Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY330106 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2007 Inspection date Rosemary Davies 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 good. 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. She lives with her husband and their child, who is of primary school age. Their home is a three bedroomed, semi-detached house in Highworth, near Swindon, Wiltshire. Shops, a park, library and other town amenities lie within walking distance. The childminder can take children to, and collect them from, local schools and pre-schools. The family keeps one cat as a pet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The entire house is available for childminding, although in practice the upstairs rooms are used mainly for sleeping purposes. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. Her registration permits her to care for five children, under the age of eight years, at any one time. She currently minds two children aged one and seven years, one of whom attends on a full time basis.

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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 in this childminder's care play in a suitably clean, homely environment. The childminder follows good procedures to maintain children's good health and prevent the spread of cross-infection. She changes babies' nappies appropriately, for example, being conscientious in washing her own hands and disposing of nappies promptly and properly. Children learn the basics for good hygiene procedures from a young age, each having their own bag with individual face cloth and hand towel. Older children are independent in their personal hygiene. The childminder makes parents fully aware of when their children may not attend, owing to infectious illness. She is unaware, however, that Ofsted must be informed should any minded child contract a notifiable disease.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat healthy, nutritious, home cooked meals and enjoy snacks of fresh fruit. They drink according to their needs, with fresh drinking water always available. The childminder is particularly good at following parents' wishes, so that no 'junk' food or over-sweet drinks are offered. Children benefit too from daily fresh air and exercise. The younger children use suitable equipment to develop their physical skills, either in the back garden of the childminder's home or at toddler groups. The childminder offers much individual attention, which is especially helpful in supporting these young children as they start to stand and find their feet. Older children practise physical skills, such as ball games, in the nearby park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in safety when in this childminder's home. She risk assesses her house effectively and does all she can to minimise potential hazards to children's safety. She covers the stone hearth, for example, so that toddlers cannot fall on it. The childminder remains vigilant for children's safety and always supervises them closely. She holds a relevant first aid certificate but she does not take a suitable first aid kit with her when on outings, so that children may not be treated quickly if needed. Suitable fire prevention precautions are in place and an emergency evacuation procedure is practised. The childminder understands her responsibilities for safeguarding children's welfare and has contact details of local child protection agencies if needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use good quality, well maintained toys and equipment. These are readily accessible to children of all ages. The childminder provides babies with a good choice of suitable toys and is careful not to offer too many at once, so they are not overwhelmed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. All children find something to interest them when with this childminder. Younger children benefit particularly from lots of one to one attention. The childminder spends much time sharing suitable books with them, singing nursery rhymes and repeating their 'babble'. This all helps

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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 them find a voice and start to talk. She does not, as yet, plan experiences for the youngest children using the 'Birth to three matters' framework, so cannot be certain of covering all areas of development. Older children enjoy reading quietly after a busy school day or engage in favourite games, such as chess. Sometimes they prefer to simply relax by watching television or playing computer games. The childminder is careful to follow parents' wishes and restricts such sessions, leaving children time to engage in other activities. She also follows parents' wishes for the younger children, following babies' feeding and sleep patterns from home so their care needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual requirements are recognised and met effectively by this childminder. She gets to know children well and they develop warm and trusting relationships with her. Babies happily have a cuddle if needed, whilst older children understand what is expected of them. The childminder uses lots of praise and positive encouragement, which helps children behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder welcomes all children to her home. She has a secure understanding of child development, which helps her identify whether children have additional needs. Boys and girls are treated equally and have equal access to all activities and toys suited to their stage of development. There is a lack of resources, however, to provide positive images of our diverse society. This hinders children in learning about the varying cultures within it.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a good range of information about the childminder's methods. She shares written policies and procedures with them, such as her behaviour policy. She keeps parents of the youngest children very well informed about what their children have been doing each day, through providing a very detailed account of their activities, any new things they have enjoyed and what they have achieved. Parents are provided with the contact details of the regulator, Ofsted, should they be required.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. At the time of the inspection, this childminder has been minding for a short time only. She has done well to have all legally required documentation in place, although she is unsure as to how long some records must be kept. She has produced many policies and procedures, which underpin her practice effectively.

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Organisation

The childminder uses the self evaluation form well, evaluating her own practice objectively and accurately. She understands her responsibilities for protecting children from persons who have not been vetted. She adheres to required adult to child ratios as stipulated in her certificate of registration, which is displayed prominently. The childminder organises her home, time and paperwork well for childminding purposes. She shows commitment to improving her practice through further training, such as in the 'Birth to three matters' framework, so as to benefit the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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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 good. 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): • provide a range of resources and experiences which reflect the diverse lifestyles of modern society • further develop procedures for keeping children safe when on outings.

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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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