Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY315663 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2007 Inspection date Maura Pigram 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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged twelve and eight years in Bushey, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local childminding groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a dog and a guinea pig as pets. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children.

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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 have a clear understanding of good health and hygiene as they participate in daily routines to maintain this. They are given gentle reminders to wash their hands after using the toilet. Consequently, they develop good hygiene habits for later life. They are protected from spread of infection because the childminder has a clear policy in place regarding exclusion of children who have a contagious illness. Any children who are ill whilst at the setting are sensitively cared for. Measures such as using suitable wipes and the regular hoovering of floor space ensure children are further protected against cross-infection. They are provided with traditional nutritious meals such as shepherds pie and casseroles, these and snacks are discussed with parents. Children learn about healthy living because they are encouraged to choose healthy snacks such as fruit. Drinks such as water, milk or squash are available at all times so children

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Helping children to be healthy

do not get thirsty or dehydrated. As a result of this children's dietary needs are met and they are well nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted through daily exercise. They benefit from fresh air as they walk to and from school. They regularly visit local parks where they enjoy playing on swings, slides and the see-saw. As a result, the children develop a healthy lifestyle and have opportunities to practise their physical skills. Children rest and sleep according to their needs with the children generally having a rest or sleep on the sofa. The childminder works closely with parents to meet their wishes regarding sleep patterns and routines. As a result, children settle quickly and easily when they are put down to rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

All required documentation is in place, including written parental consents. As a result, the childminder is able to act quickly if children become ill or if there is a medical emergency. The childminder has completed appropriate first aid training. This means that children's health, if they have an accident, is protected.

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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 warm and welcoming environment. Children move independently around the lounge, play-room, dining area and to access the cloakroom. They freely and independently select stimulating toys and equipment, which are in good condition and comply with safety standards. The childminder implements a range of safety procedures. For example, windows and exterior doors are kept locked and a safety gate is installed to prevent children accessing the kitchen unless supervised. The family dog sleeps in the kitchen area therefore the children are able to play freely. Children are able to play safely in the garden because the childminder always ensures it is appropriate for their use. For example, she ensures the side gate is secure and shed doors are locked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe by the explanations, boundaries and the close supervision of the childminder. During outings the childminder implements procedures to keep children safe. For example, she introduces road safety during the journey to and from school.

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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 Consequently, children develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe when crossing roads. She works closely with parents to gain their preferences on suitable car seats. As a result, the children are seated in appropriate car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and welfare is protected because the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection reporting procedures. She is aware of procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle and become happy in the setting because the childminder treats them as part of her family. She provides a relaxed environment in which they can feel at home. They enjoy a mix of free play when they can select from the wide range of toys freely available for them. They are confident to make decisions, explore and investigate. She is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework but does not fully use this with all the children who are under three. Therefore, activities and experiences to enhance the development of children less than three years are potentially missed. Art and craft activities are offered according to the children's interests. For example, younger children enjoy making models from play dough. Older children involve themselves in making pictures of trees in different seasons. Consequently, the children develop a good sense of self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from the regular visits to the local childminding group. Here, they play with a variety of toys and join in with all the age related activities such as singing. They particularly take great pleasure from exploring the activity bags which the childminder borrows from this group. For example, they delight in playing with the puppets related to the story of 'Old Macdonald's Farm'. Younger children are helped to identify the animals by the fun interaction of the childminder. Bright picture cards of various animals are positively used to develop the children's language and understanding. Requests for a repeat of the same activity are met by the calm and caring childminder. Therefore, children are responsive because they are relaxed and happy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children from all backgrounds are welcome. The children increase their awareness of the wider community by visiting the local shops and by playing with resources which reflect a variety of different people. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with educational needs. She is aware of additional support children and their families may need. Activities are provided to ensure an inclusive practice. Consequently, all children are able to participate and develop a sense of self-worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual care needs are met as the childminder knows the children well. A close partnership with parents and carers contributes to the children’s well-being. Arrangements to settle children into the childminder's care are negotiated taking into account the needs of children and the requirements of parents and carers for flexible childcare. Parents complete a

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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 detailed questionnaire on registration giving the childminder a valuable insight into the needs of the children. Information about the setting is available for parents and carers and discussed before childminding commences. Consequently, children are well supported in the transition between home and the childminder so that they become confident and make good progress. A daily information sheet showing their children's daily activities such as what they ate and enjoyed doing is provided for parents. As a result, children benefit from this continuity of care between childminder and parent. There is a system in place to record any complaints which complies with the requirements of the National Standards. This means that parents are aware of the procedures to follow if they have any concerns regarding the welfare of their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are helped to understand right from wrong. They are forming constructive relationships with their peers, for example, playing co-operatively together. The childminder deals with behaviour calmly and consistently, proportionate to the child's level of understanding and maturity. Simple strategies such as explanations, distractions and rewards such as suitable stickers are used to ensure children learn to respond to their own behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's needs are met because the childminder organises her time, space and resources appropriately. Children mainly have comfortable areas to eat, rest or sit quietly and space for active play. Suitable activities are provided to promote their development and stimulate their interest. They are given ample opportunities to initiate their own play, independently accessing resources to do this. Children feel very at ease with the flexible and caring childminder. Consequently, they develop a sense of belonging, therefore they feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to continual improvement. She has identified food hygiene and child protection as areas to develop. The required documentation is present including policies and procedures which work in practice to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. Parents are supplied with copies of these on registration. As a result, parents and carers work in unity to support the care of the children. Overall children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

On 19 September2006 concerns were raised regarding the care of a baby. These concerns relate to Standard 3: Care, Leaning and Play. Ofsted conducted an unannounced visit to the premises on 25 September 2006. As a result of the visit no evidence was found to suggest breach of National Standard 3 however evidence was found to suggest breach of National Standards 1: Suitable person, 7: Health and 12: Working in partnership with parents and carers. The provider was therefore given actions under National Standards 1, 7 and 12. These were; to ensure that all persons over the age of 16 years living in or regularly present in the household when children are being minded undergo checks including a criminal records check (National Standard 1); to ensure premises and equipment are clean, ensure that good hygiene practices are implemented

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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 in order to prevent the spread of infection and to ensure that each child has their own bed linen, flannel and hair brush if they are used (National Standard 7); ensure there is a written agreement with parents which sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements and to ensure parents are fully informed about the childminder's routine and child care practices. (National Standard 12). A satisfactory response to these actions was received on 16 October 2006 confirming that these actions have been addressed. The provider remained qualified for registration.

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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.

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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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework.

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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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