Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347176 Unique Reference Number 30 April 2007 Inspection date Deborah Page 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and three years old in Ringwood, Hampshire. The whole of the home is registered for childminding including a secure garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years old at any one time. There are five children currently on roll. The childminder takes children to and from local schools. The family have a pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. In general, children's health is adequately promoted, such as washing hands with anti-bacterial soap and using separate towels after using the toilet. Occasionally children's hands are not cleaned thoroughly enough before they eat. Children are protected sufficiently from germs as the toilet seat is cleaned when necessary after use and, children are excluded if they are unwell. Some children are well protected from the sun with sun cream and sun hats. The childminder is fully aware of the system to record accidents and medication. The provision of food and drink

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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 is discussed with parents and information is given to them about the nutritious meals provided by the childminder. There is adequate provision of drinks at meal times and when children request them, however, drinks are not easily accessible to them or regularly replenished to ensure they have sufficient. Children have frequent opportunities to get fresh air and exercise as they play on garden equipment such as the trampoline and slide, visit the park and walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are protected as the childminder makes sure the premises are secure. There is sufficient equipment and resources which are well maintained. However, the play equipment is not adequately organised to meet the needs of all children so that they have easy access and sufficient choice. For example, a child does not wish to complete the puzzle that is offered to them and there are no other accessible puzzles. Some appropriate steps are taken to protect children from harm. Low level glass is covered with safety film and secure grids cover the outdoor water feature. However, cleaning solutions and an air freshener are accessible therefore, children's welfare is at risk. A written evacuation plan is displayed and contributes to children being safe in an emergency. Children learn about safety as they are reminded to 'go steady' on the slide. Younger children know it is safer to come down the stairs sitting on their bottoms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately safeguarded as the childminder has sufficient knowledge of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. In general the activities provided for children are interesting to them. For example, they enjoy looking at the fish in the water feature and talking about what they see. Appropriate support is provided by the childminder as they talk about types of fish and other pond life. The childminder describes how the water flows and how the pond is kept clean extending children's understanding. The children enjoy the opportunity to feed the fish and watch closely as the fish open their mouths. Children are fascinated and frequently return to the pond. A parcel is delivered and children are eager to help open the parcel. They are excited to see large pencil shapes and they are encouraged by the childminder to assemble the different pieces. During construction they realise what they are making and cannot wait to hang something on the new coat stand. 'I haven't got a coat,' announces one child. They proceed to hang their hat on it.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Most of the time children are interested in the activities provided, however, at times children are not sufficiently stimulated. For example, one child sits at the bottom of the slide not attempting to be involved in out door activities until suggestions are made for all children to go inside and play. The children then have the opportunity to play with a train track and they thoroughly enjoy playing together. They are supported by the childminder in constructing the track and are interested in the activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are adequately met as the childminder discusses care with parents and carers. There are some resources to provide children with positive images of different cultures. The childminder continues to develop the equal opportunities provision to increase children's awareness of the wider world. Appropriate methods are used to manage children's

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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 behaviour. The childminder encourages good manners and deals with behaviour situations immediately as they arise. Children learn what is not acceptable. A written behaviour statement informs parents how behaviour is managed and house rules. Partnership with parents and carers is informal with regular discussions when children are collected. Some written agreements and consents have been agreed with parents. However, written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been agreed with parents or carers therefore, parents are not aware of how their child is cared for in emergencies.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are protected as the childminder supervises the children at all times. Most documentation is in place however, written consent is not in place from parents and carers for emergency medical advice or treatment. The premises are adequately organised to meet the needs of the children with most activities taking place in the lounge and kitchen/diner. The toilet is available on the first floor. However, the organisation of activities and resources do not ensure that children are stimulated and offered choices at all times throughout the day. Also organisation of drinks is not successful in ensuring that children have free access to these throughout the day. Systems in place ensure children are safe most of the time. However, full consideration has not been given to how hazardous substances are stored to promote children's safety. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there has 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 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 drinks are accessible at all times • ensure hazardous substances are inaccessible to children

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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 • ensure resources and activities are organised to meet the children's individual needs • obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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