Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231909 Unique Reference Number 12 January 2007 Inspection date Susan June Stone 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and three children, of which two are aged over eight years. They live in the town of Mere, Wiltshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. At present she is caring for a total of eight children all on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family pets include a dog and two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment with systems in place to help reduce the spread of infection, like wiping tables before meals and snacks and washing hands. Children are helped to develop an awareness of appropriate hygiene practices, like using tissues for runny noses and washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. By implementing her sickness policy, the childminder ensures the children are protected from illnesses and infections like sickness and stomach upsets. She has a current first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box which means that children's needs in an emergency can be effectively dealt with.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works well with parents to ensure that children’s dietary requirements, likes and dislikes are met. A variety of healthy meals and snacks are provided for the children by the childminder, which take account of any special dietary needs. Fresh produce is mostly used for meals which the childminder provides. As a result, children learn the benefits of healthy eating and are able to develop an understanding of the importance of eating a balanced diet. The children enjoy eating the grapes, raisins, cucumber and cheese provided by the childminder at snack time. The children choose from a selection of fresh fruit offered. The children sit to the table to eat their snack, they are developing their independence and are acquiring the skills needed to feed themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder organises time each day to allow for outdoor play, either in the garden or at the local play park. This ensures that the children have the opportunity to benefit from the fresh air, and helps them to develop and improve their physical skills. Children’s individual sleep routines are well supported which contributes to their healthy development and helps them feel secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a safe, homely environment where risks have been identified and minimised. The house is bright, cheerful, and inviting to the children. The childminder ensures that good standards of safety are maintained in the areas used by the children. She assesses potential risks to the children and puts procedures and practices in place to minimise these. She has appropriate safety equipment including socket covers, safety gates, smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Safety gates have been fitted on the stairs and one has been fitted to deny children’s access to the kitchen. This helps the children to play and be cared for in a safe environment. The childminder helps the children to learn about how to keep themselves safe, like reminding them to sit on chairs properly and encouraging the children to tidy away the toys when they have finished playing with them. This helps the children to take some

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibility for their own safety and well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder uses available space well, which allows the children to move about freely and safely under her close supervision. The children use a range of safe and suitable toys, which

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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 are in good repair and conform to safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The toys and activities are placed at child level, where the children can select for themselves, enabling them to make decisions about their play. The childminder provides a range of safe and well maintained furniture and equipment which means that the varying needs of the children can be met, therefore promoting their welfare and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection procedures and a clear understanding of her role in the protection of children, ensuring the children's safety is always a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are confident and happy during the time they spend at the childminder's. There are warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children. The childminder respects children’s individual care routines, such as recognising and accommodating sleep routines and rest requirements. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she knows the children in her care well. She provides a welcoming environment where the younger children feel happy and secure, and the older children can relax and unwind after the school day. The childminder cares for children under the age of three and is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework, but has not yet fully introduced it into the setting. She does not always specifically plan activities to encourage individual development linked to the framework. The children enjoy a balance of quiet time and free play activities, the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

also tries to provide a variety of structured craft or cooking activities for the children to enjoy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children occupy themselves from the range of toys and activities which are available each day, and play happily. The children enjoy making their own pictures with the paints using different coloured paper, naming the colours of the paints they are using. The childminder encourages the children to share toys and take turns, like taking turns to use the paints and fit the puzzle pieces. This helps the children to learn to respect and cooperate with each other. The childminder is involved in the children’s play at an appropriate level. When making puzzles she talks to the children about the different animals and the noises they make. She is encouraging and reassuring and offers lots of positive praise and reinforcement. This helps to develop children's confidence and self esteem. The childminder interacts well with the children and she offers lots of cuddles and physical contact to the babies and younger children. This

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

helps them to feel comfortable and secure. The childminder consistently talks with the children, helping to develop their communication skills. She reinforced how words are pronounced to the children like ‘grapes and raisins’ at snack time. She claps and smiles and says ‘well done’ when the baby also tries to say the words. Children respond well to the childminders friendly involvement with them, they are happy and settled in the childminders home.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is very aware of the children's particular requirements and meets these well. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual care needs are well met as they follow the daily routine. They feel valued and included when with the childminder and they are happy and at ease in her home. Children play well together and enjoy each others company. The childminder interacts with them, encouraging the children to feel valued and included. Children behave well and are learning respect for themselves and their environment due to the childminder's use of praise and encouragement. Positive methods are used for managing behaviour which helps build children's self esteem. Stickers are used to reward good behaviour or achievement, such as tidying away the toys without being asked to do so, and for using the potty or toilet for children being toilet trained. The childminder uses appropriate

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Helping children make a positive contribution

explanations when behaviour does not meet expectations, such as explaining to the younger child ‘it’s not nice to take the puzzle pieces away’, saying to the older child ‘try not to get cross, she’s only little and does not understand’. This means the children are able to understand why their actions or behaviour are not acceptable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages the children to develop positive attitudes and respect for others. Children show care and concern for each other and play together well. The children are encouraged to learn about their local community as they visit local places of interest, the park and shops. By exploring these places and the areas in which they live, they are beginning to develop self awareness and how they fit into their community and surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships have been developed with parents. The childminder and parents work together to meet the children’s needs. Records regarding the children's care are in place and written agreements with parents ensure that children's individual needs are met. Written consents have also been gained from parents to allow children to go swimming, use the paddling pool and to use the large trampoline in the garden. Time is allowed daily to talk and share any necessary information concerning the children. This allows for the children’s individual needs to be identified and addressed and for parents to feel confident about the care offered. These discussions are supplemented by the childminder using a daily noticeboard where she writes information to parents like daily activities and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an ordered and structured environment. The childminder uses her experience, knowledge and understanding of childcare to ensure the children are well cared for and their needs are met. The children feel welcome and at home when they are with the childminder. Ratios are well maintained, allowing the children to receive sufficient adult support and attention so they can feel valued and secure. The childminder provides a variety of activities and experiences which offer appropriate challenge the children. Children feel comfortable and safe within the setting, which means they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. The daily routines help the younger children to feel happy and secure and allows the older children to relax and unwind after their school day.

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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 Daily exchange of information and discussions with parents help to contribute to consistency in the children’s care. The views of the parents are respected. Required records and documentation are in place and shared with parents. The childminder keeps most records accurately, whilst maintaining confidentiality, but she does not record any existing injuries that children have on arrival at the setting. Also a written record was not kept on the occasion of seeking medical advice from other professionals for a minded child.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

There was an action set at the last inspection which was to; complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. The childminder has suitably addressed this action. The childminder completed a suitable first aid course in October 2006. A certificate was available for inspection, which is valid for three years.

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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 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): • develop further knowledge and understanding of providing a suitable range of activities for the younger children as explained in Birth to three matters • ensure records are kept of existing injuries to children cared for, and of any significant incidents

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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 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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