Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY262156 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2006 Inspection date Karen Louise Prager 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children, one aged eight and twins aged five years, in Highworth, Wiltshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding excluding two bedrooms and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five part time, and four children over five part time. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends local toddler groups and makes regular visits into the community. The family has two fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is in regular contact with local childminders and receives support from the local childminding area representative. The childminder receives occasional support from an assistant.

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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 lead a healthy lifestyle whilst in the childminder's care. They have daily chances for fresh air and exercise when walking to and from the local school or when playing in the childminder's fully enclosed garden. In addition, they regularly visit the nearby play park. During these outings, children have the opportunity to develop their large muscle skills whilst using a range of apparatus.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children increase their understanding of good hygiene practices as part of the daily routine. For example, they are aware of the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and individual towels are provided. The floors are cleaned daily and the premises are well maintained. Children benefit from the childminder acting as a generally good role model. However surfaces are not consistently wiped before food is served. The childminder's understanding of first aid is sound and regularly updated, and she is suitably aware of the correct administrative procedures to follow if accidents occur or children require medication. Written parental permission has been obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. As a result of these practices, children's good health is largely promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their understanding of good nutrition through the wide range of tempting, home cooked evening meals they enjoy whilst in the childminder's care. Allergies or parental preferences are discussed prior to a child commencing in the setting. Any requirements are recorded and accommodated. Parents provide children's lunches, which are then correctly stored in the fridge. Older children are able to help themselves to drinks of water and younger children are regularly offered drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest within premises that are secure, warm and welcoming to parents and children. Older children are able to visit the toilet independently, which helps them to develop their self-care skills. Younger children are accompanied which allows for discussion about developing self-care skills. Children are learning to share responsibility for their own safety by tidying away resources, which helps to reduce trip hazards. Children benefit from the range of safety measures that are in place to support their safety and help prevent accidents. For example, hazardous materials in the kitchen are inaccessible to children, socket covers are fitted to exposed electric points and a stair gate prevents children having unsupervised access to the kitchen and stairs. The smoke alarms are fitted on each level and a fire guard is in place. As a result, children's safety is promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a wide range of, clean, well-maintained equipment. They are able to self-select from age appropriate resources that are placed in accessible boxes. Further toys are available on request. Such free choice opportunities help children to develop their independence and sense of belonging within the setting.

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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 Children's welfare is supported by a childminder who has recently updated her understanding of child protection issues and the correct procedures to be followed if concerned about a child. Children's well-being is actively promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The provision is good. Children appear very settled, relaxed and confident within the setting. They freely make decisions for themselves regarding the activities and resources they wish to explore. For example, the children excitedly move to a toy presented by the childminder. Children are continually well occupied by the childminder who knows the children well and understands their needs. They benefit from the active involvement of the childminder in their play, such as when assisting with the puzzle or weaving paper. The childminder is well deployed. She ensures all children receive good quality, individual attention. As a result, children are learning and developing new skills whilst in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have a warm, positive relationship with the friendly caring childminder. This positive interaction helps children to feel 'at home' and self assured whilst in the provision. Children undertake a range of local outings, such as walks around the local area, visits to toddler groups or further a-field on a farm visit. Such enjoyable activities enable children to increase their awareness of their local environment and socialise with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as respected individuals. They benefit from the childminder knowing them very well and having a clear understanding of their differing needs. They are able to play with a sufficient range of resources, such as books, small world figures and dolls, which help them to increase their awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. Their behaviour is supported by a childminder who acts as a positive role model and maintains clearly negotiated ground rules. She has a clear understanding of effective strategies to encourage positive behaviour. Children relate well to each other, are developing their social skills and are learning the difference between right and wrong whilst in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership that exists between parents and the childminder. There are daily opportunities to share children's achievements and to discuss any childcare issues. This positive approach helps to ensure a consistency in children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised, making good use of the available play space within the provision to meet children's needs. For example, there is space for children to have uninterrupted sleep and the living room is arranged to allow floor play, quiet times and messy play.

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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 All legally required paperwork is carefully maintained and easily available to support children's care. For example, children's daily arrival and departure times are promptly recorded. This helps to ensure there is an accurate record of when a child is actually in the childminder's care. Knowledge of childcare is regularly extended through training courses, however the childminder has not updated her knowledge regarding the most recent amendments to the National Standards and the Guidance for Childminding. A comprehensive folder of policies is available to parents which reflects the childminder’s commitment to promoting quality care for children.

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Organisation

Overall, 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 was given a recommendation to make sure that banisters on landing are safe or inaccessible to minded children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Safety for the children has improved as the banisters on the landing are now solidly filled in.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints 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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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): • update knowledge regarding the addendum to the National Standards and the revisions to the guidance for childminding • ensure good hygiene procedures fully promoted, in particular that surfaces are consistently cleaned before children eat

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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 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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