Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345452 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Lilyanne Taylor 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two grown up children in an end terrace property in the Fratton area of Portsmouth. The whole of the premise is suitable for childminding. However, the childminder chooses to use only the ground floor rooms and first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, and is currently providing care for two children under eight years on a part time basis. The premises are within close proximity of schools, parks and shops.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are becoming aware of personal hygiene practices through daily routines; they wash their hands prior to meals and after toileting. However, because they dry their hands on a communal towel they are not fully protected from the spread of germs and infection. Children's health is well protected by the procedures in place for administering medication and dealing with injuries. Younger children are able to sleep and rest according to their needs. The

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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 childminder ensures children are taken out in the fresh air each day so they experience and enjoy a range of outdoor activities. For example, they have regular opportunities to use large equipment, such as a slide and swing, when they visit the local play park and they go on walks around the local area to visit the shops and duck pond. Children have access to drinks throughout the day, which ensures they do not go thirsty. Children's main meals are usually pre-cooked meals, which their parents provide from home. The childminder stores them in the refrigerator, then re-cooks them in the microwave prior to serving them to children. However, she does not find out how food has been stored prior to her receiving it, or use a temperature probe to ensure meals are re-cooked to a safe temperature. Consequently, the good health and wellbeing

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a spacious secure environment which enables them to move around freely. Children are constantly supervised and the childminder carries out a risk assessment of all areas they have access to which ensures they are kept safe. Sleeping children are well protected through effective systems and procedures in place. The childminder seeks the necessary permission to take children out of the home environment. While on outings and walks children are becoming aware of their own safety; they know they must not walk by the kerb and when children over eight years run off, children under eight years remind them that they should be walking with the childminder. The childminder regularly checks the toys and equipment children use to ensure they are safe and suitable. All items are appropriately stored so that children can access them safely and freely. The childminder displays the procedures for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuating the premises in the event of an emergency. However, these are not practised or discussed with children. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the procedures she should follow if she were to suspect a child were being abused or if an allegation of abuse were to be made against her or other members of the household. Systems in place ensure if a child is not collected they will be kept safe. The childminder discusses with parents any injuries she notices the children come in with to establish how they have occurred. However, she does not have a system in place to record such information. As a result children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and well cared for in the childminder's home. They are provided with a relaxed, home-from-home environment, which meets their individual needs and makes them feel secure. Children relate well to the childminder and enjoy her company. She interacts with the children well, which extends their learning, sustains their interests and supports them in developing new skills. The childminder praises children's achievements which raises their confidence and self-esteem. Younger children thoroughly enjoy listening to the childminder sing their favourite nursery rhymes; they laugh as they move their bodies in response to the tune. Children make their own choices of activities they want to play with; they bring in their own toys from home. The childminder interacts with the children well and takes an interest in what they have to say and do. Older children have the opportunity to engage in activities such

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as cooking; the childminder takes them to the local shops to choose the ingredients they need to make their own cakes and biscuits.

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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 feel valued and are treated as individuals. They enjoy the security of bringing in their toys from home. Consistent behaviour management strategies help children understand what is expected of them. Children's awareness of some aspects of the wider world is raised through their walks around the local area. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has with their parents. New children are welcomed to attend pre-visits with their parents. This provides the opportunity for children to get to know the childminder and the surroundings in which they will be cared for, and parents are able to discuss any care needs they may have for their children and to be informed of the operational procedures the childminder works to. The effective two way sharing of information on a daily basis ensures parent's wishes are respected and children are provided with continuity of care, appropriately supported and their individual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs met. Parents have access to information of the procedures they should follow if they have any views or concerns about the provision. The childminder has appropriate systems in place for recording complaints and procedures she would follow include responding to parents, informing them of the action she has taken in addressing any views or concerns they have expressed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a childminder who is suitably qualified and experienced. The childminder has knowledge of first aid and most procedures and practices in place contribute to children's health, safety and wellbeing. The childminder displays her certificate of registration so parents can see how many children may be cared for at any one time. Children feel confident and secure in a comfortable and relaxed environment where indoor play space is used well to maximise children's play opportunities. Their welfare, care and development is promoted as the childminder is well organised and plans her day accordingly for the children she receives each day. Documentation that requires parental permission is sought for all children. Parents are welcomed into the home and are kept informed of the care provided for their children and the progress they are making. The childminder is aware that the information she holds about children is

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Organisation

confidential so is careful to keep it safely. 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 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 may 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): • review the arrangements in place for receiving meals from parents and serving them to children to ensure they are healthy and re-cooked to the correct temperature. • ensure procedures in place for hand drying protect children from the spread of germs and infection • practise the procedures for evacuating the premises in the event of an emergency to ensure all children can exit safely • devise a system so that any injuries children may come in with are recorded and shared with parents

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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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