Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY244819 Unique Reference Number 08 October 2007 Inspection date Brenda Joan Flewitt 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and four years. They live in a farm house in the village of Middle Chinnock, located between Yeovil and Crewkerne, Somerset. Children have use of most of the house, except the office. Sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family have one dog and two cats. The animals have their own separate area during childminding hours.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding four children under the age of five and four school aged children. The childminder holds a Certificate in Childminding Practice, and NVQ level 3 in Early Years and Childcare.

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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's health is well promoted. They are cared for in a clean and tidy family home where they learn and generally practise good procedures for their own personal hygiene, which includes washing their hands after using the toilet. Children are protected from the spread of infection through the childminder's routine procedures. She has a hygienic nappy changing system and supplies liquid soap and paper towels for hand washing. There is a clear sickness policy which ensures that parents are aware that children must not attend if they have an infection illness. Children's accidents and medication are generally well managed. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and makes sure that first aid resources are readily available both at home and when on outings. The relevant records are completed, however, the record of medicines administered to children is not clear or signed by parents, to fully promote children's ongoing

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle. They are involved in a good variety of activities that give opportunities for fresh air and exercise. These include garden play where children like to manoeuvre wheeled vehicles, and trips to the play park where they use large equipment such as swings and slides. Older children use a trampoline and play fort in the garden as agreed by parents. Children regularly go for walks in the local area, and if the weather is too wet there is ample space to set up an obstacle course inside. Children learn to make healthy choices in what they eat through the good example set by the childminder. She offers snacks and meals which contain organic fresh fruit and vegetables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in safe and secure, well maintained premises where hazards and risks are identified and minimised. The good security system means that they are protected from uninvited visitors and that they cannot leave the building unsupervised. Children move around freely and in safety because the spacious home is organised well. For example, a two-year-old confidently rides on a toy truck along the wooden floor in the hall way, the childminder easily supervises as she can see and hear children's activities from the living rooms and kitchen areas. The childminder puts measures in place to help prevent accidents. These include socket covers, locks on kitchen cupboard doors and door 'slammers' to prevent trapped fingers. There is a range of equipment to help children stay safe when they are eating, resting and travelling. This includes a high-sided cot, plus a high chair, buggies and appropriate car seats, all with harnesses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use play provision and resources that are well organised and kept in good condition. They learn to respect equipment and how to play with toys carefully.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children get to know what is expected if they must leave the building in an emergency, as they are included in practising the escape plan, supported by discussion. This helps towards their safety in a real situation. Children are kept safe on outings through the childminder's procedures that include obtaining parental permission, appropriate car insurance and making sure she takes a phone and contact numbers with her. Children learn about their own safety as they look and listen for traffic before crossing roads, and how to stay safe on the farm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of how to recognise signs of abuse and what procedures to follow with concerns. She has up-to-date information for reference and informs

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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 parents of her responsibilities via a written policy. This all contributes towards protecting children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure. They enjoy the time they spend in their childminder's care and make positive relationships with her, her family and each other. They are cared for in a welcoming family environment where they are confident to make their needs known, as they can be sure of a friendly and caring response. Children are involved in a broad range of activities that help them develop and learn. These include construction, role play and dressing up, dough, art and craft, puzzles, games, books and cooking. They use a good supply of toys and resources which are well organised, allowing children to make independent choices according to their age and stage of development. The childminder rotates the selection to maintain their interest. Children receive positive interaction from the childminder which helps them develop vocabulary and make sense of their world. For example, a young child easily finds some books to look at,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sits in a comfortable chair and looks at the pictures. A favourite activity is moving various vehicles around the floor. When the childminder joins in, the child is heard to say 'hurray' as the truck 'scoots' backwards and forwards between them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's days include a good variety of outings where they meet other people, use a wider range of equipment and explore their local environment. Young children enjoy weekly visits to a toddler group where they socialise with other children their age, and join in group activities like song time. Visits to venues like Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park give them opportunities to see a range of animals, play on large equipment and enjoy a picnic with friends. All this helps children develop a positive attitude to the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected as individuals. The childminder knows each child well through effective communication with parents and as she supports their activities. Children develop a sense of belonging as they are welcomed into the childminder's comfortable family home. She includes them in visiting local events such as country dancing, where they see people they know performing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They know what to expect through familiar routine and clear explanations for requests. Children are encouraged to respect each other and belongings. They receive much praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements, which helps build their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's friendly, yet professional, relationships with parents. The childminder seeks and records information to help meet children's individual needs, and parents sign contracts which are regularly reviewed. There are daily opportunities to exchange information verbally, which is backed up in written form when necessary. Parents are supplied with written policies and procedures related to the setting. However, the complaints procedure does not reflect the latest regulations or childminder's responsibilities in dealing with written complaints.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children gain from the childminder's commitment to developing her role. She attends training courses and continues to gain qualifications relevant to caring for children and helping them learn. She has recently completed an NVQ level 3, and is joining the Somerset Quality Assurance Childminding Network. However, she was unaware of the regulations with regards to managing complaints from parents.

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Organisation

The effective organisation of the premises, resources and structure of the day means that children are active in a safe environment, eat and rest as their individual needs require, and enjoy activities outside the home. The childminder provides a flexible service to help meet the needs of all the families she cares for and is aware of working within the conditions of her registration.

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Organisation

All the required documentation and records are in place, well organised, stored confidentially. However, the system for keeping a record of medicines administered to children is not clear. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended: that the locks on toilet doors do not pose a safety hazard to children; and that the full-length mirror, and the glass in the stereo cabinet were made safe or inaccessible.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has removed locks from the bathroom door, re-positioned the full-length mirror and fixed safety film to the low-level glass. Therefore, children's safety is promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 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): • develop knowledge of regulations and responsibilities with regards to managing complaints from parents

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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 • review the system for recording medication administered to children, to include more detail and a parent's signature to acknowledge the entry.

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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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