Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY337644 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2006 Inspection date Louise, Caroline Bonney Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. He lives with his wife, also a registered childminder, and school-aged child in Aldershot, Hampshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with sleeps taken upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently cares for children, and is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. When working with his wife they may care for a maximum of seven children together. Currently they are caring for eight children between them, two of whom are over eight years old. The childminder works in a joint responsibility for childminder practice? The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop awareness of how to maintain their personal hygiene through the procedures in place. After-school children know to wash their hands before having their snack. Each child has their own coloured plate and cup, so that they know which is theirs. Babies have appropriate nappy-changing routines. For instance, the childminder promptly changes any soiled nappies, which he wraps and bins immediately, then washes his hands. Babies use toys and equipment that are clean and regularly washed or wiped with anti-bacterial wipes. Each baby has a separate cot and bedding. This helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children eat nutritious and varied food. At snack time after-school children enjoy a variety of fresh fruit. They have frequent drinks of squash, with babies having additional drinks of boiled and cooled water. Parents provide weaning foods, which the childminder is careful to reheat and then cool. Babies lie comfortably across the childminder's lap when having their bottles, and quickly settle for their naps. This helps children learn to eat and drink healthily. The childminder liaises with parents about routines, sharing strategies to ensure children have sufficient rests. This helps young children to cope well with their activities for the rest of the day.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The children have their medical needs met through the childminder seeking information about any medication or dietary needs they may have. The childminder has not yet attended first aid training although his wife holds a current certificate, and is usually present to administer first aid to the children should they have an accident. The childminder has not sought written consent from the parents for requesting emergency medical treatment or advice. This means that children's medical needs cannot fully be met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have sufficient opportunities for exercise. Although they have not had use of the garden, they attend toddler groups three times a week and visit the park to use larger equipment. During the holidays they go to soft-play centres, where they can climb and balance. Occasionally children walk to and from school. This helps them develop a healthy life-style and enjoyment of exercise.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in premises that are safe and secure. The childminder reduces hazards effectively, and safety gates ensure children play in their allocated areas and do not go upstairs. The childminder has now made the garden suitable for registration through the erection of temporary fencing to prevent children approaching the drop to the patio area. Children stay safe through the clear collection procedures. Parents introduce the childminder to teachers, and the childminder has clear collection procedures with parents whereby he only hands over the children to agreed adults. This protects the children and keeps them safe.

p.3

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 use equipment that is safe and suitable for their ages. However, only one of the two highchairs has a full harness to ensure children remain securely seated. Sleeping babies are monitored carefully. Children learn to be safe and assess risk as they use more challenging equipment. For instance, when visiting the park they learn to use larger equipment safely, such as the slide and swings, with the childminder's support.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children receive protection through the childminder's understanding of the possible signs of abuse. He discusses any existing injuries with parents, and is aware of how to record and report any concerns to the relevant authorities. However, he does not have the latest Local Safeguarding Children Board's guidance to refer to, to ensure his procedures reflect current advice.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children participate in various activities which help to stimulate their imagination and learning. After-school children have a different box of resources set out each day ready for when they arrive home. They are familiar with the full range of equipment stored in the garage, and although they cannot independently access these resources, they are able to request particular activities. This rotation of resources helps to maintain children's interest in the activities available. Children independently access a smaller range of activities from low storage units in the dining room, such as books, games and art and craft materials. They do their homework if they wish to, and play various games with each other. This means that children are well occupied and have opportunities to choose their own activities.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Babies have trusting relationships with the childminder and are content and happy. They enjoy the interaction of the childminder as he plays with them, and develop communication skills as he responds to their noises and movements. They show interest in the toys available, and enjoy reaching out to make them move or make sounds. The childminder does not yet use guidance such as 'Birth to three matters' to develop his provision for babies and toddlers.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder works closely with his wife to plan some activities in advance. For instance, after-school children make props for Halloween out of recycled materials, or make toffee apples. Babies and toddlers attend toddler groups three times a week. During the holidays children go on outings to soft-play centres, or to eat at a restaurant in town. This means they develop awareness of the larger community as they socialise with others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the professional and friendly partnership the childminder builds with parents. He liaises closely with parents to ensure he meets the children's individual needs. He has sensitive settling-in procedures, where-by children stay for short periods initially until they are more confident to separate from their parents. He shares written information about his provision with parents. The childminder and his wife share the task of recording the children's care and learning in their individual diaries, and parents also contribute to these. He also

p.4

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 exchanges information verbally with parents during handover times. This helps ensure the children receive good continuity of care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their community as they go on outings and use resources which reflect diversity, such as card games and books. They participate in craft activities, such as making candles for Diwali or coffins for Halloween, which widen their awareness of different cultures. The childminder has suitable strategies for behaviour management. Babies keep to home routines, have their individual needs promptly met and enjoy occasional cuddles. Older children are aware of the consistent rules, such as eating at the table and being polite. This helps the children to settle and behave well.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder works very closely with his wife in the organisation of the provision. Together they provide activities and establish routines that take into account the children's interests and needs. Children have sufficient space to enjoy their activities, and the childminder is careful to maintain ratios so that he can provide them with sufficient support.

p.5

Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder maintaining links with other childminders. This helps him evaluate his provision through discussion, and to keep abreast of any changes in the National Standards. He has not yet attended any required training due to courses not being available. However, he is attending a registration course this week and is awaiting confirmation of a place on a first aid course for February 2007. The childminder is aware of the records to be kept, and most documentation is in place.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom he provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • develop provision for younger children by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • assess the risk to children using the high chair without a full harness and take action to reduce this • ensure that the child protection procedure complies with the latest guidance available.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6