Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY279122 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2006 Inspection date Charlotte Jenkin 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 lives with her partner and three daughters in a three bed roomed house in Lyneham. She is registered to care for five children under eight years and currently cares for four children. Children have access to the whole house, as well as a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family live close to the local primary school and pre-school. They have two guinea pigs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and rest in warm, clean and welcoming premises. Their health is protected by a childminder who has an up to date knowledge of first aid and who demonstrates a sound knowledge of the correct administrative procedures to follow if children have an accident or

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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 require medication whilst in her care. The childminder demonstrates a suitable awareness of the need to practise hygiene routines, for example, washing hands before food preparation, cleaning toys and equipment and encouraging the children to wash hands after using the toilet. However, she does not encourage the children to wash their hands before snack and this has the potential to put them at risk from cross-infection. The sickness policy is formally shared with parents and ill children are not cared for. The childminder acts suitably if children become ill whilst in her care and they are not, therefore, exposed to unnecessary illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards healthy eating through the nutritious snacks and meals they enjoy whilst in the provision, for example, fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the importance of offering the children a balanced diet and the benefits this has on their growth and development. She has discussions with parents regarding children's dietary needs and preferences prior to a child commencing in the provision. These discussions are recorded and any individual needs and preferences are catered for. Children have access to drinks, hence, they have enough fluids throughout the day. Children's dietary needs are effectively met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have frequent opportunities for fresh air and exercise with daily walks to school and the local pre-school. They have regular walks in the local environment where they observe nature, for example, collecting leaves and conkers, and visit parks where they play on the large apparatus. They also visit soft play centres and have access to a wide range of physical equipment in the garden, including, ride on toys, tricycles, bats and balls and space hoppers. Children's physical development is well supported.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in welcoming premises, as the childminder has utilised space well to create a child friendly environment. Children, therefore, have areas for eating, resting, messy activities and plenty of floor space for play. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that cover all areas of development. They are able to make choices with respect to the toys they wish to play with and, for example, select cars and puzzles and books. Such free choice opportunities encourage the children's confidence and independence. The childminder has a suitable range of equipment to meet the differing needs of the children attending. She is aware of the safety issues regarding the storage of toys, and this ensures the children play with toys that are safe, suitable and age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play and rest in safe premises, free from risks, as the childminder has implemented a range of safety measures in the home to promote safety and prevent accidents. For example, sockets are covered, the premises are secure and safety gates prevent unsupervised access to the kitchen and stairs. All fire precautions are in place, the evacuation plan is detailed and is practised with the children to ensure it is effective in keeping them safe in the event of a fire. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as the childminder gently re-enforces and reminds them of potential dangers, for example, tipping whilst sitting on the chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's child protection duties are formally shared with parents and this actively promotes the children's well-being. Children's welfare is promoted by a childminder who has

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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 a good knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They demonstrate a close relationship with her as they readily approach her for assistance or to request activities, for example, solving puzzles or requesting crayons for drawing. The childminder quickly responds to these requests, and this enables the children to feel valued and develop self-confidence. The childminder shows great interest in the children, gets down to their level to play with them and support them, for example, when solving puzzles she encourages them to look at and talk about the pictures, asking them to turn them around to see where they fit. This supports their language development well. She also makes the best use out of these activities to encourage the children's skills in other areas, including colour recognition and counting. The childminder's encouragement and praise also promotes their good concentration levels as they persevere to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

complete activities and spend long periods engaged in these.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to make choices regarding the toys they wish to play with, for example, they choose the cars and colouring books. They have access to a varied and interesting range of activities as organised by the childminder, that help support their development in all areas. Children, therefore, have frequent opportunities for role play, solving puzzles, playing games and engaging in art and craft activities. They also participate in physical activities, visit local parks and engage in family type activities, including cooking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected by a childminder who knows the children in her care very well, and meets their individual needs effectively. She gains detailed information from the parents regarding the children's likes, fears, comforts and play preferences prior to a child commencing in the setting. This enables her to gain a clear insight into the children, help them settle and develop their self-esteem. Children have frequent opportunities to socialise with other children through visits to soft play centres and visits to other childminders' houses. They gain an awareness of their environment with regular nature walks, where they explore the natural world, for example, collecting leaves and conkers. Children have access to various resources that reflect positive images of diversity. This helps them gain an insight into the wider world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares her behaviour management policy with parents to ensure a consistent approach is used, both within the children's and the childminder's home. She demonstrates a sound knowledge of the age appropriate methods to use for managing unwanted behaviour. She encourages good behaviour through the use of regular praise and reward, which helps the children learn right from wrong and to feel good about themselves. They develop respect for the toys and the environment in which they are cared for, and their behaviour is good.

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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 Children benefit from a childminder who realises the importance of establishing positive relationships with parents. They, therefore, have their routines respected and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. The childminder is able to discuss any childcare issues with parents and this enables her to offer the children continuity of care. Parents receive detailed information regarding the childminder's policies and procedures, as well as the care she offers to the children. This enables them to know exactly how their children will be cared for and the activities that are available to them. Children are able to share their day with their parents as they take items home they have made, including art work and baking.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a suitable and appropriately qualified childminder. She has attended additional training in the early years, for example, anti-bullying and health and hygiene, in order to support her professional development. This in turn enhances the children's care opportunities. The childminder maintains the required ratios at all times, and this means the children receive good adult support, as she is able to spend quality time playing with them, supporting their development appropriately.

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Organisation

The childminder has organised her paperwork well and has developed a comprehensive file for parents, which includes all written policies and procedures relating to her childcare practises. However, she has overlooked updating the complaints procedure for parents to include the new regulation for responding to and recording complaints. All necessary consents are gained from parents regarding routines and activities. This promotes the children's well-being and ensures they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. She implements her policies and procedures in a way that promotes the children's welfare, care and learning. All required paperwork is stored securely, well organised and readily available for inspection.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has not yet attended a child protection training course, but has updated her knowledge in this subject. She now has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. This promotes the children's welfare.

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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. Since April 2004 Ofsted has not received any complaints that has 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

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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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): • ensure children are not at risk from cross infection by encouraging good hand washing routines • update the complaints policy to include information for parents regarding the new regulation for responding to and recording complaints

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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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