Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281660 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2006 Inspection date Justine George 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 lives with her husband, three-year-old son and baby daughter. The family have a pet cat. They live in a three bedroom town house close to local transport links, shops, schools and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to all areas of the home. Play mainly takes place in the lounge on the first floor. Children also use the kitchen/dining room for eating purposes, and her children's bedrooms for play and sleep. There are toilets and wash facilities available for minded children on the ground and second floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since April 2004. She currently cares for two children under one, on different days of the week.

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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 play in a clean and hygienic environment and procedures are in place to minimise the risk of infection. Should children become unwell, parents are contacted and children are excluded from the setting until well. The childminder has not had to administer any prescribed medication. Although, she is aware of her responsibilities in obtaining written parental consent and recording the required details, in line with regulations. However, the childminder has not obtained written parental consent to administer non-prescribed medications such as nappy creams. Good procedures with regard to nappy changing are in place. Children are changed on a mat which is wiped after every use and the childminder also washes her hands in-between changes. Waste is disposed of to minimise the spread of infection. Bathroom areas are clean and the provision of soap and fresh towels encourage children to wash their hands after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Kitchen areas are clean and hygienic ensuring good food hygiene and preparation. The childminder ensure surfaces are clean by wiping them with anti-bacteria spray. High chairs are also hygienic for young children to use. Children are fed in line with parents wishes. The childminder liaises with parents about children's dietary requirements and regular communication takes place with regards to their changing dietary needs. The childminder provides healthy meals for babies which include various fruits and vegetables. Depending on the development of the baby, food is pureed, or cut up into small pieces to develop babies awareness of texture and encourage chewing. Healthy snacks of rice cakes are offered and regular fluids are given throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is fostered as the childminder is aware of their routines and provides opportunities for sleep. Babies rest in a travel cot and have fresh bed linen. Furthermore, babies are made to feel secure during rest times as they sleep with their special blanket and comforters. The childminder ensures children's wellbeing at sleep time as monitors are used and the childminder checks them visually. Babies have opportunities to acquire physical skills as space is provided for them to move around and practise their large motor skills. Babies also use the garden and range of equipment. As a result, children enjoy periods of outdoor play and fresh air, aiding physical health. Children are protected during the hot weather as shade is sought, hats are provided and sun cream is applied to protect children's health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe and secure environment where hazards have been identified and minimised. Steps are in place to minimise the risk of accidents. Children are supervised at all times where they can be seen or heard. Plug sockets are covered, and safety gates and cupboard locks are in place. Dangerous substance are inaccessible to children, and procedures are in place should there be a fire. The childminder has smoke detection equipment of smoke alarms on all levels of the home and a fire blanket is mounted in the kitchen. Written fire evacuation procedures are also in place. Should children have accidents, they are well protected as the childminder has kept her first aid knowledge up-to-date and ensures her first aid box has the

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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 required contents. A cold compress is also available and kept in the fridge ready for use. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in recording accidents and ensures good practice of parents signing any entries made. As a result, parents are informed of their child's safety and wellbeing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in line with parents wishes as written parental consent is obtained to take children on outings, be transported in a vehicle, to seek emergency medical treatment, and to apply sun cream. Children are well protected on outings as the childminder ensures they are transported safely in a car using the appropriate car seat. The childminder ensures the car is safe to use as it has an up-to-date MOT certificate and the correct level of insurance is also obtained, although not available for inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's emotional wellbeing is well fostered as the childminder ensures the settling in period is suited to the needs of the child and their parents. Parents visit the home with their child so they can familiarise with the new surroundings, safe in the knowledge that parents are close by. Gradual periods of separation are introduced until children feel secure. As babies arrive, they are warmly greeted as the childminder talks with them and shares information about how they have been at home. Information is also shared about babies routines to ensure care is consistent with the home environment. As a result, babies are safe and secure and develop emotional stability and resilience.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and wellbeing is well fostered as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in ensuring children are cared for by suitable adults. Written details are kept of all adults who have permission to collect children and password systems are in place. Children are not allowed to go off with others until contact is made with parents. The childminder has sound knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and is aware of her responsibilities in protecting children who may be at risk from harm. The childminder has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow as she has local borough guidelines which are easily accessible and provide a good reference tool if needed. A written child protection policy is also shared with parents to inform them of the childminder's responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment suitable for their age and stage of development. Very young children enjoy using baby gyms and bouncers, soft toys, and exploratory toys to stimulate their senses. Toddlers enjoy using various construction bricks, looking at a range of books, small world play of vehicles, animals, dolls, and kitchen equipment. Creative development is promoted through use of dressing up clothes and musical instruments. Children also explore messy activities including play dough, gluing and painting. Older children have opportunities to read books, play games and also explore creative messy play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies benefit as the childminder is aware of their age and stage of development. Babies very much enjoy practising their large motor skills and new found independence of moving. The childminder ensures babies have room to practise such skills, and as a result, babies practise rolling, or pulling themselves up to standing and cruise along the furniture. Babies explore their senses and enjoy playing with toys that trigger reactions such as light or sound. As a result,

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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 babies are beginning to make connections through use of their senses and through movement. Babies are beginning to become sociable with others as they gain eye contact and make attempts at verbal communication which the childminder responds to. Children reach out to each other and pass toys back and forth, beginning to form relationships with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports babies well and interacts in their play to further their development. A variety of toys are set out on a mat and babies reach out to choose what they would like to play with. Babies use their senses of touch, sight and sound to make sense of the item and the childminder sits with them to show them how the toy can be used. As a result, babies become playfully engaged and learn how to use toys in various ways.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Partnership with parents is good. The childminder takes time to liaise with parents on a regular basis to find out how children are and to ensure information with regard to changes in routines are up-to-date. As a result, babies are cared for consistently, in line with parents wishes and the home environment. Written contact books are in place and are well used between the parents and the childminder. As a result, both parties are well informed of children's wellbeing. Parents receive good information about the setting as written policies and procedures inform them of the childminder's responsibilities in caring for children. The complaints procedure is available in which parents share their concerns with the childminder in the first instance, promoting open and honest relationships. Furthermore, information is displayed for parents as they enter the home including the insurance certificate and Ofsted's contact details.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Equal opportunities is well promoted in the setting as children are treated according to their age and stage of development. The childminder knows the children well and provides play opportunities or plans time to ensure their needs and interests are met. As a result, children are made to feel secure, fostering their self-esteem and confidence. Children have access to a range of resources to reflect the diverse community in which we live. Dressing up clothes help children learn about the various roles of people who help us in the community. Dolls, play people, puzzles and books reflect positive images of culture and those with disabilities. Children attend local events in the community, visit the library and local parks. As a result, children mix with others and develop awareness of the wider environment. Children have access to a good range of toys suitable for both boys and girls. Children make independent choices of what they

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Helping children make a positive contribution

would like to play with as they choose from the selection of toys available. As a result, they make their own play choices and gender stereotyping is minimised.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has no direct experience of working with children with learning difficulties/disabilities. Although she is willing to care for children with additional needs and is aware of the considerations to take into account. For example, liaising with parents to ensure continuity of care and accessing information to develop her knowledge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. The childminder encourages good behaviour through use of praise, encouragement and ensuring children are well stimulated and engaged in play and various experiences. Should children behave inappropriately, good strategies are used depending on

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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 children's age and stage of development. For young children, distraction or a simple 'no' is used, and older children receive explanations to develop their understanding.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has attended the required level of training and has a current first aid certificate. The childminder keeps her knowledge up-to-date by reading materials sent through from the local borough and seeking information from the internet. The childminder has had the required checks carried out to ensure suitability, as have all adults in the home. Arrangements are also in place for children to be cared for by suitable adults in the event of an emergency.

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Organisation

Children benefit from how the childminder organises her space and resources. Children play in the living room and have ample space to move around and play comfortably. The childminder has good resources for children's age and stage of development, and children are well cared for as the childminder ensures they receive individual time and attention. The childminder ensures ratios are adhered to and the attendance registration consolidates this. The registration certificate is displayed during hours of operation, in line with regulations.

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Organisation

The childminder has the required documentation in place to ensure the safe and efficient running of the provision. All paper work is well organised, although written parental consent is not in place to administer non-prescribed medication, and car insurance documents are not available. The childminder has taken the time to write policies and procedures which include a sickness policy, child protection, equal opportunities and emergency procedures. As a result, parents receive consistent information and are well informed of the childminder's responsibilities in caring for children. Written contact books are also used to inform parents of their child's well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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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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): • ensure written parental consent is in place to administer non prescribed medication

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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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