Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY321310 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2007 Inspection date Kay Roberts 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 registered in 2006 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives with her husband and five children, two of whom are now adults. The youngest three children are aged five-months, six-years and nine-years. They live in a four bedroom, detached property in Chippenham, Wiltshire. The whole of the childminder's house is to be used for childminding. Bathroom facilities are located on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have no pets. Registration is for a maximum of five children under eight-years. There are currently two children on roll, one of whom is under five-years.

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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's health is suitably promoted as they play in a clean environment. The importance of hygiene is encouraged through the daily routine. Children know that they must wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. They follow the clearly illustrated picture format procedure shown on the poster which is displayed on the wall. Children are able to reach the wash hand basin independently as a small step is provided and recognise their colour coded towel. Young children who are toilet training achieve success as the childminder reminds them to use the potty and praises their achievements so there are no accidents. The risk of infection is minimised as the childminder follows hygienic procedures and shares her sickness policy for excluding children who are ill with parents. There is a safe procedure for managing medication so that children's welfare is promoted. Children may not be fully protected in the event of an

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Helping children to be healthy

accident as the childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate, although details are appropriately recorded and shared with parents. The childminder also has written parental consent from parents to seek advice or medical treatment in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children help themselves to their beakers of drink, when thirsty. They eat healthy snacks and a light lunch which takes into consideration children's likes and dislikes. On occasions children choose from a healthy selection what they would like to eat. Children are given the opportunity to be independent as they help the childminder prepare lunch by cutting up strawberries. Mealtimes are a social occasion as the childminder sits with them and discusses how well they are eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to be outdoors as they play beside the house. They have access to a range of resources such as chalk, paint and water, so remain interested. As they help to wash the toys in summer the importance of cleanliness is reinforced. Large muscle skills are developed as children use the sit and ride toys and see-saw. Children go for walks by the brook and walk to the soft play area, where they have an opportunity to extend their skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed as they enter the childminder's home and are keen to play with the colourful toys which await them. The childminder rotates the clean, safe resources on a weekly basis so that children remain interested. The main focus for play is in the lounge/diner, where furniture is placed to the side of the room so that space available for play is maximised. In the summer children benefit from having direct access to the courtyard at the side of the house and are able to move freely between in and outdoors. Children who require are able to sleep undisturbed by their peers as they are placed away from other children in a bedroom. The home is decorated and maintained to a good standard throughout.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a secure environment. There are systems in place so that children are only released to authorised adults and are protected from people who have not been vetted. The risk of children having an accident is minimised as the childminder risk assesses her home based

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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 on her knowledge of the children in her care. In the event of a fire children know how to evacuate the premises safely as they practise the drill. Although the childminder has some knowledge of local safeguarding procedures, children are not fully protected as the childminder does not have a copy of 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' which she is required to follow if there are concerns and is unclear about when to record pre-existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children new to provision are not traumatised by the separation from their parents as there is a gradual introduction depending on the needs of the child. They are emotionally secure in the weekly routine and the close relationship with the childminder. Children develop fine muscle skills as they play the keys on a small keyboard. Problem solving skills are used as children pick up the small pieces of construction material and match them to a drawing of a cake. They demonstrate good pencil control and concentration as they use the crayons to colour in a picture. Children recognise the drums in the picture. As they pick up the crayons the childminder encourages them to name the colours, and children are able to select a green from a selection of colours. The childminder talks about what children are drawing. She explains that they have drawn a circle so they become familiar with two dimensional shapes. She introduces children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the initial sound in their name and shows them how the letter is written and children copy. The childminder's constant, gentle interaction and explanation about what she is doing encourages communication. Children make decisions about the nursery rhymes they wish to sing and know most of the words for 'Ba, Ba, Black Sheep'. The childminder introduces the concept of subtraction as they sing 'Three little ducks went swimming one day'. Although too young to count children are beginning to understand the concept of numbers and recognise when there is more than one. Children select the book for a story and snuggle up as they listen to 'Frankie the Fire Engine'. Children are curious and ask what a toy whisk is. The childminder follows through on children's interests so they are motivated to learn. She explains and shows them how a whisk would be used to make a cake. Children follow the theme through and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pretend to put the cake in the oven to cook. They are alert to their senses and listen to the different sounds as they walk back and forth across the musical mat. Children have many excellent opportunities to develop independence as they help to prepare lunch by putting the pasta in a saucepan, cutting up strawberries with a blunt knife and putting a placemat on the table. She assists the childminder with nappy changing and uses fine muscle skills to help fasten the poppers. Children make good progress as the childminder is alert to their stage of development and plans to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop confidence knowing they are all valued and included. With gentle guidance from the childminder they learn to be considerate to those younger than themselves and enjoy helping to care for the childminder's baby. Children are well behaved and show respect for the environment by helping to tidy away toys they have finished playing with. They learn to appreciate difference as they play with readily accessible resources reflecting positive images of diversity and the childminder points out differences, such as the colour of hair. An

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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 understanding of the local community is developed as children go to toddlers and walk through the woods. A love of nature is fostered as they listen to the sounds of the birds and observe the squirrels running up the trees. They observe the life cycle of frogs as they catch tadpoles from the stream and watch them change into frogs before putting them back.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The bond between parents and childminder gives children emotional security. Parents are aware of the childminder's practices as they are able to see the childminder's portfolio which includes her policies and procedures. On a daily basis parents are verbally updated about what their children have been doing. Parents written comments are positive about the provision, 'extremely dedicated, honest, well motivated …. ensured that children were kept active with a variety of activities both at her home and in the local area.'

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides and has many years of experience working in other areas of the United Kingdom. She has completed an introduction to childminder training course, but does not hold a current first aid certificate. The childminder is well organised and plans for children's arrival so that they receive a high level of support and are actively occupied throughout the day. Children's learning is promoted as the childminder organises a range of activities based on children's next stage of development. The home is arranged so that children have space for play and relaxation. Documentation is confidentially maintained and where appropriate shared with parents. Overall the paperwork meets the requirements of the National Standards, although the time of children's arrival and departure are recorded retrospectively.

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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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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

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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): • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • further develop your understanding of child protection issues and follow the requirements of 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' • ensure the register is up to date and accurately records the times of children's arrival and departure.

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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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