Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342651 Unique Reference Number 05 January 2007 Inspection date Julie Neal 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 lives with her partner and 18 month old son in a residential area of Wellington. They live near to local schools and amenities. Childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor of the childminder's home, with access to upstairs to sleep. The childminder's garden is not currently used by children. The childminder registered in 2006. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age. Overnight care is not provided. The family have a pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has sound routines in place that support children's health and help to protect them from the risk of cross infection. For example, regular vacuuming of carpets ensures that

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Helping children to be healthy

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 can play on the floor without risk, and there are effective routines in place to ensure toys used by babies and very young children remain hygienic. The childminder promotes personal hygiene with children, for instance using wet wipes with babies to clean their hands and faces after meals; and providing pump action soap for older children to use when washing their hands. However, children share a towel in the cloakroom, which is a possible risk of cross infection. Documentation supporting children's health and wellbeing is maintained and shared with parents, for example records of medication administered and accident records, and the childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides appropriately healthy snacks. Children have fruit each day, and are also offered toast and sandwiches, for instance children minded after school are often hungry on arrival and need a substantial snack. Children have access to drinks while they play because they have individual cups and bottles that the childminder refreshes as needed to ensure they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have suitable access to the health benefits of fresh air and exercise because the childminder makes effective use of nearby parks. Regular visits ensure that children have opportunities to engage in play that encourages physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment where space is appropriately organised to meet children's needs. The childminder makes clear risk assessments of her home and acts to ensure potential hazards are minimised, for instance making sure electrical sockets are covered and using gates to prevent children gaining access to the kitchen and stairs. Toys and equipment are well maintained and safe for children to use because they are checked regularly to ensure their suitability. The childminder has given thought to how children can be kept safe from harm in the event of fire and has an emergency evacuation plan in place. The childminder takes children out in her car and ensures that suitable child seats are used, so that they are protected. However, written consent for car journeys is not obtained from parents. The childminder has appropriate understanding of child protection issues and the procedures she should follow in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

order to safeguard children if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good variety of activities that are age appropriate, provide stimulation, and encourage individual development. They regularly visit local parks, they go on outings such as to the beach, and they attend toddler groups where they have the opportunity to socialise in larger groups. Children enjoy using the toys and equipment available to them and they confidently make choices in their play because they are encouraged to select freely. For example, children explore a variety of interactive toys because they are organised to be easily accessible to them. Children take part in art and craft activities and have opportunities to use different media and materials, including paints, glue and tissue paper.

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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 The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental stages and uses her knowledge effectively to encourage children to learn through play. For example, children develop new skills because the childminder is patient and encouraging, such as when introducing them to toys and activities and supporting them well while they practise, and praising their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home because their individual needs are met well. The childminder works well with parents to ensure that children's care is consistent with home, for instance maintaining sleep routines. Good sharing of information regarding individual children means that the childminder is well informed about things that are important to each child, for instance ensuring that children have their favourite blanket or toy when they sleep. The childminder shows a good understanding of equal opportunities and inclusion, for instance ensuring that no activities or resources are restricted by gender, and by demonstrating willingness to respond to children's questions regarding difference and diversity in order to develop their awareness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and show clear understanding of expectations. For example, very young children share favourite toys and take turns because the childminder supports them well as they learn, giving praise and encouragement and thus fostering confidence and self-esteem. The childminder is warm and affectionate, and children respond very well to her positive approach. Children are consistently engaged and happily occupied, therefore they do not become bored and this also supports good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder liaises very well with parents to ensure the needs of individual children are met. Children benefit from the good relationships the childminder develops with parents, which supports the sharing of information and the provision of consistent care. The childminder discusses some aspects of her practice with parents, for instance her strategies for promoting good behaviour with children. However, parents are not consistently informed of other issues that support the wellbeing of their children, such as the childminder's responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Her home is effectively organised to provide a suitable environment where children enjoy a range of activities. The childminder ensures that regulatory documents are maintained appropriately. For example, the register clearly shows the times children are present and accident records are complete and shared with parents. However, additional documentation that supports children's wellbeing is inconsistent. For instance, the childminder obtains written consent from parents to seek medical treatment in an emergency, but does not have written permission to take children in her car. The childminder demonstrates a high regard for confidentiality in the way she organises and stores each child's records.

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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 The childminder has a sound understanding of the appropriate procedures to follow in the event of an emergency situation or in order to safeguard children. However, she has no process in place to ensure that parents are informed of the action she would take in certain circumstances to support children's wellbeing, For example, in the event a child is not collected, or if she has child protection concerns.

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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 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): • develop a process to ensure that parents are aware of procedures followed that support the wellbeing of children. • ensure that children have consistent access to clean hand towels, in order to support good hygiene and prevent the risk of cross infection. • ensure that written consent is provided by parents to take children on car journeys, and for other additional activities as appropriate.

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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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