Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY256758 Unique Reference Number 04 June 2007 Inspection date Shirley Ann Jackson 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 husband and two children, aged seven and 10 years old. The family have a pet rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family home is a modern detached property, situated in a cul-de-sac, in the Abbeymead area of Gloucester. It is within walking distance of local amenities; shops, schools, playgroups and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses her lounge, dining room, conservatory, kitchen, cloakroom and garden to care for children. There are currently eight children on the roll aged from four to 11 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the childminder has appropriate procedures in place if they have an accident or become ill. The risk of cross infection is minimised as children use flannels to dry their hands and then put them in the laundry basket to be washed.

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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 are offered snacks and drinks at the childminder's home. These are healthy and nutritious and in sufficient amounts for the children. Children sit together to enjoy their snack encouraging social skills and positive interaction. The childminder offers the children drinks from a jug and then leaves the jugs where they can help themselves if they want more.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and physical exercise most days as they walk to the childminder's home after school. The childminder sometimes stops off at a nearby play park on the way back. This gives the children the opportunity to play on the equipment and sometimes have a picnic. Children have regular opportunities to play in the childminder's garden. Here they can climb, swing and slide.

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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 bright, clean and well maintained home. When walking with the children, the childminder has appropriate procedures in place to ensure their safety. Children are able to practise these on a regular basis as they walk to the childminder's home after school. The childminder's home is secure which prevents unauthorised entry and the risk of children leaving un-noticed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can play with a suitable range of resources. These are good quality and are well maintained. Most of these toys are stored in the conservatory where children can easily access them. This builds children's independence skills and helps to give them a sense of ownership.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the indicators of abuse and neglect. She is aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child in her care. This helps to safeguard the children and promotes their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children's confidence and independence skills are fostered as the childminder encourages them to choose resources for themselves. She is on hand to help them or to get extra resources if needed. Children are confident in the childminder's company and confidently ask her for things they would like.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a range of resources which promote children's creativity, such as, a range of art and craft materials. Children's imagination is promoted as the childminder offers dressing-up clothes and a selection of role play toys. Children learn to take turns as they can play with board games. Children play well together and share and take turns on the outdoor play equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well in the childminder's home. They have positive relationships with the childminder, her children and the other children attending. Children's independence and confidence are promoted as they can choose a selection of toys and resources for themselves. This also gives them a sense of belonging.

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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 The childminder has some resources which reflect positive images of the wider community. This begins to raise children's understanding of diversity and to value others. All children have access to all resources and this choice is respected. The childminder is keen to offer an inclusive setting and to support the individual needs of all children attending.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a calm and gentle manner. Children follow this lead and behaviour is generally good. The childminder has clear expectations of acceptable behaviour. Children are aware of these and share and take turns. The childminder has an understanding of different behaviour managements strategies to allow for varying stages of children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the friendly working relationship which the childminder has with parents. The childminder talks to parents at the end of the day to share all relevant information about the child. This helps to keep parents informed and involved.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her space effectively. This gives children the opportunity to select toys and resources for themselves. Children are comfortable in the setting and settle well. The childminder is available to extend children's play or to get out extra resources.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation is well maintained and appropriately stored. However, the daily register is completed on a weekly basis, before the children attend. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to; ensure actual times of arrival and departure are recorded and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's health has improved as written parental consent is obtained to allow the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder records children's times of attendance but this is completed on a weekly basis.

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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 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): • ensure times of attendance are recorded when children arrive and leave

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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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