Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222018 Unique Reference Number 02 June 2006 Inspection date Michelle Tuck 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 2002. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight, of whom no more than two can be aged under five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two daughters aged five and three years old. They live in a modern end-terraced house in Martock, Somerset. The family have a cat and two guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the ground floor and one bedroom upstairs for sleeping.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is an enclosed rear garden to facilitate physical play.

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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's good health is promoted through the childminder's good knowledge of health and hygiene. Her home is clean and well maintained. Pet hygiene is well promoted to ensure children's health is protected. For example, pet food is inaccessible to children, and children are encouraged to wash their hands after touching the pets and before eating to prevent the risk of cross infection. There are professional systems in place to record accidents and medication which further promotes children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have easy access to drinks whilst they play. Children benefit from healthy, nutritious meals and snacks provided by the childminder. They have daily opportunities to play outside, either in the spacious garden or at local parks. Children have regular opportunities to exercise and get fresh air. For example, children walk to school and pre-school when weather permits.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young babies health is particularly well protected through the childminder's extra care for nappy changing as she uses individual changing mats. Older children are protected from cross infection as they have a separate hand towel. Wet wipes are used to wipe the babies hands after eating lunch.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe within the childminder's home and garden as all potential risks have been identified and addressed. For example, there are safety locks on low kitchen cupboards, electrical sockets are protected and stair gates are used effectively. Children have easy access to a wide range of good quality toys and resources. The premises are secure to ensure children are unable to leave unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is well promoted when they go out. Children all wear tags in case they should wander, however the childminder ensures they hold onto the buggy, and stay close to her to keep them safe. Children are learning about how to cross the road safely, as the childminder talks to them about doing so appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and procedures to follow, if she was to be concerned about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are engaged in stimulating play appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder effectively supports their play; for example, she sits on the floor and interacts well with children as she helps them to put different dressing up costumes on. She encourages a baby to post shapes into a sorter, giving him praise as he does so successfully.

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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 Children's individual needs are understood; for example, she is aware that although children may be of the same age, they may have differing abilities and this is taken into account with their play. Children enjoy a wide range of exciting activities such as craft, cookery and outside play. The childminder ensures children have a routine and structure to their day so they feel secure and confident to develop new skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled at the childminders. They are treated as one of the family and have positive relationships with the childminder and her own children. Children behave well, play harmoniously, and they know what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Boys and girls have equal access to toys and activities to promote equality. Children have access to some resources which reflect different cultures, which results in children learning about differences in the world, however resources are limited in this area. Although no children with learning difficulties currently attend, the childminder treats all children as individuals and provides for their different needs accordingly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship between the childminder and their parents. They share information on a daily basis to ensure the children's individual needs are understood and met effectively. For example, through informal discussions and sharing of records.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's effective organisation. Her record keeping and documentation is clear, accurate and confidentially stored. Her time is well organised with children participating and learning through everyday activities, such as shopping, playing at home and regular outings. Her registration certificate is clearly displayed for parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain public liability insurance. This is now in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • increase provision of resources which reflect positive images of diversity.

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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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