Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340156 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Barton 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 three children aged five, eight and 10 years of age. They live in a detached house close to all local amenties in the town of Ilchester in Somerset.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children mainly access the ground floor which includes a lounge/dining room, kitchen and toilet. The first floor is used for children's sleep times and for older children to play. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years at any one time. At present there are three children on roll attending on a full and part 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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy and clean environment. Children thrive well as they access plenty of fresh air during daily walks and visits to local parks which also ensures they participate in regular exercise to promote physical development. Children benefit from a childminder who has a good understanding of healthy eating and provides nutritious and healthy snacks and cooked meals. Regular drinks are provided and children are learning to be aware of their own needs, as they access drinks when they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn good health and hygiene procedures through good routines, such as washing hands before handling food, after visits to the toilet and messy play. Children have access to antibacterial soap and individual towels to prevent cross contamination. Children are aware of good hygiene procedures when they have been in contact with the childminder's dogs, such as washing hands. The childminder ensures the dogs are fully vaccinated and they undertake regular health checks to support children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate accident records and medication records are in place to ensure children are well cared for and emergency medical advice or treatment can be sought in the best interest of the child. Children's wellbeing is protected through a childminder who has appropriate first aid skills and comprehensive policies and procedures, such as sharing information on illness and infection with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment where risks are identified and effectively minimised, such as using stair gates and storing dangerous substances out of reach of children. Good levels of security, such as keeping exterior doors locked and ensuring the garden is fully enclosed ensure the children cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good risk assessment procedures, the premises and garden are checked before children arrive to ensure they are safe. She is constantly with the children in their play, therefore, children benefit from good levels of supervision. The childminder considers the age and needs of children to ensure suitable, safe equipment, toys and furniture are available. Children benefit from well organised space and a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are effectively stored to allow children to access freely and safely. Children experience a warm and welcoming environment with attractive arrangement of resources and children's work on display.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected against the risk of fire as the childminder has clear procedures for evacuation. Children participate in fire drills on a monthly basis so they are familiar with the procedure to promote their safety. All fire drills are logged, fire blanket and smoke detectors

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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 appropriately located and well maintained to support children's safety. Children are well protected from harm through the childminder's good understanding of child protection. A comprehensive child protection policy is up to date and thoroughly discussed with parents so they are all aware of the correct procedures in order to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. Children are becoming confident and independent as they are able to choose from a wide range of toys and activities. Children benefit from well planned activities so all children can participate as the childminder has a good awareness of how children develop including the framework for Birth to three matters and provides for all their individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder organises free play and planned activities daily to support children's learning. Children are supported well by a childminder who interacts appropriately to support children's learning, such as in completing difficult puzzles. Children enjoy using varied role play resources. They participate in home and shop role play and use information technology equipment, such as cash tills and telephones to support their learning. Children are excited as they paint pictures with a variety of paint brushes and younger children participate using fingers to design their painting. Children are encouraged to learn through everyday situations, such as washing up and washing the table. Children enjoy the washing up and are encouraged to count and participate in simple mathematical problems, such as filling cups full or half full. Children have an awareness of their own environment as they visit parks, participate in country walks, visit

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to explore and investigate in cooking activities, such as making 'angel delight' and jelly. Children also experience nature as they are able to pot plants and observe them as they grow.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals. The childminder shares a comprehensive equal opportunity policy with parents which shows how she promotes equality. She adopts activities to ensure all children are included and they all have access to all equipment and resources provided. Children are learning about diversity as they access resources, such as dressing up and 'happy land' which reflect positive images of culture and disability. The childminder is keen to support children who have learning difficulties or disabilities and works closely with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's close relationship with parents who have comprehensive information about the provision. The childminder discusses children's progress and development with parents on a regular basis and provides written details in a daily communication book. The childminder organises social meetings with parents to enable them to share information and provide support for one another.

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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 Children behave very well, they benefit from daily routines and know what is expected of them. The childminder has good strategies to promote good behaviour. She frequently praises and encourages children and is calm and gentle as she reinforces simple requests, such as tidy up time. Children respond well and are excited and proud as they choose reward stickers.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and at home in the childminder's environment. Children experience a good daily routine within an environment that is warm and welcoming. Space and rooms are used well to ensure children are able to make choices and select resources for their play. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment and activities are planned and interesting. Children benefit from a childminder who is keen to improve her skills through training which enhances the care and development of children. The childminder is considering introducing systems to enable the provision to be monitored, such as feedback from parents.

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Organisation

Children's care, welfare and learning is very well supported and effectively promoted through good documentation and procedures. Good systems to share children's progress and development both verbally and written keep parents well informed. 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.

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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):

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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 • consider implementing suitable systems for monitoring and evaluating your provision to promote overall continual improvement.

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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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