Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY330515 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2007 Inspection date Valerie Anne Curotto 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 April 2006. She lives with her partner and two and a half year old daughter, in Downend, South Gloucestershire. The whole of the house is used for childminding except for the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder also uses the local toddler group and library. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and there are five children currently on roll. She is able to take and collect children from local schools. The family have a pet cat. 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. The childminder is developing a range of policies and procedures which supports all children's health. For example, information about exclusion periods for sickness is shared with parents to minimise cross infection. Appropriate cleaning routines ensure areas used by children are well maintained and pets are managed effectively to prevent health risks to children. Children's hygiene is further promoted as they have individual towels and adopt appropriate routines, such as handwashing before meals. Children benefit from balanced and nutritious meals and drinks are readily available at all times. Individual children's health is promoted as accident and medication records are maintained and shared with parents. Children learn that exercise is good for them as the childminder encourages their physical development. They enjoy regular park trips and use equipment in the garden, such as a trampoline and sit and ride toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are secure and the childminder has completed a comprehensive risk assessment to minimise risks to children. As a result, potential hazards have been identified and measures are in place to safeguard children. These include stairgates and clear rules for the use of outdoor equipment. Fire drills are practised regularly so children develop an understanding of evacuation procedures. Space within the home is organised well for a range of children's activities and areas are adapted throughout the day to accommodate children's play. They build dens, lay out train tracks and request stories in comfortable surroundings. A wide range of toys is rotated from storage in other areas of the house and a catalogue of photographs is being developed to promote children's awareness of what is available. Visual checks each day ensure toys and equipment are safe for children and in good condition. Care is taken to prevent older children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

toys presenting a hazard to younger children. The childminder is aware of her child protection responsibilities and shares these with parents to further safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are occupied well as activities are varied throughout the day. They access toys and equipment independently from the selection within the main play room and are supported appropriately by the childminder. For example, children's vocabulary is reinforced and extended during activities such as role play. Younger children repeat words introduced by the childminder and respond to questions that extend their thinking when preparing food for an imaginary picnic. Children benefit from regular use of local facilities, such as soft play to extend their range of experiences. They develop social skills at toddler groups and enjoy story time at the local library. Seasonal activities, like conker picking and seed planting develop their understanding of the world around them. While planning is not yet fully developed, the childminder has begun to increase her understanding of the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This is beginning to impact informally on planning for younger children. Older children enjoy

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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 board games, drawing and simple cooking activities after school. Outings to local attractions provide interest for children during school holidays.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well on arrival and are comfortable in their surroundings. A welcoming environment adds to their security and displays of their art work foster a sense of belonging. Young children relate warmly to the childminder and readily approach her for support and reassurance. The childminder is able to discuss individual children's developmental needs and how activities are adapted for children of different ages. Relevant information is gathered from parents to support individual children's health and dietary routines. Children's behaviour is managed using positive strategies which build their confidence and self esteem. Children learn to share, show consideration for others and develop independence skills as they receive praise from the childminder. They develop an appreciation of diversity as they play with multicultural resources and read books providing positive images of disability. Older children are encouraged

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to provide positive role models for younger children and house rules are shared with children and parents. Parents are welcomed into the setting and some written procedures are shared with them about the care their children receive. Informal discussion each day ensures information about children is exchanged appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Space within the home is organised well, with resources arranged on the floor and in accessible units for children. The childminder's use of activities outside the home extend the range of positive experiences for children. Documentation is generally well organised and accessible to support children's care. This includes children's records and contracts for individual placements. However, there are some inconsistencies in record keeping, such as, the register for after school care. The childminder's knowledge of first aid and child protection promotes children's welfare and she is committed to ongoing training and development. She makes good use of local authority checklists, such as risk assessments and evaluation sheets, to support her practice. These help her to identify areas for improvement which will benefit children in her care. She is currently developing a range of policies and procedures, some of which are already shared with

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Organisation

parents. 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. 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): • continue to develop policies and procedures to ensure consistency in record keeping and to reflect practice within the setting • continue to develop activity planning to impact on individual children's development

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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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