Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY219232 Unique Reference Number 23 June 2006 Inspection date Julie Whitelaw 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 has been registered since July 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 9, 7 and 1 in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for four children and is currently minding three children, two part time and one full time. The house is within walking distance of the local park, shops and schools. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. They regularly visit the park and so enjoy the benefits of fresh air. They develop control of their bodies as

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 they kick balls and ride bikes. Their physical development is promoted as they and run and walk in the park and when they go swimming. Indoors, their health is promoted as they dance and exercise to music.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a clean and warm home. Their health is promoted through the childminder's cleaning routine, storage and preparation of food. Appropriate procedures are followed when nappy changing that ensure children stay healthy. Children's understanding of good hygiene and independence in their personal care is developed as they are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Their health is promoted as the childminder follows the policy and procedure that is in place to exclude sick children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious snacks such as fruit and raisins. They are encouraged to be involved in the preparation of fruit and older children enjoy making drinks by blending fruit. Drinks are always available which ensures children stay hydrated. Information regarding dietary requirements is recorded on the contracts which enables the childminder to meet the children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment. This is because the childminder has identified and minimised risks within her home. Children are able to move freely indoors because it has been made safe through the use of socket covers and gates. The childminder places high importance on security of the environment. On occasions, she takes children swimming, but has not obtained written permission from parents to do so and therefore children's safety may be compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can freely access an adequate range of resource. These are regularly checked to ensure they are clean, safe and appropriate for the children who attend. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they talk about road safety when walking to the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe through the childminder's sound knowledge of first aid. They are protected because of her adequate understanding of child protection and the procedure she would follow if she suspected a child was being abused.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in an adequate range of activities and learning experiences that promote their development. Their interest is maintained as the childminder follows their interest which ensures they have fun. The childminder does not have the 'Birth to three matters' framework which could enhance the activities she provides for the children. Young children show an interest in what they do as they build towers with wooden bricks. They have opportunities to explore different sounds as they play with musical instruments. Children use their imagination as they play in the tent. Older children can access a computer and enjoy playing board games. Resources for craft activities are available which they can access independently.

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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 play happily together and are beginning to understand that there are rules for acceptable behaviour, such as sharing toys and taking turns. They benefit from the cuddles and affection the childminder shows them. Children's self-esteem is developed as they are praised for their efforts and good behaviour. Children confidently access the toys and make choices about what they want to play with. They are encouraged to make progress because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of what stage they are at and is able to move them onto the next steps in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. They benefit from the attention the childminder gives them. A gradual settling in procedure ensures children are happy and feel secure. Multi-cultural figures, books on beliefs, people and different homes, develops the children's understanding of differences in society. Outings to places such as the local farm extend children's understanding of the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with special needs are supported well because the childminder has a clear understanding of how to meet their individual needs. She appreciates that some children may require additional support or resources to enable them to reach their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the trusting partnership that has developed between the childminder and parents, where information is exchanged daily. Children are developing self-control and manners through the clear consistent boundaries the childminder sets. Their self-esteem is promoted through the use of positive methods such as praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the training the childminder has completed and her willingness to update her knowledge further. They make progress because of the individual attention the childminder gives them.

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Organisation

Children are protected because the childminder ensures that persons living at the address or visiting the premises are suitable to do so and that ratios are always maintained. Most documentation is in place and well organised. Prior written permission from parents to administer medication is not obtained on each occasion it is required. The daily exchange of information keeps parents informed and involved in their child's learning.

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Organisation

Up to date policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was given an action to complete a childminder's pre-registration course. She completed this course in January this year. This has developed her

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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 knowledge of childminding to ensure children's needs are met. She was asked to ensure that records were always available for inspection. Most records are now in place and available for inspection. She was asked to display her certificate of registration. This has been framed and is displayed, which complies with her conditions of registration.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was recommended that the childminder develop procedures to keep parents informed. A verbal exchange of information takes place each day when parents are advised of what their child has done and the progress they have made. It was also recommended that the child minder obtained the booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary'. The childminder has obtained this and completed a child protection course in June last year. She now has an adequate understanding of how to deal with any concerns regarding possible child abuse and therefore can protect children in her care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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.

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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 written permission is obtained from parents to take children swimming • develop the range of activities for younger children by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure written permission is obtained from parents to administering medication prior to each occasion it is required.

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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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