to training and continued professional development by keeping up to date with current childcare issues. Skills, knowledge and experiences gained through training courses contribute effectively to enhancing the service further. This commitment supports children's care, learning and play effectively. However, the childminder has not completed a first aid course and this is a breach in regulations.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a balance of home-based play and outings because the childminder encourages the children to broaden their interests and experiences. This is evident in the extremely stimulating environment provided for the children and her interaction with them. Resources and activities are organised imaginatively both indoors and outdoors, and creative use of space enables children to access areas freely. This includes providing areas for children to play and rest. Adult to child ratios are very well met because the child minder works with another childminder and a parent volunteer. This significantly supports children's care, learning and play.

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Organisation

All of the required records are available for inspection and are accurately recorded. An extensive range of documentation that is well organised and regularly reviewed to ensure it reflects the service offered has been devised. This contributes effectively to children’s well-being. Confidentiality is maintained because documents are kept secure. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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