Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336903 Unique Reference Number 23 April 2007 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged four and two years. Their home is a three-bedroom, semi-detached house in the village of Woodmancote, approximately five miles north of Cheltenham. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Care is provided on a full or part-time basis throughout the year. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are currently five children on the roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent-and-toddler group and takes children to the nearby shops and library. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that children's good health is actively promoted. Hygiene standards are high and hand-washing and nappy-changing procedures are well

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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 considered. They are effectively implemented to minimise the risk of infection. The pet cats are regularly vaccinated and care is taken to ensure that they pose no health risk to minded children. Good use is made of the garden and local amenities such as the park which means that children have regular fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first-aid certificate and has a well equipped first-aid box readily available so children can be treated appropriately if a minor accident or injury occurs. Documentation is of a high quality which ensures that an accurate record is maintained of any accidents involving children.

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Helping children to be healthy

An exclusion policy for sick children reduces the spread of infection. When children fall ill they are cared for appropriately. The childminder follows carefully considered procedures to ensure that parents are contacted and children receive the treatment they need. Medication is stored safely out of children's reach and accurate documentation means that a clear record is maintained when medication is administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a healthy and balanced diet. There is an emphasis on fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables and the childminder takes steps to ensure that individual dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home provides a clean and welcoming environment for minded children. It is attractively presented and decorated with posters and pictures at child height. Children feel safe and comfortable in the home. It is suitably warm and ventilated and is clean and well presented throughout. The childminder uses space well to meet children's needs. There is ample space to play and move around freely. Children have a separate bedroom where they can sleep undisturbed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are clean and well maintained so they are safe for children to use. The childminder takes into account children's age and stage of development when providing resources so they meet their needs appropriately. Low-level storage and shallow boxes are used to present toys so children can access them safely for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective steps have been taken to protect children's safety. Inside the house stair gates are in place, cleaning equipment is locked away and socket covers are used. Fire precautions minimise the danger to children. There is a fire blanket and smoke alarms in place. The fire drill is practised regularly. In the garden the boundary is secured with high fencing and a locked gate. The sand pit is covered when not in use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed relevant training so she is able to recognise possible indicators of abuse. She has up-to-date information readily available and her own written policy in place to ensure that children are suitably protected if there are any concerns for their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. New children settle in quickly as the childminder is quick to reassure and comfort them. She promotes the development of strong attachments as she holds babies in her arms to feed them or to share stories together.

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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 Children take part in a broad range of activities which promote their all-round development and enjoyment. The childminder makes sure that children are stimulated and provided with resources which are interesting, and provide appropriate challenge. They enjoy making puzzles, reading stories and singing together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are able to make choices for themselves from the range of resources on offer. Toys are readily accessible. The childminder rotates equipment regularly to provide variety and retain children's interest. There are frequent opportunities for children to explore their environment as they walk to school, go on visits to the park or on a bus trip.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder takes individual needs into account and treats children with equal concern. She discusses specific requirements with parents before care commences and ensures that written records are maintained so she has clear information readily available. Children make use of a range of resources such as books and role-play equipment which promote their knowledge and understanding of other faiths and cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has clear strategies in place to ensure that children with learning difficulties and disabilities are effectively supported. She spends time with the parents and child before care commences and has links with other professionals, such as the area special-needs co-ordinator, for additional advice and guidance when needed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is sensitively managed. The childminder has a positive approach and works with parents to ensure that children receive consistent messages. Good behaviour is actively encouraged. Children are praised when they behave well and are rewarded with simple treats.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder seeks parental consent for outings, car travel and the taking of photographs to ensure that care is in accordance with their wishes. She makes sure that parents are well informed about her setting by providing written information, contracts and pre-care meetings. Information on children's progress is shared in daily diaries and through regular discussion so parents are kept well informed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The poster for parents is clearly displayed so they have access to information on how to contact the regulator. There have been no complaints made by parents but the childminder is not clear about the records she must keep, should a complaint be received, to ensure that parents have access to relevant information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well qualified to provide care for young children. She has completed all mandatory training and demonstrates a clear commitment to developing her knowledge and skills. She has completed additional training in child protection and food safety and is working towards a level 3 qualification in home-based childcare.

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Organisation

Household members are cleared as suitable and children are closely supervised at all times to ensure that they are not at risk from adults who have not received clearance. Appropriate ratios are maintained at all times so children receive good levels of adult support. The daily register is clear and up-to-date, providing an accurate record of children's attendance.

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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 All records are stored appropriately so children's confidentiality is maintained. Documentation is routinely shared with parents who countersign to acknowledge entries. The certificate is clearly displayed to provide parents with information on the conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it 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): • improve knowledge and understanding of legislation regarding the recording and sharing of information about complaints with parents

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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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