Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344351 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. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and four years, in the Downend area of South Gloucestershire. The childminder regularly works with her husband 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 the shops 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 the childminder plans varied and balanced meals. Healthy snacks, including fruit and regular drinks are provided throughout the day. Children enjoy home

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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 cooked food and are encouraged to try new tastes by the childminder. Children's individual health and dietary needs are met as relevant information is gathered from parents. Medication and accident records are maintained appropriately to support children's wellbeing. A written policy is in place and shared with parents, outlining systems in place to protect children's health. These include arrangements, such as food hygiene and pet management, which are generally well maintained. Appropriate nappy changing routines are in place and individual towels are available for older children as they develop independence in toileting. Children benefit from regular opportunities for local walks and physical play in the garden, 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. As a result, appropriate measures are in place to safeguard children, such as stair gates and cupboard locks, to prevent children's access to hazardous areas. These are also outlined in the setting's extensive health and safety policy. However, in practice, the organisation of equipment is not yet fully developed to promote children's welfare and arrangements are reviewed as placements develop. For example, to avoid trip hazards from baby toys and ensure suitable accommodation is available for sleeping children. Regular fire drills ensure children have sufficient opportunities to become familiar with evacuation procedures. The childminder has a clear understanding of the local authority's role in child protection and a written policy is shared with parents, to inform them of the childminder's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibilities for safeguarding children.

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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 in the garden as guidelines for use of outdoor equipment, such as the trampoline, are in place and the childminder offers appropriate supervision around the covered pond.

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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 'rhyme time' 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 babies focus on toys hanging from the play gym and toddlers use a sand pit in the garden. Children access toys from crates as the childminder introduces colour and shape to extend their vocabulary and understanding. Older children enjoy mask making and colouring activities, although opportunities for craft activities 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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources is not yet fully developed to sustain children's interest and consider the impact 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 at times. 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 diversity is supported by suitable resources, including dolls and books, which provide positive images. The setting encourages the use of Makaton which supports young children's communication skills and children benefit from regular contact with their local community.

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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, daily discussion with the childminder. Useful written information about the setting is provided to parents, including a suitable behaviour management policy and complaints procedure. Appropriate records are maintained, although some consents are not sufficiently detailed to be meaningful to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder and her co-minder work as a team, sharing most aspects of children's care. Appropriate ratios are maintained which ensure children have sufficient support, particularly during the school run. Documentation is generally well organised, including a daily register and contracts with parents. While her co-minder takes the lead in creating the setting's policies and procedures, the childminder is actively involved in discussing these and putting them into practice on a daily basis. The childminder is able to identify her own areas of development, including appropriate training courses, to benefit children in her care. She has also accessed other sources of support, including the local authority's development worker. For example, to extend her understanding of the use of children's observations and activity planning. The provider meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 the organisation of resources and the range of activities for younger children • continue to develop the use of children's observations to support planning for individual children's development

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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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