Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY259617 Unique Reference Number 21 February 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 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and eight years. They live in a house in Bushey, Watford. The premises are within walking distance to local schools, toddler groups, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor area is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have some pet fish.

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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 currently has eight children on roll, minded at various times throughout the week. She attends local toddler groups on a regular basis and 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 good. Children are well cared for in an environment that is clean and where effective hygiene routines are followed. Children learn about the importance of cleaning their hands before food because the childminder offers simple explanations and reminders when children ask why they are wiping their hands, for instance to stop germs making the child feel poorly. The childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene policies, for example she excludes children with infectious illnesses and has daily hygiene routines to keep the premises clean. The childminder is qualified in first aid to ensure that children receive appropriate medical attention in an emergency. Appropriate documentation is in place to record any accidents and medication administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as they walk or are pushed to and from school on a daily basis. Children take part in regular physical activity so that they are developing motor skills and co-ordination. They have many opportunities to use large scale apparatus at the park and in the garden, as well as when attending toddler groups and soft play centres. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and do not become over tired.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the regular routine of snacks, meals and drinks with individual dietary requirements being catered for. A wide variety of snacks such as sandwiches, toast and fruit are offered. Children also enjoy cakes and crisps. Through discussion, children learn the importance of a healthy diet. They enjoy nourishing meals that take account of children's individual preferences. Drinks are encouraged and accessible throughout day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment. They are well supervised, are engaged and respect the rules and routines to ensure a safe environment. Equipment is in good condition and replaced when appropriate. Resources are stored in a safe and organised manner. Children have access to a dedicated play room which allows children good space to move around freely and independently. Children benefit and feel at ease in a comfortable home-from-home environment. There is a wide range of resources for children's all round play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a good understanding of safety through the routines and procedures in place. For example, children learn about road safety when walking back from school and appropriate safety measures are reinforced when children are moving around the house, for instance no jumping on the furniture and being supervised when using the stairs. Consequently, children learn to keep themselves safe. However, there is no system in place to obtain written parental consent for outings or transporting children, which potentially compromises children's well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of her role in child protection. Relevant leaflets and contact numbers are in place and readily accessible to refer child protection concerns, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). The childminder has attended recent training in this area.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and can therefore confidently become involved in a range of free play activities and spontaneous events which support their learning and development. Children express themselves imaginatively as they have many props which they use in their role play. They enjoy dressing up, dancing, the imaginative play kitchen, the dolls house, the doctors kit and pretend hairdressing. Children enjoy various different experiences and benefit from regular routines as they attend various groups, local parks, village shops, library and a duck pond.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show interest in the activities on offer and enjoy exploring various colouring pens to make pictures. They have good relationships with the childminder and talk with her freely and confidently. Younger children are developing communication skills in conversations. They ask questions and are developing independence. However, the childminder is not yet familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework to influence and guide her practice with children under three years. This potentially will enhance the experiences and outcomes offered to young children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children who attend after school are learning to play as part of a group and respect the 'Golden House Rules'. They are becoming aware of the needs of others, to be kind, considerate and take turns. They experience a good range of activities that contribute to their development inside and outside the home and particularly enjoy the large climbing apparatus and trampoline in the garden. Children play well together, they respond to the childminder who is always close to offer guidance and support. Caring relationships are well established and increase the children's confidence and self esteem. Activities are flexible as the childminder goes with the interests and preferences of the children. They are able to freely and independently access toys and resources. Consequently, they are able to pursue their individual interests and develop their own learning opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has an understanding that children with special needs may require additional help and support to enable them to reach their potential. Children have access to a sufficient range of resources which promote positive images. They become aware of the wider society through books, dolls, small world figures and discussions about their own home life. Children behave well together. They learn responsible behaviour because they are offered consistent and meaningful praise. Positive examples of good behaviour are used to reinforce to others what is expected as well as encouraging children to follow the 'Golden House Rules'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A strong partnership with parents enables the childminder to work closely with the children and their families. The childminder gains all relevant information from parents to be able to provide appropriate care for the children. Information is shared on a daily basis of the children's activities and events. Consequently, children benefit from the sound relationships that have developed to ensure that children are happy and settled. However, although the childminder

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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 is aware of current regulations regarding the new complaints procedure, there is no complaints record or procedure in place for sharing this with parents. Therefore, parents are not fully informed of the factors that potentially impact on the children's well-being. An additional portfolio with clear and comprehensive policies are read, signed and provided for all parents, this means they are kept informed and aware of the childminder's practice. Highly positive references from past parents highlight their appreciation for the childminder's good quality care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and at ease in their surroundings. They have sufficient space to play, rest and eat and benefit from a dedicated play room where resources are easily accessible. Children enjoy a good balance of outdoor exercise and opportunities to visit different environments as well as a varied range of activities in the home. Children interact well with the childminder who is enthusiastic and supportive of their play.

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Organisation

Documentation is in place for the safe and efficient management of the provision and effectively maintained to safeguard children. Policies and procedures promote the welfare and care of the children. An organised portfolio offers parents information about the setting. Effective communication and strong relationships that the childminder has with parents contributes to the children's continuity of care. Overall, the children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder received a recommendation to make sure that potential hazards are inaccessible to the children. Electrical leads are no longer present and have been made safe to protect children from any harm.

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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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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

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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): • obtain written parental permission for outings and transporting children • improve outcomes for children under three years by implementing an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework • 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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