Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY351458 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2008 Inspection date Rosemary Beyer 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 provider lives with her family in a house on the outskirts of Grimsby. The family has a pet dog and two rabbits. There are shops, schools and a children's centre within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms and bathroom are used for childminding. There is also a large rear garden. She is registered to care for six children under eight years and also to provide overnight care for three children. She is currently caring for eight children, most on a part-time basis, including overnight care on an occasional basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for on clean and well-maintained premises. They learn to implement good hygiene practice by washing their hands before food and after personal care to prevent the spread of infection. Babies have their hands wiped after nappy changing and before meals to start them on the process of developing good practice. Nappy changing procedures are made available to parents for their information. The children wash their hands thoroughly after

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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 handling the rabbits. Good management of the dog ensures the garden is clean, and immunisation records are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has developed a well-written sick child policy, which is made available to parents, to ensure children are protected from infectious diseases. Parents give written permission to the childminder prior to administration of any medication and sign to acknowledge it when they collect their children. Parents also sign the accident and incident book; however, this does not always comply with the childminder's confidentiality policy. They give the childminder written permission to seek medical help or advice in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to eat healthily with well-balanced home-prepared food provided. They also have healthy snacks, and drinks are available at all times. Children's allergies and special diets are considered when the menus are devised. They are willing to try new foods even if they are unsure. Mealtimes are pleasant social occasions when the children sit together to chat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children can rest on the settee or sleep in a cot or buggy depending on their need or parents' wishes. A baby monitor is available and they are checked regularly. Some children sleep in the garden. All the children have fresh air each day, weather permitting. They use the secure rear garden and the local park or play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder is very safety conscious and children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised as the doors are secure and the garden fenced and gated. Children leave the premises only with authorised persons, with passwords used if unknown persons collect. The children learn about road safety when going for walks in the community or when going to and from school, and know they must take care when near the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A written health and safety policy is in place and implemented effectively to ensure the children are safe while in the childminder's care. Risk assessments are completed and daily checks made of the premises and equipment before the children arrive. Fire safety equipment is in place and children practise the fire evacuation procedure, which is displayed on the noticeboard, to ensure they are familiar with it. The childminder does not, however, record the fire drills or the daily safety checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to use resources safely and are careful when using small pieces of equipment to prevent choking by babies. The older ones are very supportive of younger children if they need assistance when playing. They help themselves to toys or materials freely and safely from the wide selection available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection and understands her responsibilities for referral and notification of Ofsted, including any allegations made against her. She has written procedures for lost and uncollected children but has not included the notification of Ofsted in the uncollected child policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of resources and equipment designed to meet their developmental needs and interests. The childminder is aware of the implementation of the Early Years

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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 Foundation Stage and has started to develop her practice accordingly with observations of children used to plan activities informally each day. The programme is adapted to meet the children's needs and wishes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a selection of photographs showing the children enjoying a wide range of activities both on and off the premises, including trips to the local park and play area. Some artwork is displayed in the playroom. Children are able to use craft materials for creative artwork, and enjoy baking when helping to prepare food for snacks or lunches.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All the children play well together and are developing good social skills which are supported by visits to local groups. They are friendly with each other, comfortable and confident in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The written equal opportunities policy is inclusive in nature and the childminder has experience of caring for children with different needs, including special diets. She has some books and resources to widen children's knowledge of other cultures and customs but has not yet developed her own knowledge sufficiently to make her confident when helping children understand other beliefs. She has plans to celebrate festivals in the future and is obtaining information to support her understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcome in the childminder's home, and although she has no experience of caring for children with such needs, she is willing to consult with parents and other professionals to ensure the child's needs can be met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well in the very positive and encouraging environment, where clear house rules are in place. They learn to develop self-discipline and good manners, with the childminder providing a good role model. The children are considerate of each other in their play, learning to take turns, share and co-operate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is developing well. They receive and sign copies of the policies and procedures used by the childminder to manage her business. Parents also complete contracts and information sheets to enable the childminder to meet their children's needs. Records are stored securely and confidentiality is respected. Parents also receive information about the Ofsted contact details for complaints.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Daily diaries are completed for babies, which are sent home each day and include details of food, sleep, nappies and activities. For older children parents receive verbal feedback. The childminder is in the process of developing a questionnaire for parents to gauge their satisfaction with the service she provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

During the inspection children present expressed great satisfaction with the care received and that they feel at home with the childminder. They like the range of activities provided and the fact they can make suggestions for things to do and for outings. They also enjoy choosing what they have for lunch and helping to prepare it.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed the level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare to support the development of her business. She has also attended first aid and food safety training. She has her certificate on display and respects the conditions of registration. She ensures good supervision of the children she can care for and her assistant is included in the registration conditions. Ofsted has been notified of any changes or events.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures have been developed to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting, and are acknowledged by parents. Parents receive a copy of the complaints procedure and the Ofsted contact details. Records are stored securely and confidentiality is respected in line with the policy.

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Organisation

The childminder is well organised and provides a supportive caring environment where the children learn and play happily. She ensures good communication with parents to support children's care both during the day and when staying overnight. 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 which 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 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): • ensure confidentiality is respected when recording incidents • develop the recording of fire drills and safety checks to ensure children are familiar with the procedure and equipment is safe for their use • include notification of Ofsted in the uncollected child procedure

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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 • continue to develop resources and information to take account of the needs of all the children in an inclusive environment.

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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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