Roughley, Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321308 Inspection date 13 July 2006 Inspector Maxine Coulson

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, three and one year of age. They live in a three bedroom end of terrace house, on a residential road close to the centre of Olney. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Her home is within walking distance of local shops, parks, pre-school and schools.

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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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are no children currently on roll. The family have one pet rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how children’s good health is promoted. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. She describes how children would learn about their personal hygiene through their normal daily routines and, for example, through discussions about appropriate hand washing. The childminder provides regular opportunities for children to have access to a range of activities, which contribute to their good health. For example, she offers outdoor play equipment to help them develop control of their bodies, such as balls and ride on toys. From discussion, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of healthy eating, including the need to have drinking water accessible at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken some action to ensure that risks in and outside her home are reduced, so that children can play safely. However, there are areas in the lounge and the kitchen that pose risks to children. She explains how she helps children to learn about their own safety through discussion about fire evacuation, but the downstairs smoke alarm is not maintained in working order at all times. Toys, equipment and play resources are organised in a manner which helps to promote children’s free choice. They are sufficient in quality and easily accessible on low level shelving. This encourages children to independently make their own choices of activities. The childminder describes how, through supervision, she ensures toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for children's age and stages of development. The childminder demonstrated a satisfactory awareness of safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare through her knowledge of child

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides relaxed surroundings for the children to play in. Through discussion the childminder explains how she ensures children have easy access and

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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 can choose from a good range of toys, equipment and resources. This helps them to develop their independence. The childminder describes how she provides opportunities for children to develop social skills, by having play time with other children of a similar age through attending local toddler groups and childminder mornings. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of the types of activities children can have access to that encourage them to progress and develop, for example, imaginative and creative play. Children have access to play areas, in which they have plenty of room to move around freely and take part in spontaneous play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder describes how she takes children on visits to parks and libraries so they can learn about their local community. The childminder talks about different activities and resources she can use to help children become more aware of different lifestyles and that promote a positive view of the wider world. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of meeting the needs of children with learning difficulties and disabilities, although none currently attend. The childminder showed a good knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. The childminder explains how she has discussions with parents and carers to ensure she meets children's individual needs and routines, helping children feel confident and secure. She gathers this information and keeps it within the children’s

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Helping children make a positive contribution

records to help meet their needs on a daily basis. For example, she will provide verbal and written feedback to parents on a daily basis to inform them of how their child is settling in and progressing.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated she has some written policies and procedures in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, she has not previously requested parental permission to seek emergency medical advise and/or treatment or to transport children in a vehicle. She explains how she provides parents with information about her services and that through sharing feedback, this contributes to continuity of the children’s care. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 cleaning materials in kitchen cupboard are made safe and out of reach of minded children, the fire blanket is in place and smoke alarms are maintained in working order at all times. • ensure skirting boards and low level sockets in lounge are made safe. • ensure written permission is obtained form parents to seek emergency medical advice and/or treatment and to transport children in a vehicle.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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