Inspection report for early years provision Inspection date 13 August 2007 Inspector Pauline Margaret Todd Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding 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. 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
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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE
On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:
The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?
The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two children in the town of Fakenham, Norfolk. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.
The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. Overnight care is not provided. She is currently minding five children part-time. The childminder can take and collect children from the local schools. She takes children to play at the local parks. The childminder has two cats.
The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and belongs to the local support network. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy
The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well. They are cared for in very clean and tidy premises. The childminder applies high standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Children take themselves to the toilet and wash their hands independently. However, children are not always reminded to wash their hands before eating snacks to encourage them to learn about personal hygiene through their daily routine. The childminder uses a changing mat and wears disposable gloves when changing nappies which sustain good levels of hygiene. The arrangements for looking after pets are hygienic and keep children safe. Children's health details are clearly recorded to maintain their good health. Children who are unwell are cared for appropriately, because the childminder shares a written sickness policy with parents to prevent the spread of illness and infection. The childminder has current first aid knowledge to ensure children's well-being in the event of an accident.
Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. They learn about healthy eating by eating fruit, such as banana and strawberries, at snack time and fresh vegetables with their meals. Healthy eating projects are undertaken that develop their understanding of what foods are good for them. Children with food intolerances or special dietary requirements have their needs met as suitable information is obtained from parents. Children help themselves to a drink. A jug of water and beakers are placed on the kitchen table for them to use as they wish. They have further drinks at snack and meal times to ensure they have sufficient amounts to keep them healthy.
Children play outside in the garden and at nearby parks which provides them with good opportunities to be active and use their energy. They play with the trampoline, balls, climbing frame, slide, football net and ride-on toys which develop their physical skills. Appropriate sleep routines are in place for each child based on their needs and parents' wishes. Children are well rested. They sleep undisturbed in a travel cot in the bedroom which promotes their well-being. Older children fulfil their own needs with regard to rest. They relax comfortably on the settees in the living room. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. The childminder makes suitable use of the space available to promote children's independence. The childminder takes care to make her premises homely by displaying children's art work and projects undertaken on the walls. Children are able to move around freely and safely because the childminder has identified and minimised risks, for example, stairgates are positioned at the bottom of the stairs and across the kitchen doorway. She undertakes regular written risk assessments of the garden, kitchen and rooms to make sure children are safe. Children are given good supervision. The childminder is vigilant, for example, when children are negotiating pathways outside and ensuring older children close stairgates. Fire safety equipment and clear escape plans help to protect children in an emergency.
Children can reach their toys and play equipment easily from very well-organised containers and units. These are positioned at child-level to encourage self-selection and independence, for example, train set, role play kitchen equipment, craft materials, 'small world' toys. A selection of good quality books is well presented to encourage interest. Equipment is available to meet the varying needs of all children, for example, steps in the toilet area, high chairs by the kitchen table. The children can sit comfortably to play and join in activities together by the provision of child-sized tables and chairs.
Children's welfare is suitably safeguarded because the childminder is aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection. The required documentation is available. She has undertaken recent training to update her knowledge of the local procedures. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled. They take part in activities and play which develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. They play freely and are encouraged to make their own choices, for example, crayoning, fuzzy felts, puzzles, 'small world' toys. They undertake activities with support from the childminder, for example, going on a 'bear hunt' in the garden. These activities provide the children with enjoyment and hold their interest for a long time. The childminder reads them stories and sing rhymes throughout the day sometimes involving the use of props and puppets. Role play equipment such as a cooker with kitchen equipment and dressing-up clothes are freely available which help children to express their feelings. They handle items of different textures to promote the use of their senses, for example, collage materials, playdough and sand. They undertake a range of craft activities and construction which improves their creativity. The childminder plans activities for each day, for example, teddy bears' picnic, treasure hunt which give children variety. She uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to promote positively the development of younger children.
The childminder provides a stimulating environment for children. She is developing a close relationship with them and positions herself at their level. She maintains good eye contact and involves herself in their play. She is extremely friendly and kind and speaks to children sensitively which helps to raise their self-esteem. She puts a lot of energy into making sure they are happy and well occupied. She gives children lots of support to make them feel secure and foster their emotional well-being. Children take the lead and the childminder responds positively to their interests, for example, to have a snack. Helping children make a positive contribution
The provision is good. Children are learning about diversity by using toys and play equipment that reflect a variety of cultural backgrounds. Children have regular opportunities to learn about their immediate community by visiting the shops, library and parks in the town. The childminder gives children lots of praise which helps them to feel good about themselves, for example, for their excellent chopping and brilliant colouring. The childminder records useful information about children's specific needs, likes and dislikes to enable appropriate care to be given, for example, the use of comforters, sleeping and toileting arrangements. Good details are also recorded about their routines, character and temperament. She is aware some children have additional needs and positive steps are taken to promote their welfare and development.
Children learn right from wrong. They get on very well together and happily play alongside each other. Some friendships are being formed with the childminder's own children. Simple house rules are established so the children know what is expected of them, for example, 'we sit at the table to eat', 'we remove our shoes'. Some details of the behaviour strategies used are shared with parents to encourage consistency.
Children benefit from the warm relationships that are developing between the childminder and their parents. There is a useful exchange of information daily to promote children's well-being and development. The childminder provides parents with a welcoming pack which informs them of her childcare practices and routines. They receive appropriate information about the procedures for making complaints and the process for resolving them. Newsletters are sent to parents regularly which gives them details of forthcoming activities so that they feel involved in their child's development. Children are looked after according to parents' wishes. Agreement forms are completed for all children attending. Sufficient details of the children and those with permission to collect them are recorded to keep children safe. However, the emergency contact details are not clearly stated on the records for every child to make sure these are easily accessible at all times. Parents are given reassurance by the displaying of posters and certificates. Organisation
The organisation is good. There have been no changes to the childminder's circumstances and she remains suitable to look after children. She has the appropriate skills and ability to meet all outcomes for children. She improves and develops her understanding by continually undertaking training courses, for example, food hygiene, child protection. She keeps herself up-to-date with childcare practices by reading magazines and newsletters.
The children are very well cared for. They are supported appropriately to feel secure and confident with their surroundings. The childminder organises her space and resources extremely well. She makes good use of her time to be able to play with the children and take them out.
Appropriate documents are kept to ensure the childminder carries out her work efficiently. The information is stored neatly in folders and ring binders and is easily accessible. Children's information is stored confidentially out of sight. Detailed contracts and consents promote the welfare and care of all children. The register is accurate and up-to-date and shows when children are present on the premises to keep them safe and ensure ratios are maintained. The childminder has produced written policies and procedures which support her practice. Overall children’s needs are met. Improvements since the last inspection
Not applicable. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE
On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:
The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT? 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):
* encourage children to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine * record appropriate emergency contact details for every child attending.
Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the procedures 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 | ||
 | | |
| | |