Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY243732 Unique Reference Number 06 March 2007 Inspection date Anneliese Fox-Jones 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her son aged 12 years. They live in a house situated close to schools, shops and a short walk from Bushey village. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is easy access to a garden for outdoor play. The family have two love birds as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding two children at various times throughout the week.

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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 understand simple hygiene practices and develop independence in their personal care. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children who are slightly unwell are cared for, although if they have an infectious illness, they do not attend the childminder's home. Most appropriate documentation is in place to record any accidents or medication administered. However, there is no prior written consent for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice or for giving any medication. This potentially compromises the children's welfare. The childminder is qualified in first aid to ensure that children receive medical attention in an emergency. However, a first aid is box is not kept available and accessible, which means the childminder can not act appropriately in an accident situation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities that contribute to their good health. They take a short walk daily to and from school, they visit local parks and weather permitting they play outside. Children's dietary requirements are met. Some children stay for an evening meal and this is discussed and agreed on an individual basis. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices for snacks such as fruit and bread, however they also enjoy eating biscuits and crisps. Drinks are encouraged and readily accessible to ensure children are hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally kept secure. They have access to adequate space where the downstairs accommodation allows children to freely move around the lounge, hall way and kitchen. Children have access to a suitable range of resources which are stored in a safe and organised manner. Children benefit and feel at ease in a comfortable and home from home environment. Most potential hazards have been addressed. However, the garden fence is not safe to ensure children can play in a secure and enclosed area, making the garden inaccessible to the children at present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use suitable and safe resources. Toys and equipment are checked and kept in a clean condition. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of supervision and ensures that they are never out of her sight. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they talk about stranger danger and road safety when out walking. Children are safeguarded through the childminder's adequate understanding of child protection. However, children's welfare is not fully supported as the childminder does not have all the relevant literature to hand in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB), detailing appropriate information and procedures to follow if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy to attend in the childminder's home. They participate in a satisfactory range of activities that promotes their development inside and outside of the home. Children have a flexible and relaxed routine which enables their individual needs and interests to be taken into

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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 consideration. The childminder organises her home to make sure that children can safely choose from a variety of toys. The childminder helps children learn, as the kitchen wall is full of educational posters that encourage children to think about numbers, letters, days of the week, shapes and colours. They enjoy testing and teaching one another.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Minded children of various ages play well together. Caring relationships are established and increase the children's confidence and self-esteem. They are independent to access toys, resources and make up their own games. Consequently, children are able to pursue their own interests. Children are encouraged to make positive relationships, to play fairly together, share and use good manners. They mix well with others and have developed a close friendship with the childminder. Older children are cared for after their school day where they can relax, read books, watch television or be active in accordance with their own needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are independent to make choices in their play. They are valued and treated as individuals. Their understanding of the wider world is developed through discussion and a small range of resources such as dolls, books and non-stereotypical toys. Children's self-esteem is developed as they are praised for their efforts and progress. They feel valued as they see displays of their art work on the wall. The childminder is happy to ensure that children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcomed appropriately. Children behave generally well. They learn to understand responsible behaviour as clear boundaries are reinforced and children are encouraged to follow. If necessary, children have timeout to think about their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gains relevant information from parents to be able to provide appropriate care for children. Information is shared verbally with parents on a regular basis. Consequently, children benefit from the sound relationships that have developed to ensure that children are happy and settled. However, there are no systems in place for the recording of complaints. Therefore, parents are not fully informed of the factors that potentially impact on children's well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming home. Children are encouraged to feel at ease in their surroundings. Routines and day to day organisation generally works in practise to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. The childminder ensures children can easily access resources and provides activities that are suitable for the children who attend, they enjoy the time that they are with her.

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Organisation

Most documentation is sufficiently organised and maintained. Records are kept secure and confidential. Effective communication that the childminder has with parents contributes to suitable working relationships. The daily exchange of information keeps parents informed and involved. Consequently, this contributes to the children's continuity of care. Overall, the children needs are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given an action to complete a local authority approved first aid course for infants and young children. This was completed in October 2006 and has improved the welfare and care of children she minds.

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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 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): • obtain written parental consent for administering any medication, for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice and ensure a first aid box is clearly accessible, of which the contents are stocked up and replaced as necessary • ensure the fence in the garden is made safe and obtain all relevant child protection literature • develop systems for the recording of complaints, in line with current regulations.

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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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