EOTAS Vocational Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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136243 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Susan Esther Harvey 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 1989. She lives in Yate, South Gloucestershire with her husband who is approved as a childminding assistant, teenage son and adult daughter. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, and when working with an assistant four children under five of these two may be under one. The childminder is currently minding six part-time children under five, and three children before and after school. The childminder drives to school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group, and childminding group. The family have two cats and one dog.

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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 learn good hygiene routines through the childminder's management of their personal care. Children are provided with their own towels which are colour coded for easy identification. They know when to wash and dry their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals. Children's management of their personal care is to be further improved through regular use of tissues. The childminder shares her sick children's policy and infectious diseases list with parents. She has a recent first aid certificate and written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. All documents are up-to-date and appropriately recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an awareness of healthy food, as snacks of fruit are provided and water is easily available for them to drink. The childminder provides children with nutritious home-cooked meals which are prepared in a clean environment. Meals are a social occasion as the childminder sits with the children while they talk about their family and things that are important to them. As a result, children are learning good social skills, such as table manners and taking turns in listening.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For example, children regularly visit toddler groups with the childminder, where there is equipment to climb on. They enjoy taking the dog for walks in the country side.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and welcoming environment. The childminder's home is secure and well maintained. Children move confidently around the home and can reach a good range of toys and resources. Children are provided with the opportunity to experience a wide selection of activities. For example, a box of dressing up clothes enables children to use their imagination and increase their confidence in performing for others. All risks to the children have been identified and minimised. For example, children are quickly noticed by the childminder while on outings, as they all wear bright yellow tee-shirts. Each child has an emergency bag with such contents as a spare set of clothes. As a result of the childminder's care, children are well protected when enjoying outdoor activities and outings. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they willingly tidy away toys after use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is well aware of her personal responsibility to safe-guard children. She has attended a child protection course, and has a sound understanding of the reporting and recording procedures, should there be any concerns about a child. Therefore, children remain safe and protected while in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very relaxed in the care of the childminder. She has a warm, secure relationship with the children and their families. Children develop high level social skills while interacting with the childminder. She listens to what they have to say and is interested in their conversations. For example, children excitedly share their news with the childminder while eating lunch and drawing pictures.

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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 clear solid understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and children's development. She puts many aspects into practise with babies and young children. For example, by providing resources for young children to handle and explore, such as natural materials in treasure baskets.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a wide range of planned activities. Photographic evidence supports the time children spend in the care of the childminder. Children really blossom using their imagination while dressing up in clothes from the wide range available to them. This includes children's high heeled shoes, tiaras, sparkly, shiny dresses which transforms the child into a fairy princess. Children have a very good choice of construction toys. This includes coloured bricks to build a tower. They stretch out on the carpet with a road mat and play with cars, building traffic jams. Children know what is available for them to use, and after asking to play with the treasure basket contents, they concentrate on handling and exploring the feel of things such as a wooden egg, and a washing up plug.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children gain self-assurance through the close relationship with the childminder and enjoy being in her company. Each child has a photograph album to record their activities and their drawings are displayed for people to see. As a result, children's achievements are valued by the childminder, which increases their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder. She provides for their individual needs and acknowledges their achievements through photographs. Children are well behaved and the childminder encourages good manners. Children say please and thank you and are kind and polite towards each other. Children visit the local toddler group with the childminder where they learn to socialise with other children. Therefore, children are developing their social skills and building positive relationships with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the sound relationship between parents and the childminder. Daily verbal contact with parents keeps them informed of all that their children have done during their time with the childminder. New parents are provided with good quality information. This includes information about the childminder's family members, courses taken and the childminders 'aims' regarding her care for the children and the service she provides. As a result, there is a sound link between parents and the childminder in order for children to feel secure. There is a complaint procedure in place and parents are made aware of the process the childminder will take if there is a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder is extremely well organised in her management of documentation and the care of children. She has a set routine which includes indoor and outdoor activities. Children have space to play in comfort. They can independently select from a wide range of toys and resources. Children receive very good care and attention. As a result, the welfare and care of children is positively promoted through the childminder's experience.

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Organisation

All documentation is maintained to a high standard. Policies and procedures are shared with parents, and all the necessary consents from parents are in place for the safety of children. The

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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 childminder has aims to maintain a 'home based safe family environment' which is printed for parents to read in a well documented file. The childminder is committed in furthering her professional development. She attends courses to effectively build on her good practice which benefits the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to, consider the development of a behaviour management statement which can be shared with parents. This has now been completed and made available in the parent file.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to ensure records maintained are consistent, and up to date. Records are reviewed annually and made available in the parent file.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These improvements have increased childminder's record keeping and the ensured the welfare of children.

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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 from 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): • further encourage children's independence in their personal care

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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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