Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336813 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2006 Inspection date Hazel Farrant 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 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, six and one-years-old in Yateley, Hampshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. Children's outside physical play is provided by regular visits to local parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children and is currently caring for one child aged over five-years-old on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local toddler group and can take and collect children from local schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene as the childminder gently reminds them to use tissues to wipe their noses and encourages them to wash their hands after visiting the toilet. The childminder takes effective steps to promote children's health, such as using antibacterial gel after changing nappies. She is organised to deal with minor accidents and forms are available to record the details and share with parents. The children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. However, the childminder does not have written parental permission for medication or emergency medical treatment for the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children keep healthy as they walk to and from school. The childminder takes the children to the local park ensuring they have fresh air and exercise. Equipment at home is available to encourage young children to move onto their next steps, such as sit and ride toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a range of healthy snacks including fresh fruit. Children help themselves to a drink whenever they need one. This encourages them to think about their personal needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children access and use suitable safe toys and resources, which are stored at their level and organised so that they can make choices and select them easily. The childminder takes effective steps to minimise risks and ensure children's safety within the home. For example, cupboard locks and stair gates prevent unsupervised access to the cupboards and upstairs. However, not all low level glass panelled doors are safe and the gas tap to the fire in the lounge is easily accessible to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop an awareness of how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about road safety when walking near to traffic. Children learn about crossing the road safely and learn the ‘Green Cross Code’.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are not aware of the emergency evacuation process because there is no procedure for them to practice to safeguard their wellbeing. In addition, parental consent for travelling in the car and outings is not in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound awareness of the signs and symptoms that would alert her to child protection issues and understands her role in the protection of children. However, she does not share relevant procedures with parents to keep them informed of current information.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well and are comfortable in their surroundings. They enjoy a variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages and stage of development. Children show an interest in what they do as they help themselves to the activities on offer. Children happily make paper chains to help celebrate Christmas. They talk about what colours they want to use and how to create patterns. Children's independence skills are developing well as they ask the childminder if they can go to the toilet and deal with their own personal needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has good relationships with the children, she enjoys their company and knows them well, and consequently, children receive appropriate support in their play and development. They look at books together and the childminder encourages children to read. The children engage in role-play activities, they decide on who they wish to be and involve the childminder in their play ‘The Night before Christmas’. Blankets and other props are added to increase children’s enjoyment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. As they arrive home from school, they make themselves comfortable and choose from the range of toys available. However, they have limited access to resources that promote positive images of the wider world we live in. Therefore, children's understanding of diversity is not fully promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the praise and encouragement offered. They tidy up cards and envelopes they have opened from their friends before starting another activity. They behave well and use please and thank you at appropriate times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are professional but friendly. They receive information about their children and the activities they have been involved in through verbal daily feedback. The childminder records relevant information about the children and contractual agreements are reviewed every six months. The childminder provides a service for the parents as she takes and collects the children from school while they are at work.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space within the home is organised well and children have room to move around and play comfortably within the indoor environment. The childminder provides appropriate support for the children, they are confident and feel at home.

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Organisation

Required child ratios are maintained in order to give children close support and attention. Adults living within the home are appropriately vetted. Most aspects of record keeping are thorough. For example, a clear record of attendance is kept and regularly signed by parents. Documentation is securely stored and contributes to the children's safety, health and wellbeing. Most policies and procedures which promote the care and welfare of the children are in place

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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 and shared with parents. However, parental consents are not in place, which are detailed in other areas of the report. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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 safety of low level glass doors and gas fire • devise an emergency evacuation process and ensure children know the procedure • increase resources to reflect positive images of diversity of the world we live in • inform parents of child protection procedures • ensure all required parental consents are in place.

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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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