Harris, Ashley

Inspection report for early years provision

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161926 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2007 Inspection date Sue Vernon 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and four in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor 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 two children after school on a part-time basis. The childminder sometimes works with an assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder collects children from local schools.

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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's health and wellbeing is supported effectively. Children benefit from regular drinks and a healthy selection of fresh fruit or rice cakes for snack time. Any special dietary needs, such as a cultural requirement or vegetarian diet, are established through discussions with the parents and the childminder is careful to provide food to support them. If children have food allergies she plans meals carefully. This ensures parents and children feel secure.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good routines are in place that support good hygiene. Children know the routines for regular hand washing before they eat. They use liquid soap and fresh towels which protects their health. The childminder has a written and clear policy around not taking sick or ill children which she shares with parents. This ensures parents understand about protecting other children from the possibility of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular opportunities for outdoor and physical play are offered which promotes children's health. They spend time in local parks playing ball games or extending their climbing skills on equipment. Younger children also enjoy country walks or summer picnics.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder offers a range of safe, suitable resources. She prepares the play area before children arrive and sets out play opportunities. For example, extensive train track is set out ready for after-school children. This helps children settle quickly on arrival and move into play smoothly. Storage of other resources such as art and craft equipment in accessible cupboards and drawers enables children to find other play opportunities safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Possible risks in the environment have been assessed and safety issues monitored though some areas need small amendments. Children benefit from the use of appropriate safety equipment such as socket covers and stair gates. Fire safety issues have been addressed effectively and children learn about how to respond if a fire occurs, which encourages their independence. The childminder offers a suitable range of toys for different ages, including construction sets, small-world play and books. Children enjoy a range of games and puzzles as well as craft activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is supported by the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection issues. She is aware of both the signs of different areas of possible abuse and the required procedure to be followed if concerns arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder prepares toys ready for minded children in advance which helps them move smoothly in to play on arrival. For example, train track is ready on low play tables and other

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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 small world sets and books ready to hand. This enables children to make choices in their play which builds their independence. The childminder spends time talking to the children, asking about their play which develops their ideas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. The childminder builds good relationships with the children whom she gets to know well. They enjoy her involvement in their play or seek her support, for example when needing extra resources for the train set. Her praise and encouragement help the children enjoy their play. Children access a good range of craft play such as making collages of butterflies, or painting pebbles to make 'bug stones'. Children express themselves creatively through painting or model making with play dough. Children's self-esteem is supported by the childminder's praise and having their models and pictures valued and displayed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder offers a good range of activities both inside and outside the home. For example, children enjoy nature walks to collect leaves for leaf painting or visiting local childminder groups. Children have opportunities to visit a local farm and ride on ponies whilst led by the childminder. They use safety hats and have full permission from parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows each child's individual needs and she works effectively with parents in order to support them. For example, she closely supports a child with medication needs. Any special dietary requirements are respected which helps children feel valued. All children are encouraged to enjoy the full range of play opportunities offered, for example both boys and girls play with the home corner kitchen and computer. Children learn the value of diversity through the interesting range of play resources which include hospital play figures in wheelchairs and a good range of modern books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive approach to behaviour management is in place. The childminder encourages good behaviour by using appropriate techniques such as distraction and discussion. Praise and simple reward systems such as stickers encourage children to learn the boundaries of good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good procedures are in place to help new parents and children feel involved. These include settling-in visits and discussions. The childminder shares information about her policies and procedures with parents which helps them understand her routines. Good daily feedback is given to parents on their child's day, with both discussions and written daily diaries offered. This supports consistency of care well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Use of the registered areas is planned well in order to meet children's play and care needs. For example, art resources are to hand in the dining area with drinks and fruit available for snack time. Limited numbers of minded children ensure children enjoy effective support from the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder being committed to extending her knowledge

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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 of early years care. She has gained a level 3 qualification as well as attending additional workshops and she holds a relevant first aid qualification.

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Organisation

Records such as those relating to accidents and medication are kept and shared with parents although full details are not in place to record arrangements for all children. Permissions, for example those around an assistant being present, are in place and shared with parents. Records are kept securely and are stored with regard for confidentiality. 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 asked to extend equal opportunity resources, extend her understanding of play activities for under five year olds and add written permission for treatment in an emergency.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has completed level 3 training in early years and has worked in a pre-school which has extended her awareness of learning through play. She has added books and play figures to help children understand about equal opportunity issues and parents now give permission for treatment in an emergency. This improves safety for minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. 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): • review risk assessments and ensure all hazards, such as the storage of alcohol are addressed consistently • ensure all paperwork such as contracts and the complaints record are up to date and shared with parents.

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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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