Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342835 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2007 Inspection date Sue Davey 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 twin daughters, aged 10 years, in Patchway, South Gloucestershire. The whole of the ground floor and a bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed area of garden for outside play. The family has tropical fish and a fishpond in the garden, which is not accessible to children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time, and currently has one baby on roll. She cares for older children outside of school hours, as well as younger ones throughout the day. The childminder attends the local toddler group and uses her car to take children on outings. She belongs to 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's health is maintained, as they are cared for in the childminder's clean and warm home. She minimises the spread of infection by informing parents that she cannot care for their children if they are sick or infectious. The childminder keeps babies clean and comfortable by making sure she changes their nappy at regular intervals. She states she would encourage children from a young age to practise good hygiene routines such as washing their hands at appropriate times. The childminder understands the need to keep a record and inform parents if accidents occur. She obtains written permission for the seeking of emergency treatment and before administering any medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a certificate in food hygiene. She is guided by parents regarding children's diets and follows babies' home routines. She demonstrates an understanding of healthy eating and the need to provide children with a balanced diet. Children have access to a patio area for outside play. She takes them for walks in the local park and nearby fields. A local activity centre provides alternative energetic play for older children. Babies sleep in the lounge or upstairs in a travel cot. The childminder provides clean bedding and is careful to check them regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe in the childminder's welcoming home because she has identified potential hazards and taken action to minimise risks. For instance, cleaning materials and sharp knives are stored out of reach in a locked cupboard. Children cannot leave the premises unsupervised, and there is a gate to prevent entry to the lower part of the garden and fishpond. The childminder makes sure children are properly restrained when travelling in her car or out for walks in the buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with toys and materials that are in good condition and suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder supervises them at all times. She has a well thought through emergency plan, which includes alternative arrangements for the children should the need arise. This is discussed with parents prior to placement and forms part of their agreement. Children's welfare is further safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures and knows where to seek advice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The have clearly formed a good relationship with her. She interacts well with the children and joins in with their play. She responds to their needs and provides alternative playthings when interest waivers. The childminder has a gentle and caring manner and babies receive plenty of cuddles and positive attention. They explore a selection of suitable toys but have not yet been introduced to natural

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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 materials as explained in the Birth to three matters framework. The childminder also has an appropriate range of art and craft activities and games for older children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities throughout the week. Young ones are encouraged to develop social skills as they meet with other children and childminders in organised play sessions. The childminder will take children on trips further afield as appropriate to their age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates her understanding of equal opportunities and the inclusion of all children regardless of colour, religion, gender, or ability. She describes how girls and boys will have equal access to activities of their choice. The childminder has little experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities but has a positive attitude to this area of work. She is willing to talk to parents and attend additional training if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a common sense approach to behaviour management. She uses distraction tactics with very young children and talks through issues with older ones. If necessary, she would discuss concerns with parents. The childminder builds positive relationships with parents. She invites them to meet her family and discuss their specific requirements. At this time she gives them a portfolio of information about her service and discusses what they should do if dissatisfied with anything. The childminder suggests two visits prior to placement. She also visits children in their own home to help with the settling-in process. She spends time at the beginning and end of each day to talk to parents about their child's wellbeing and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her time to make sure children receive appropriate attention at all times. She protects their health and welfare and offers a range of activities to help them make progress in all areas of development. She maintains all regulatory records, although attendance registers are not always completed as children arrive. She has prepared a set of policies and procedures, which she shares with parents at the start of the placement. This provides a sound framework for the day-to-day running of her service. Overall, 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

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 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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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): • further develop play experiences for babies and young children through the use of natural materials • develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework • make sure the daily record of attendance is kept up to date

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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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