Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344341 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2007 Inspection date Valerie Anne Curotto 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 2006 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. He lives with his wife and two children aged six and four years, in the Downend area of South Gloucestershire. The childminder regularly works with his wife, who is also a registered childminder and together they share responsibility for the childminding practice. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Local schools and a shopping centre are within walking distance. The family have several pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs and fish in the garden pond. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years of age, or six children when working with another childminder. There are currently four children on roll, attending on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's nutritional needs are met as they enjoy home cooked meals, prepared by the co-minder and healthy snacks, including fruit. Young children do not go thirsty as their drink containers

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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 are replenished throughout the day. However, at times hygiene is compromised as these fall unnoticed on the floor. Children's individual health and dietary needs are met as relevant information is gathered from parents. Management of the family's pets sufficiently safeguards children as animals are housed appropriately and children are encouraged to treat them with respect. Children develop everyday routines, such as handwashing which promotes their health. Areas used by children are well maintained and a written policy is shared with parents, outlining procedures in place to protect children's health. Children benefit from regular opportunities for outdoor and physical play in the garden and at local parks, which promotes their health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected as the childminder has a good awareness, in discussion, of issues and action necessary to protect children. These are also outlined in the setting's extensive health and safety policy. As a result, appropriate measures are in place to safeguard children, such as stair gates and regular fire safety checks. However, the current organisation of equipment is not effective at times and adjustments continue to be made as placements develop. For example, to avoid trip hazards with baby equipment and ensure sufficient accommodation is available for sleeping children. Children develop an understanding of road safety during spontaneous discussions on the way to school. Children are further safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of the local authority's role in child protection and the procedures to follow should a concern arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and children move around freely within two ground floor rooms. Toddlers gain confidence moving around the setting, as they have space to explore within a generally safe environment. Ongoing risk assessments, during recent building work, have ensured that children are not exposed to hazards. Children independently access toys and equipment as these are organised at children's level, in crates on the floor and in a low level cupboard. Children's safety is promoted on outings as checklists for equipment required, such as mobile 'phones and a first aid box is in place. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and sufficient understanding of action to be taken in an emergency, which further safeguards children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Young children appear happy and secure within the setting as they confidently explore their surroundings. They experience a regular routine which includes a suitable balance of outdoor and home-based activities. Effective use is made of local resources, such as activities at the library and parks, to provide interest for children. Activities within the home are child-led and age-appropriate equipment is available. For example, young children enjoy shaking musical instruments and are supported appropriately to build towers and use shape sorters by the childminder. Older children enjoy mask making and colouring activities, although creative opportunities for younger children are not extensive. Children are generally occupied as sufficient toys and equipment are available in the house and garden. However, planning and the organisation of resources is not yet fully developed to sustain children's interest and impact

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

further on their individual development.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's sense of security is fostered by a familiar daily routine and current placement numbers ensure children receive individual attention. Appropriate policies, such as equal opportunities and special needs are in place and demonstrate the childminder's commitment to meeting individual children's needs. Children's understanding of difference is supported by suitable resources, including multi cultural dolls and books, which provide positive images of diversity. Non verbal communication with younger children is promoted as the childminder develops his use of Makaton and children watch specific programmes on television. Children benefit from regular contact with their local community, including visits to the local shops and farmer's market.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are welcomed into the setting and information about their children's care is exchanged through informal discussion each day. Useful written information about the setting is provided to parents, including a suitable behaviour management policy and emergency evacuation procedures. Appropriate contracts and records are maintained, although some consents are not yet sufficiently detailed to be meaningful to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder and his co-minder work as a team, sharing most aspects of children's care. This ensures appropriate ratios are maintained and that children have sufficient support, particularly during the school run. Documentation is generally well organised, including accident and medication records. The childminder is effectively using available resources to inform his practice and identify areas of development. For example, policies and procedures have been developed to support children's care, using a variety of sources on the intranet. While some do not yet fully reflect practice, others policies, such as health and safety are specific to the setting. In addition, contact with the local authority's development worker has begun to extend the childminder's understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and how activities impact on children's development. The provider meets the needs of the range of children for whom

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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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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): • continue to develop daily routines and the organisation of resources, to promote children's welfare and extend the range of activities • continue to review and develop policies and procedures to reflect practice within the setting

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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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