Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY338447 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2007 Inspection date Louise, Caroline Bonney 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 2006. She lives with her husband and five children (three adults and two school-aged children) in a quiet residential area close to Ash, Ash Vale, Aldershot and Farnborough. Only the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently cares for four children, during the day and before and after school. She takes walks to the local parks and woodland ranges. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. The childminder has dogs and 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 satisfactory. Children play in premises that are warm, clean and welcoming. Children use toys and equipment that are hygienically maintained, and which the childminder sterilises when soiled. Pet dogs enjoy chewing their own toys rather than the children's, and their water bowls are out of reach of the children. This prevents the spread of germs. The childminder has suitable nappy changing arrangements, and is careful to clean mats and hands immediately afterwards. Babies wear bibs when feeding which prevents spills onto their clothes. She shares her sickness policy with parents, which prevents unwell children attending the provision. This protects the health of the children through the prevention of contamination and the spread of illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies benefit from following their home routines around sleeps and feeds. The childminder takes into account preschool children's energy levels when organising activities. For instance, she plans quiet activities at home when children are tired after a busy morning at nursery school. This helps young children cope well physically and emotionally with their day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have nutritious and freshly prepared cooked meals when they stay for tea, such as roast or shepherds pie. They develop interest in food as they help make dough and decorate pizzas. Babies have a cuddle when taking their bottle and the childminder liaises with parents about their changing dietary requirements. Children have a drink and snack as soon as they arrive home from school. This helps children develop awareness of healthy eating and the need to have frequent drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies exercise as they crawl between rooms, and have sturdy furniture to pull themselves up on as they develop new skills. Children go out for walks on nearby common land or to feed the ducks on the canal. They play in the garden with balls and tricycles, or visit the park to use larger equipment. This develops children's health through their frequent enjoyment of fresh air and physical activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have some of their medical needs met through the childminder attending appropriate first aid training. She seeks information from parents about the children's medical needs and allergies. However, she does not seek parental consent for requesting medical advice or treatment, which might impede the provision of suitable support in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children safely and independently access their toys and equipment from low storage drawers and boxes. They play with toys that are suitable for their ages and stages of development, and any broken toys are promptly thrown away. Children wear appropriate restrains when travelling by car or sitting in their high chair. This keeps the children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children develop understanding of safety through the childminder giving them clear explanations and boundaries. They know how to behave when close to roads, and are familiar with the routine

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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 for collecting them after school. The childminder teaches children how to handle animals and to stroke them gently. Older children are aware of the need to take care when playing near the baby. Children have opportunities to manage appropriate levels of risk. For instance, with the childminder's close supervision babies balance themselves as they play on the floor and avoid obstacles as they crawl after their toys. Older children develop control as they use larger apparatus in the park or during cookery activities as they chop vegetables with knives. This helps them to recognise and control risk, and to learn how to stay safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder risk assesses her premises, and reduces most hazards. Children cannot access the kitchen unsupervised through the use of a safety gate. However, the low lock on the toilet door and accessible cleaning materials remain a hazard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards the children through her suitable awareness of child protection procedures. She understands the need to record existing injuries and to discuss any concerns with parents when appropriate. She has the latest guidance to follow, including information about who to contact should she have any concerns. This helps to protect the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and her family. Babies settle well and respond happily as adults talk to them and encourage them to make eye contact and to respond with sounds. The childminder teaches babies new games to encourage their communication skills and coordination, such as playing pat-a-cake when they clap hands and copy sounds. They make connections as they play with toys that make sounds when touched, or that roll when pushed. This encourages babies to be mobile as they crawl to their toys and balance as they sit and play, developing control and language as they push buttons and repeat sounds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children easily access a suitable range of toys and equipment that reflect their interests and help stimulate their play. Children enjoy cookery activities such as making pizzas, and craft activities such as making necklaces out of colourful beads. They model using playdough and construction kits. Younger children attend the local church group where they enjoy stories and music and socialise with other children. Children visit the park after school, and go for nature walks on the common or feed the ducks on the canal. These activities support the children's development well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder develops good relationships with parents. She discusses their individual care needs and her provision during introductory meetings and through the completion of contracts. She has sensitive settling-in procedures, whereby children attend for short periods until they are confident enough to separate from parents for longer periods. The childminder discusses the activities she provides. Although parents know that the children travel by car and go on

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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 outings the childminder does not seek their written consent. This does ensure their clear understanding of the type of provision made for their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show a sense of belonging at the setting. Babies are confident and happy, and settle well. They move about freely as they play with their toys, and have warm relationships with the childminder and other family members. Babies have a routine which they are familiar with, and the childminder makes sure they have their special toy as they settle for a nap.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses suitable behaviour management strategies which take account of children's different levels of understanding and their developing self-esteem. Babies receive prompt attention which prevents their becoming upset. Older children are aware of consistent rules around politeness, and she encourages them to be helpful with small tasks such as laying the table. Children talk about the rules before any special outings, such as going out to eat. This helps them understand how to behave appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about their community as they go on outings, such as to the church toddler group or restaurants. They have equal access to a wide range of resources at home which prevents any stereotyping. They play with resources that reflect diversity, such as dressing up clothes, books and dolls. This helps them develop awareness of similarities and differences. However, there are no resources available which reflect positive images of disability.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space and resources for their activities. They reach their toys easily from low storage units and boxes. Babies have safe space to crawl and play on the floor, with the dogs sometimes behind the safety gate in the kitchen. Older children use the large table for their activities and meals or relax in the comfortable lounge. This provides a welcoming environment where the children can relax and play.

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Organisation

Children receive enough support during their activities through the childminder's careful management of her ratios. They are aware of the routines the childminder establishes, such as the school run and meal times. These give their day rhythm and help them feel secure.

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Organisation

The childminder has some appropriate procedures and documentation to support the safety and welfare of the children. However, she has not sought written parental consents for emergency medical treatment, outings and the use of a car. Also, she does not maintain a daily record of children's attendance. This is in breach of regulations.

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Organisation

The childminder is developing links with other childminders and supporting organisations. She attends training, such as for first aid, and has booked a place on a course for the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This helps her to continue to develop her provision.

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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

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 require 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 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): • seek written consent from parents for the use of a car to transport children, to request emergency medical advice and/or treatment, and to take the children on outings • maintain a daily record of the attendance of children • ensure children cannot access hazardous cleaning materials and that the toilet has a suitable lock.

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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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