Inspection report for early years provision. Unique Reference Number

Transcription

1 Inspection report for early years provision Unique Reference Number Inspection date Inspector February 2007 Yvonne Victoria Facey Type of inspection Type of care Childcare Childminding

2 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 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 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: 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT? The childminder has been registered since She lives with her husband and adult son. The family has a pet dog. They live in the Ecclesall area of Sheffield. The local public transport can be easily accessed and local schools and shops are within walking distance. The ground floor is used for childminding with access to the bathroom and a bedroom on first floor. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children. There are currently five children attending on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

3 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy Children are suitably nourished and receive healthy, nutritious meals. For example, fresh fruit, vegetables and pasta. Simple discussions and activities about healthy eating, help children to gain a reasonable understanding about what food is good for them. Children are given regular drinks, mainly water, milk or fresh juice. The childminder takes account of parent's wishes, so that children's individual health and dietary requirements are met. Appropriate procedures are in place for children if they become ill or have an accident. For instance, the childminder has a current first aid certificate and children do not attend if they are ill to prevent cross infection. Children are cared for in a comfortable environment where suitable standards of hygiene are maintained. Children understand simple hygiene practices that are reinforced by the childminder. For example, they wash hands before meals and after they use the toilet. There are suitable arrangements for children to rest and sleep as the childminder provides a comfortable place for children to sleep in line with their individual routines. Children enjoy an appropriate range of physical activities. Regular outings and routines help them develop their physical skills. For example, they enjoy visits to the park and walks to and from school where they can develop their physical skills. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment, where suitable measures are taken to keep them safe and hazards are minimised. For example, the children are supervised at all times, and household substances are out of the reach of children and safety equipment is in place. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe and avoid accidental injury as the childminder reminds them of any potential dangers. For example, holding hands when crossing the road. The childminder is clear of the escape routes in the home if they need to evacuate the premises in an emergency and there is a written procedure. However, the evacuation procedure is not practised with the children. Areas used for childminding are suitably organised to enable children to have comfortable space to play, rest and eat. Appropriate and safe storage of equipment provides children with the opportunities to freely choose their play materials and toys. Resources are suitable for the age and development stage of the children attending. Children are appropriately protected because the childminder has a sound awareness of child protection procedures and is clear of her responsibilities. There are some guidance materials available. However, she is not aware of current guidance. She has enrolled on a relevant course to develop her knowledge and understanding in this area.

4 Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do The provision is good. Children are secure and settled in their surroundings. They are confident to ask for activities that interest them and establish good relationships with the childminder and other children. Children enjoy a stimulating range of games and activities that meet their play and development needs. They are enthusiastic and confident in a relaxed environment where they develop good self-esteem. Children are also forming very good relationships with peers. Older children talk nicely to younger ones, showing kindness, care and concern for one another. The childminder has a generally good understanding of individual children's development and uses this information to plan appropriate activities to extend their learning and experiences. Children are acquiring new knowledge, and interaction from the childminder helps children become confident and comfortable in their surroundings. Children enjoy a broad range of enjoyable activities that build on their individual interests and extend their learning well, such as baking, making dens, Easter egg hunts and walks on nature trails. Children are well supported as she listens to them and involves herself in their play. The childminding day is organised to ensure individual children's needs are met. Helping children make a positive contribution Children are respected and valued as individuals. Children are introduced to issues of race, culture and disability through access to satisfactory resources. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of children and understands the importance of including children with specific needs. Children are relaxed and familiar with the routine of the day. They feel a sense of belonging due to the warm welcome they receive from the childminder. Children behave well and are beginning to understand what is right and wrong. This is because the childminder is positive and consistent in her approach to setting boundaries and her expectations are realistic for the children she cares for. The childminder has friendly relationships with the parents. There are sound systems in place to ensure information is shared on a regular basis about the children s daily activities and the service provided. For example, both verbal and written information is shared and the parents notice board provides suitable information. However, the complaints policy is not up to date to fully inform parents of the correct procedures to follow. Organisation The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder generally manages her recording and documentation systems adequately, storing them appropriately to maintain confidentiality. All children are closely supervised and well supported, to ensure their well-being and safety are met. The childminder organises space and resources appropriately so that children can move around, play in safety and have some freedom of choice. Children's personal details are suitably recorded and other required documentation is appropriately maintained in line with the National Standards. However, the

5 childminder is not aware of new guidance and procedures regarding child protection and complaints. The registration certificate is openly displayed. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. Improvements since the last inspection The last inspection recommended the childminder develop her awareness of child protection practice and notifiable incidents and diseases. She has satisfactorily developed her awareness of child protection and is currently waiting to go on course, and current notifiable diseases are appropriately understood. Complaints since the last inspection Since 1 April 2004 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 satisfactory. 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): review the child protection and complaints procedures to ensure they are in line with new requirements and guidance. ensure the fire evacuation procedures are practised with children 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: