Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY300706 Unique Reference Number 22 June 2006 Inspection date Valerie Button 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and their two school-aged daughters in a three bedroom, three-storey, house in Barnstaple. The whole of the first floor, one bedroom and the bathroom on the second floor are used for childminding, as well as the bathroom on the ground floor. A room on the ground floor is used by the older minded children and for sleeping babies. The family have a pet rabbit, a guinea pig, two hamsters and goldfish. Registration is to care for five children under eight years old. There are currently six children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 are cared for in a clean, well-maintained home. Their health and welfare are both supported well because the childminder gives good attention to recording necessary information, for example, on medical conditions or allergies. She has ensured that required parental permissions are in place, for example, so that she is able to seek emergency first aid or treatment for children. The childminder has the necessary first aid qualifications and maintains a suitable first aid box. Good attention is given to recording any accidents that occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children bring packed lunches from home and items are appropriately stored in the fridge. Good attention is given to ensuring that any allergies or special dietary needs are met. Drinks are readily available to the children at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy ready access to outside play in the garden and regular visits are made to the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming home environment. Good spaces are available for play and children enjoy easy access to the garden area. Currently, children's safety in the garden is compromised by two problems: the side gate is not locked, although children's access to the area is blocked; the water feature has recently been cleaned and the metal safety grid placed over the top of it has not yet been re-secured. However, children's safety is well supported by the childminder's diligent supervision. Resources and equipment for the children's use are both good and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have benefited from practising emergency evacuation of the premises and there is a clear procedure for them to follow. A fire blanket is kept in the kitchen and there are linked smoke alarms on the first and second floor of the property. However, there is no smoke alarm on the ground floor, where older children play in the converted garage area and babies sleep in a travel cot. This lack places children at risk, particularly when electrical items, such as a computer, washing machine and dryer are sited downstairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are satisfactorily protected. Child protection guidance is on file. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures and she plans to attend an additional training course.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive happily and are clearly content. They play in a prepared, well organised environment. They enjoy using suitable toys which are in good condition and appropriate for their age. Their play is well supported as the childminder engages their interest and suggests

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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 new and interesting activities for them, for example, producing new books, purchased because she knew they would be particularly enjoyed. Throughout, the childminder is constantly talking to the children, offering praise, encouragement and plenty of cuddles. Children spend their time in purposeful activity and there is plenty of fun in learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and appropriate steps are taken to ensure that their individual family backgrounds and parent's wishes are taken into consideration. Children's individual needs and preferences are well known. The childminder monitors the children's development and works with parents to ensure that a consistent approach is followed. She would be willing to care for children with special educational needs in the future and would aim to do her very best to ensure they were well supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to plenty of praise and encouragement. The childminder has a clear understanding of the National Standards with regard to behaviour management; observed management of behaviour is good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents and carers is satisfactory. Good attention is given to ensuring that information from parents is sought and efficiently recorded. Information on complaints is available on file and has been shared with parents. However, a separate complaints log has yet to be established.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. They are cared for in a home where all adults have been suitably vetted. Children clearly feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. They benefit from receiving good levels of adult attention. Regulatory documentation needed to underpin the care and safety of the children is all in place. It is efficiently organised and well maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children learn about personal hygiene and wash their hands before eating. Older children independently use one of the hand basins available to wash their hands before eating. Younger children are supported in washing their hands at the kitchen sink before meals or anti-bacterial wet wipes are used. In these ways children's risk of cross infection is minimised.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 11: Behaviour Management. A concern was raised with regard to the use of inappropriate behaviour management techniques. We carried out an investigation and a visit was made on 13 March

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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 2006. During this visit an action was set. A review of the provider's reply to this action identified that the National Standards are now met. The registered person remains suitable to be registered.

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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): • provide a working smoke alarm on every level of the house • ensure that the outside play area is safe: secure the side gate and ensure that the garden water feature does not present a hazard to children • maintain information on complaints in a separate complaints log.

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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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