Adam, Heather Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318242 Inspection date 06 June 2006 Inspector Hilary Knight

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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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged seven and two in a house in Aldershot, Hampshire. The whole of the downstairs is used for minding and upstairs is used for sleeping children. There is a garden available for outside play with local parks and shops nearby. The family has a cat as a pet. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years of age at any one time. Currently she is minding one child whom attends on a part-time basis.

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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 have a good understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. They know that they must regularly wash their hands after using the toilet and before mealtimes 'to get rid of germs' and undertake the task with the childminder. They enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health as they experience daily opportunities to play in the fresh air by using the local park to climb on the play equipment. They also play on ride-on toys indoors and negotiate the space effectively as they happily chase one another around. Children's health is promoted through nutritious snacks and meals. Currently parents provide lunch for their children and this is supplemented by the childminder adding to the meal and providing drinks and snacks. For example, the childminder adds coleslaw, cheesy biscuits and apple to the cream cheese and ham sandwiches made with brown bread. Children sit opposite each other at the table and despite eating

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Helping children to be healthy

very little, enjoy the social interaction, as they are excited to see one another. Children also enjoy trying other foods such as couscous, which extends their knowledge about food. Drinks are readily accessible throughout the day to allow children to replenish their fluid intake when needed and allows them to be independent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the setting and enjoy close contact with the childminder as they give her lots of cuddles. Children self-select some toys and equipment located in the lounge and ask the childminder for other resources which are stored in her children's bedrooms. They play safely and independently as toys are regularly checked for damage and are discarded if broken. Children are beginning to learn about the importance of keeping safe on outings as the childminder talks to them about crossing the road safely and holding hands together. However, children do not regularly practise an emergency evacuation plan with the childminder and not all door keys are located by locked doors. Also, household cleaners and toilet tablets are located within easy reach of children in the downstairs cloakroom. The childminder has an adequate understanding of the procedures to follow if she

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has concerns about a child in her care and shares her responsibilities verbally, regarding child protection with parents at the initial interview.

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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 enjoy making choices about their activities and care and lead free play activities by choosing to play with playdoh, build houses or towers out of bricks or to use wax crayons on lining paper positioned on the floor. The childminder happily sits with them on the floor and extends their vocabulary by talking to them about their creations and asking them about what colour bricks they are using. She is aware of their limited attention span and allows the children to decide when they have finished with the activity, which builds their self-esteem and confidence. Children experience a varied range of activities, which contribute to their development both inside and outside the home. They benefit from regular outings to indoor play parks and visiting other childminders, which develops the children's ability

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to relate to a wider group of adults and peers. Children are relaxed and happy in her company as they regularly go to her for cuddles and talk to her about frogs in their garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of issues surrounding caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. All children including her own are treated with equal concern. The childminder has some books to support images and awareness of other cultures. This ensures that children are beginning to learn to develop a positive attitude towards others; however, every day activities to support diversity and reflect the wider world we live in are missing. Children are praised and encouraged during activities and if unwanted behaviour occurs, such as jumping on the sofa, the childminder briefly explains why she would like it to stop. If unwanted behaviour re-occurs, the childminder asks children to think about why their behaviour is unacceptable and to apologise, if necessary. Generally, children behave well and play together happily. The childminder discusses useful information with parents at the initial interview,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

which includes her responsibilities and her businesses arrangements. Parents are given verbal feedback at the end of the day regarding their children's care and achievements and are given the opportunity to raise any concerns with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of the home ensures that children are content and enjoy the space indoors to confidentiality explore. Children benefit from the support and care of the childminder who ensures that she maintains a good adult-child ratio at all times. The childminder stores documentation appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Information is verbally shared with parents about the service being offered and her responsibilities. All regulatory paperwork is in place to promote children's welfare,

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Organisation

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 parental permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice is missing and parental permission for transporting children in a vehicle. Overall, children receive satisfactory care and the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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.

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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 that an emergency escape plan is practised with the children on a regular basis and that keys are situated near to windows and doors; also ensure that children do not have access to household cleaners. • ensure children have access to a broad range of resources and activities which reflect diversity • ensure that parental permission is in place for transporting children in the car and for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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