Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333347 Unique Reference Number 09 February 2007 Inspection date Jan Healy 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 partner and two children aged nine years and two years, in the town of Trowbridge in Wiltshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and a bathroom and bedroom on the first floor. there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family own a pet rabbit.

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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 and is currently caring for eight children aged from eight months to under eight 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 good. The children benefit as the childminder has good knowledge about how to promote health and hygiene, applying high standards within her home. She ensures the children understand through discussion, the importance of washing their hands before snack and mealtimes and after using the bathroom, helping to prevent cross-infection. Disposable tissues and wipes are in use during nappy changing routines and soiled nappies are securely discarded. Spare sets of clothes are available for the event of an accident, so the children remain dry and comfortable during their stay. The childminder excludes children who are ill to prevent the sickness from spreading, separating sick children whilst they await collection from their parent. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is able to care effectively for children who have an accident, recording essential details which she shares with parents, so they are kept informed about any

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Helping children to be healthy

injury to their child. Permission is sought from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice if necessary, to prevent the delay in children receiving appropriate care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has precise knowledge about food handling practices, as she keeps herself up to date by attending training courses. Food is freshly prepared and stored at an appropriate temperature to prevent food from spoiling. Baby food is available, which the childminder cooks following the manufacturer's recommendations, to ensure their good health. Information about children's dietary requirements are collated during the application stage, so the childminder is able to promote children's wellbeing and development, for example, details about any food allergies or intolerances. Children eat together whilst sat at a child sized table and chairs, making for a sociable occasion, when they chat to each other about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm and inviting, as the children receive a friendly greeting upon arrival and there are pieces of their artwork sensitively displayed in the kitchen area. Photographs of the children engaging in a wide range of activities adorn the walls, which they proudly show visitors, aiding their confidence and self-esteem. Well organised space allows the children to participate in floor activities, such as building with Lego, and table top games such as Jungle Jacks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A broad range of resources and equipment, which are safe, clean and are checked for potential hazards before use, are available for play, for example, a climbing frame and wheeled toys, helping the children to develop their strength and stamina. A see-saw in the outdoor play area invites the children to engage in co-operative play, which they clearly enjoy and which helps to develop their social skills. Equipment, for instance, a booster step and seat, aids the younger children to use the bathroom independently. Toys are stored within children's reach so they are able to self-select. A highchair enables younger children to sit at the dining room table during mealtimes, so they are able to join the older ones, making for a sociable occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Extensive thought is given to the evacuation of children in the event of an emergency, with smoke detectors being regularly tested, a fire blanket being easily accessible in the kitchen and

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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 exits remain clear at all times, so the children are able to leave quickly and calmly. Electrical sockets are inaccessible to children to prevent injury and there are no trip hazards, helping to prevent falls. Parents are made aware of the procedure that will take place in the event of a child becoming lost or uncollected, and an agreement is made between the childminder and parent about the suitability of adults who are suitable to collect the children during departure, to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe in the care of the childminder, as she has efficient knowledge about child protection, as she keeps herself up to date about current legislation by attending training courses. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and is confident to keep relevant records, which may be used in checking historical concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have the benefit of good quality toys and resources that provide stimulation and fun, including a V.tech trolley, encouraging the children to learn about the uses of everyday technology. A rich environment allows the children to express their creativity, for example, they engage in printing activities and make their own placemat. A wide range of activities, such as baking bread help the children to respond by using their sense of smell and taste. Time is given for the children to explore and to develop their ideas during cutting and sticking and model making, using a broad range of natural materials. Children are beginning to recognise how sounds change using musical instruments and they sing familiar songs and rhymes, which helps to encourage their confidence. Children are able to communicate their ideas through role-play, for instance using a variety of material and costume and pretending to be characters

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equal opportunities, as she is careful not to use stereotypical language and allows both the girls and the boys to have access to all the toys available. Children go on outings to learn about their local environment and observe buildings in the vicinity of where they live, such as churches and shops to learn about their purpose. They celebrate major religious festivals, including Christmas and the Chinese New Year, helping them to understand about their own and about the culture of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is proactive in ensuring that action is taken with regard to the children who have a learning disability, as she works closely with their parents, keeping relevant records, so she is able to provide play and activities that help to progress their development. The lounge is organised so the children have plenty of space to play and the childminder works with the children on a one to one basis if necessary, sitting at their level and making eye contact, so she is clearly understood.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive behaviour management strategies are in place, to provide the children with consistency of care, so there is no misunderstanding about the level of behaviour expected. A written policy

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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 is shared with parents, containing details about the procedure that will follow during the display of desirable behaviour such as praise and encouragement and the procedure that will follow the display of unwanted behaviour, such as distraction and timeout. However, the policy does not contain a reference to behaviour that is unacceptable, such as bullying or name calling.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Each parent is provided a welcome pack, containing relevant information about the setting, including a copy of all the policies and procedures. The childminder seeks details about the children before they arrive, including their routine at home, their likes and dislikes and about any progress or concerns they have, so she is able to organise appropriate provision. Parents are informed about the daily plans, which includes the activities that are available and what the learning objective is. Written permission is sought from parents, for example, to transport children in a vehicle and to take photographs. Home link books are shared between the childminder and parents so both are kept informed about any changes that are taking place in the children's development. Parents are kept up to date about the procedure to follow in the event of wishing to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification and has good knowledge about child development, so she is able to provide an appropriate range of activities to help the children to progress. Children are protected from adults who are not vetted, as they are supervised at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps an accurate record of the times of children's arrival and departure, so they are accounted for in an emergency. Children are well cared for and supported during their stay. Adult to child ratios are maintained at all times for children's safety.

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Organisation

The childminder stores all her records confidentially to protect children's personal details, although they are easily accessible for inspection. All documentation is retained for a reasonable period of time, so historical checks can be made.

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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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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 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): • ensure the policy for behaviour management contains a reference to behaviour that is unacceptable, such as bullying and name calling

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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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