Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY240387 Unique Reference Number 03 November 2006 Inspection date Beverley Blackburn 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, aged fifteen and eleven, in an end of terrace house close to the centre of Calne. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor. There is also a fully enclosed garden. She is a member of the National Childminder Association and the local childminding support group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to look after six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She currently cares for nine children part-time, which includes after school children.

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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 are cared for in a warm and clean environment. Through good daily hygiene routines, discussions and appropriate support children learn the importance of personal hygiene. They wash their hands before snacks and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are involved in outdoor activities that help them to control their bodies and improve their physical skills. For example, the childminder walks with them to the local park; children also have access to a good range of outdoor toys and equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes into account children's personal preferences and parent wishes when providing snacks and meals. Lunches are provided by parents and appropriately stored in the fridge. Fresh fruit and vegetables are included as part of a healthy diet. Children develop good social skills by sitting together eating snacks and meals at a table and using appropriate utensils.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a first aid certificate, which ensures that children's accidents would be appropriately managed. Parents are made aware of the childminder's sick children's policy and written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised home where most risks have been identified and minimised. For example, the childminder has provided a clearly written emergency evacuation procedure and practised it with the children. This enables children to learn how to leave the premises efficiently and safely should the need arise. Children remain safe in a secure indoor environment. However, on the day of the inspection there were too many toys out at the same time. This could cause children to trip, fall and hurt themselves. The childminder helps children to understand how to be safe on the road and to cross it safely. Written parental permission to transport children in a vehicle is provided. Children remain safe in the car as the childminder provides appropriate safety seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good selection of toys and resources. They are able to choose freely from toys which are safe and in good condition, as well as being appropriate and suitable to the age of the children. Children's welfare is enhanced through the childminder's effective understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are happy at the childminder's home. They are independent and aware of what toys and resources are accessible. The childminder ensures children have a wide range of craft activities and has a flexible plan which takes into account the children's choices. For example, children enjoyed making snowman cards for their parents and decorating it carefully

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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 with different colours and materials; they enjoyed looking at books and pointing out different pictures and saying what things are. These activities provide a level of challenge suitable to their age and development. Children also benefit from regular visits to the local toddler's group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children interact well with the childminder. She gives them consistent support and meaningful praise, which helps to increase their self-esteem and confidence. There is constant conversation with the children, which helps to develop their language and increase their vocabulary. The children take pleasure in each other’s company; they play along side each other well and are beginning to learn to take turns and share. The good relationship between the parents and the childminder contributes to the children’s sense of belonging. The childminder is attentive to the children, this helps to meet their individual needs and develop a sense of well being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued by the childminder. They have opportunities to make a good range of choices which empowers them with skills for life. For example, children are encouraged to be involved in charity appeals, such as the Blue Peter Shoe Appeal, where they collect shoes which are sent to children who need them. The children have access to suitable range of activities and resources that promote a positive view of the wider world. The children can independently select toys from a good range of activities that are suitable for both boys and girls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They benefit from the close support and supervision they receive during craft activities. The childminder is attentive and listens to what children say and she is interested in their achievements. Children are well aware of the boundaries for good behaviour. The childminder has good behaviour strategies in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's good relationship with parents. She is professional in her management of the information given to parents. This enables children's needs to be met and parents wishes to be fully supported.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

Children are welcomed into a secure family environment. The space available gives them the opportunity to select toys and craft resources in order to play freely. Policies and procedures are maintained to a good standard in order to promote the welfare, care and learning of children; these are shared with parents. Parents are kept fully informed about their children's time in the childminder's care and the service she offers. Children benefit from the childminder's experience in the care of children and her commitment in ensuring children learn appropriate skills.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make sure that the first aid kit is adequately stocked for childminding purposes.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This has been satisfactorily addressed. The first aid kit is adequately stocked in accordance with the recommendation of the trainer at the first aid course. The childminder has recently completed a first aid course and has a certificate.

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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.

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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 records 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): • ensure the play space is kept safe by reducing the amount of toys available to children at any one time.

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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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