Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221787 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2006 Inspection date Sue Davey 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 2003 she lives with her husband and two sons aged 10 years and four years, in Westbury Park in Bristol. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet hamster that lives in the playroom, out of reach of the children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years at any one time. Currently there are 13 children on roll, six of whom are under eight years. All children attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children as well as caring for younger children throughout the day. She attends local toddler group and gym tots sessions and is within walking distance of the park and shops. The childminder regularly meets up with other childminders in the local area. She is a qualified nursery nurse with several years experience in childcare.

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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 good health is promoted as they are cared for in a warm, clean home and learn the importance of good hygiene routines. The childminder operates effective procedures to minimise the spread of infection. For instance, she does not admit children if they are ill; she encourages them to wash their hands at appropriate times; and she provides individual bedding for those who need to sleep. Records show the childminder has a clear understanding of the regulations regarding the administration of medication. She holds an up-to-date certificate in paediatric first aid and knows what to do if accidents occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, which include plenty of fresh ingredients and meet their dietary needs. They learn to make healthy choices as they help prepare their own food. For example, they choose from a selection of toppings to make sandwiches or fill baked potatoes. The childminder sensitively encourages reluctant eaters to try different things and she keeps parents well informed about their child's eating habits. Drinks are available throughout the day and children help themselves, as they know where to find their own cup or beaker.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder makes sure children receive plenty of exercise to promote their physical development. She takes them to organised play sessions such as, 'gym tots'; she walks with children to and from school; and they all make frequent trips to the local park where there is space to run around. Children, who need to sleep during the day, do so in peace and quiet in a separate room.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a spacious home where the childminder has identified potential hazards and taken action to minimise risks. This means children are able to move around safely with a good degree of independence. However, the childminder has recently moved house and some areas are not yet ready to be used by children, including the garden. The separate playroom is well organised. Children can see what there is to play with and they mostly help themselves to the toys and materials. Resources are of good quality and cover a wide range of interests. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of playthings to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is very security conscious. She makes sure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised and she checks the identity of visitors before letting them into her home. Children's welfare is further safeguarded, as the childminder knows where to seek advice and support, if concerned about child protection issues.

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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 good. Children are very happy, settled in the childminder’s care, and clearly have a good relationship with her. They have access to a wide range of toys and materials and confidently choose what they want to play with. The childminder supports children's learning as she joins in with their activities and talks to them about what they are doing. For example, she draws their attention to shape, size and quantity as they arrange wooden blocks or find all the pieces to a game. Children follow the childminder's actions to roll out modelling dough; and they delight in her involvement with their imaginative play. Together they set up a number of dolls and prepare a pretend cake before singing 'happy birthday' and blowing out the candle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities throughout the week. They develop social skills when they meet up with other childminders and children, or take part in organised play sessions. Trips to the shops or park and picnics in fine weather, all add to the children's overall knowledge and experience of the local community. The childminder effectively manages to divide her time between the children so that they all receive appropriate attention. Older children enjoy the homely atmosphere as they relax after school watching television or playing games together. Little ones seek out a vacant lap and snuggle in for a cuddle.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a meaningful range of resources, which promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity. The childminder regularly updates the toys and materials by borrowing from a local toy library that specialises in multicultural resources. All children are fully included in the setting. The childminder makes sure she can meet their individual needs by obtaining specific information from their parents at the start of the placement. She has some knowledge and understanding of caring for children with additional needs but also encourages parents to seek professional advice if concerns arise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They share, take turns and learn to make allowances for the needs of babies and very young children. If disputes occur, the childminder's positive and understanding approach helps them to resolve the situation. Children are valued and respected as individuals. A display of photographs in the playroom gives them a sense of belonging and a reminder of the range of activities they take part in. The childminder also builds positive relationships with the parents, which in turn helps children to feel settled and secure. On enquiry, she provides written information about the service she offers. This sets out the terms and conditions of the placement and is formalised in a contract between parent and childminder. The childminder is friendly and approachable. She regularly talks to parents about their child's wellbeing and achievements, and aims to provide a flexible service that fits in with parents' working

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder manages a complicated pattern of attendance as she cares for children before and after school, as well as younger ones during the day. The presence of children over the age of eight years does not adversely affect the care of young children. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse with several years of experience in childcare. She tries to keep abreast of changes and attends relevant training from time to time. Children are well cared for as the childminder effectively organises her home and time to meet their individual needs. The childminder maintains accurate records in line with the National Standards. However, she has misunderstood the conditions of her registration, regarding the numbers and ages of children she may care for. Consequently, there has been a minor breach of regulations, although this has had little impact on the children's wellbeing. Overall, the provider meets the needs of the

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Organisation

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 improve her record keeping systems to meet regulatory requirements. Since then she has maintained a register of attendance showing the actual hours that children are in her care. She obtains prior written permission from parents for the seeking of emergency treatment or advice and she keeps a clear record of any medication administered to a child. Consequently, all documentation meets the required standards and helps to safeguard children's health and welfare.

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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 complaint 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 the number and ages of minded children complies with the conditions of registration at all times

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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 • improve the outside area to provide a safe and suitable play space for children

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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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