Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY217335 Unique Reference Number 14 June 2007 Inspection date Heidi Wilton 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 partner and two children. They live in a house in Locksheath, close to local shops, schools and parks, all of which are in walking distance of the childminder's home. All areas of the property are registered for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet guinea pig and fish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from cross contamination because the childminder uses sound hygiene procedures. She cleans work surfaces appropriately and washes her hands before preparing foods. Children are reminded to wash their hands after touching animals, going to the toilet and before meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses the sick child policy with parents when their child first starts to ensure they are informed of procedures to follow. She has gained parental permission from

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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 parents to allow her to administer emergency first aid to the children in her care. This permission does not clearly gain parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment from other professionals which delays the care they receive in an emergency. The childminder has a sound understanding of completing accident and medication records to ensure children are safe and parents informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides meals for the children. She respects parents wishes and has systems in place to ensure she is aware of allergies and dietary requirements. The childminder talks to the children about the healthy benefits of the fruits and ensures children have access to water at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder talks about how she encourages children's physical development through taking them to local parks and indoor play zones regularly. Children dance to familiar songs and interact with the actions. Activities such as jigsaws and play dough ensure children's fine motor skills are developed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use the downstairs of the childminder's home and choose freely from the range of activities and resources. The childminder ensures all doors are kept secured when they are not in use and has good procedures to ensure children are only collected by their designated person. The childminder checks the environment and resources on a daily basis to ensure they are well maintained and hazards identified.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe and accidents are prevented through the use of good safety equipment. Socket covers are in place and hazardous cleaning materials are stored out of the reach of children. The childminder practises fire drills with children on a regular basis and presses the button on the smoke alarm so they recognise the noise. She talks to children about the need to conduct fire drills to ensure they are fully knowledgeable about what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder has gained written parental permission to take children on outings and to take them in a vehicle. This ensures they are safe when being transported.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding and awareness of child protection in order to safeguard children's welfare. From discussion, she showed a clear understanding of recognising signs and symptoms and good knowledge of where to make appropriate recordings and referrals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is warm and welcoming to the children which enables them to feel relaxed and settle quickly. She gains information from parents at the outset about their child's likes, dislikes and current stages of development. This allows children to play with favourite activities and to feel secure when at the childminder's home. The childminder has a satisfactory range of age and stage appropriate play and learning resources to enhance all aspects of children's development. Toys and equipment are sufficiently accessible for children as they are stored in low level cupboards. She has a sound understanding of encouraging children's language development through reading stories and promotes communication through interaction with the children. Children play with role-play resources, pushing the toy hoover around the environment and iron pieces of material with the toy iron.

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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 provides some opportunities for art and messy play, such as rolling and squeezing the coloured play dough. They have further opportunities to experience arts and crafts at the local toddler group where they engage in activities and develop their social skills. Older children have access to a computer where they interact with educational programs. Children have opportunities for quiet times as they relax on the sofa watching television or reading books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's understanding of equality of opportunity is gained by activities and resources that reflect diversity in society. The childminder enhances this understanding as she uses an inclusive approach and values all the children as individuals. The childminder has little experience of learning disabilities and/or difficulties but is happy to care for children with additional needs. The childminder is happy to work in partnership with parents and outside agencies to help the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder reminds them to share the toys and resources and to be kind to each other. She use positive praise for good behaviour and achievements. The childminder talks about methods of timeout and distraction which she uses for unacceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are given verbal feedback at the end of every day about their child's routine. They are offered 'settling in' visits to ensure their child is happy at the childminder's. The childminder discusses her provision with parents when they first start to ensure they are informed and ensures they are aware of how to contact Ofsted should they have any concerns. The childminder has a log book to record concerns should they arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of regulatory requirements and standards for childminding. She gains required information about the children and stores this confidentially. The childminder displays her registration certificate to ensure parents are aware of her conditions of registration. However, the childminder has not informed us of the birth of her son thus making the numbers of children on the registration form inaccurate. This is a significant event and is a breach of her regulations as a childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains an attendance register but does not record children's attendance at the actual times of arrival and departure. This does not ensure children are safe and accounted for in an emergency. The childminder is aware of vetting procedures to ensure all household members are suitable to be around the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was asked to address three recommendations for care. She was asked to ensure parents consistently sign the register. The childminder obtains parents signatures at the end of the week but this is not always consistent. This inconsistency of gaining parental signatures does not ensure parents are always well informed.

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Improvements 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 She was asked to provide further toys and equipment for the children over five years, including further equipment that promotes positive images of society. The childminder has gained further equipment and resources and often borrows resources from other childminder's to ensure toys are rotated and children kept stimulated. The childminder has some resources promoting positive images in society and talks to the children about different cultures, religions and job roles.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities policies. The childminder has gained some further knowledge about equal opportunities. She encourages the children to access all of the resources and talks to them about differences within society.

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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. 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): • ensure written parental permission is gained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment in an emergency • ensure Ofsted are informed of all significant events • ensure children's attendance is recorded at the actual times of arrival and departure.

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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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