Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY235426 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2006 Inspection date Susan Riley 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 2001. She lives with her partner and two children, in a suburb of Sutton-in-Ashfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and nursery to take and collect children. She attends various local parent and toddler groups throughout the week. The childminder is an active member of the local childminding support group 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 stay healthy and are protected from infection because the childminder follows good hygiene procedures. For example, the children are encouraged to wash their hands appropriately and they are cared for in a clean environment. Children are starting to learn for themselves about keeping clean and healthy as they follow appropriate hygiene routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's welfare is promoted because the childminder can respond to accidents appropriately as a current first aid certificate is held. The first aid box is up to date, easily available and accidents are clearly recorded and shared with parents. Children are appropriately cared for when they are ill as the childminder ensures parents are made fully aware of her sick child policy to ensure all children are protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. For example, fresh fruit is provided for all snacks and a home cooked meal is provided in the early evening. A well balanced breakfast and lunch is also supplied. Children are aware that eating fruit and walking in the fresh air makes them healthy. The childminder ensures children are provided with regular drinks and that they can access these at any time for themselves. This ensures children do not go thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to be active and they enjoy playing outside in the fresh air. The childminder regularly takes the children to the park and dance classes for them to further develop their physical skills. This enables them to develop their confidence on a range of equipment that provides appropriate challenge.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. They have sufficient space to play freely and to be active. They are able to have a quiet time, rest or sleep as their individual needs suggests. The premises are clean, well lit and adequately heated and ventilated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a good range of equipment and resources that are appropriate and safe. This is because the childminder provides furniture, equipment and toys which are befitting for their purpose. They are of suitable design and condition and are well maintained. Children can safely access resources and make their own choices, which fosters their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is suitably promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings. The childminder ensures appropriate precautions are taken to prevent accidents and minimise identified risks to children. The childminder has good procedures to prevent unwanted access to the premises and stop children leaving unsupervised. The premises are kept secure and there is a procedure in place for the safe collection of children. These procedures ensure children's safety is well protected.

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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 Children are starting to learn to keep themselves safe. They begin to understand about road safety as this is reinforced when out walking with the childminder. Children regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedures which raises their understanding and awareness of how to deal in an emergency. Thus, children are kept safe at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. Children’s welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very confident, independent and developing their self-esteem. They respond to new challenges by asking questions and using their own initiative. All children have their individual needs met and are developing a good range of new knowledge and skills through the activities and play opportunities provided. Children have first hand experiences to develop their learning as they help to feed the birds, set the table for meals, participate in baking activities or sorting out the clean laundry. For example, they are learning to care for the birds in the environment and to develop their skills in maths as they count how many people are eating together and match the crockery and cutlery. The childminder listens to the children and values what they say.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children begin to distinguish right from wrong and form positive relationships. There are consistent boundaries and adult support which helps the children to develop appropriate skills. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. Which she uses well to ensure the well-being and development of the younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain a sense of belonging as they are made very welcome into the childminder’s home. Their art work is displayed demonstrating that this is valued by the childminder. Children make their own choices and decisions about their care and play activities which develops their self-confidence, self-esteem and helps them develop a sense of belonging. Children have opportunities to access resources and activities that help them start to develop an understanding of diversity and learn about their local community. All children are valued as individuals which actively promotes inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Younger children are starting to understand responsible behaviour and learn about boundaries. Gentle reminders and clear explanations are given around what is not acceptable behaviour and sharing is encouraged at all times. For the older children the general house rules are shared with them to ensure they are fully aware of what is acceptable. This ensures children are fully aware of what is expected of them. The childminder values children’s individuality and helps them to feel good about themselves by demonstrating respect for them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual needs are effectively met because the childminder works very closely with parents and carers to develop close partnerships so that all children achieve their full potential.

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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 The childminder displays her registration certificate and insurance information; this offers reassurance to parents around their child's safety and well-being. The childminder has not reviewed her procedures around the recent changes to the National Standard’s, regarding if a complaint was made about her practice. Thus, ensuring prompt action is taken on any concerns raised and offering reassurance to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit because the childminder has the appropriate qualifications, knowledge and experience to do her job, which ensures that children’s needs are suitably met. Children are at home and at ease within the well organised environment, as the childminder uses her space and resources effectively around the setting. This ensures children’s health, safety and well-being is covered. Most records are available and retained for inspection. They are well organised and kept in a confidential manner. Relevant details about children's individual needs are carefully recorded and this ensures children benefit from continuity in their care. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has taken some positive steps to address the recommendations raised. The childminder ensures that a record of existing injuries that a child arrives with is kept. This protects children's well-being and safety at all times. The childminder seeks written permission from parents before administering any medication to a child and for transporting a child in a vehicle. This ensures that children are cared for according to parent’s wishes and that the good health and safety of the children is effectively covered. The childminder has attended a training course around child protection to raise her knowledge and understanding. Thus, children’s welfare is fully safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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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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

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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): • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken.

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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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