Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231909 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2006 Inspection date Susan June Stone 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children, of which two are aged over eight years. They live in the town of Mere, Wiltshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. At present she is caring for a total of nine children all on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally clean and well maintained environment with some systems in place to help reduce the spread of infection, like wiping tables before meals. Children are helped to develop an awareness of appropriate hygiene practices, like using tissues for runny noses and washing hands. However, hand washing routines before eating foods are not being effectively promoted. After playing in the garden the children were not asked to wash their hands before eating snack. The childminder did not wash her hands either before preparing the snack. Children do wash their hands after eating their meals and snacks. The childminder works well with parents to ensure that children’s dietary requirements, likes and dislikes are met. A variety of healthy meals and snacks are provided for the children by the childminder, which take account of any special dietary needs. Fresh produce is mostly used for meals which

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Helping children to be healthy

the childminder provides. As a result, children learn the benefits of healthy eating and are able to develop an understanding of the importance of eating a balanced diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder organises time each day to allow for outdoor play, either in the garden or at the local play park. This ensures that the children have the opportunity to benefit from the fresh air, and helps them to develop and improve their physical skills. Children’s individual sleep routines are well supported which contributes to their healthy development and helps them feel secure.

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Helping children to be healthy

By implementing her sickness policy, the childminder ensures the children are protected from illnesses and infections like sickness and stomach upsets but the childminder has not continued to update her training in first aid and does not have a current first aid certificate.

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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 secure and homely environment. Available space is suitably organised to allow the children to play in comfort. The childminder ensures that standards of safety are maintained in the areas used by the children. She assesses potential risks to the children and puts procedures and practices in place to minimise these. She has appropriate safety equipment including socket covers, safety gates, smoke alarms and a fire blanket. This contributes to ensuring children's safety and allows the children to move about freely and safely under the childminder’s supervision. The childminder helps the children to learn about how to keep themselves safe, like reminding them to sit on chairs properly and encouraging the children to tidy away the toys when they have finished playing with them. This helps the children to take some responsibility for their own safety and well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe and suitable toys, which are in good repair and conform to safety standards. These toys and resources are age appropriate and meet the developmental needs of all children. They are well organised, enabling the children to make their own choices about play and independently select activities. The children enjoy bouncing on the large trampoline in the garden. The childminder ensures the children are careful when using this.

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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 However she does not have written consent from parents to acknowledge that the trampoline is used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection procedures and a clear understanding of her role in the protection of children, ensuring the children's safety is always a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are confident and happy during the time they spend at the childminder's. There are warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children. The childminder respects children’s individual care routines, such as recognising and accommodating sleep routines and rest requirements. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she knows the children in her care well. She provides a welcoming environment where the younger children feel happy and secure, and the older children can relax and unwind after the school day. The children enjoy a balance of quiet time and free play activities, the childminder also tries to provide a variety of structured craft activities for the children to enjoy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children occupy themselves from the range of toys and activities which are available each day, and play happily. The children enjoy making their own games. Such as, when using the ride on tractors they pretend to be builders. The childminder encourages the children to share toys and take turns, like taking turns to use the microphone and other items in the treasure basket. This helps the children to learn to respect and cooperate with each other. The younger children benefit from regular outings to the park and toddler groups. These outings give the children opportunities to indulge in new and different experiences to help them learn about the wider world. They also help to develop the children’s social skills by interacting with other children and adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children play well together and enjoy each others company. The childminder interacts with them, encouraging the children to feel valued and included. Children behave well and are learning respect for themselves and their environment due to the childminder's use of praise and encouragement. Positive methods are used for managing behaviour which helps build children's self esteem. Stickers are used to reward good behaviour or achievement, such as tidying away the toys without being asked to do so. The childminder uses appropriate explanations when behaviour does not meet expectations. This means the children are able to understand why their actions or behaviour are not acceptable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages the children to develop positive attitudes and respect for others. Children show care and concern for each other and play together well. The children are encouraged to learn about their local community as they visit local places of interest, the park and shops. By exploring these places and the areas in which they live, they are beginning to develop self awareness and how they fit into their community and surroundings.

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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 Positive relationships have been developed with parents. The childminder and parents work together to meet the children’s needs. Time is allowed daily to talk and share any necessary information concerning the children. This allows for the children’s individual needs to be identified and addressed and for parents to feel confident about the care offered. These discussions are supplemented by the childminder using a daily notice board to identify daily activities and achievements. Records regarding the children's care are in place and written agreements with parents ensure that children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are cared for in an ordered and structured environment. The childminder organises her time suitably well to address the needs of the children attending. Ratios are maintained, allowing the children to receive sufficient adult support and attention so they can feel valued and secure. The childminder provides a variety of activities and experiences which offer appropriate challenge the children. Children feel comfortable and safe within the setting, which means they are confident to initiate their own play and learning.

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Organisation

Daily exchange of information and discussions with parents help to contribute to consistency in the children’s care. The views of the parents are respected. Required records and documentation are in place and shared with parents. The childminder keeps most records accurately, whilst maintaining confidentiality. Unfortunately, the childminder has not continued to update her training in first aid and does not have a current first aid certificate. This compromises children’s welfare in the event of any medical treatment being administered by the childminder.

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Organisation

The setting does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were two recommendations from the last inspection which were to; continue to extend the range of activities and resources to help children develop a positive towards others in society, and to extend the range of written information available for parents about the childminding service provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Parents are now provided with sufficient written information. The childminder has devised a leaflet to detail her childminding practice, which is shared with parents. The childminder also uses a wipe off board, where she writes what the children have been doing each day. This board is suitably placed so that parents can see when they collect their children at the end of the day.

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Improvements since the last inspection

With regards to promoting diversity, additional resources like books and small world toys have been obtained. These are used to help the children to develop a positive attitude towards the diverse needs and beliefs of others.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by Ofsted, 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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