Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341757 Unique Reference Number 25 April 2007 Inspection date Karen Louise Prager 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in November 2006 and live in the Toothill area of Swindon, Wiltshire. She lives with her husband and three children of one year, five years and 17 yrs of age and a family dog. They live in a modern end-of-terrace, three bedroom house. All the downstairs rooms are available for childminding, with one upstairs bedroom being used for babies to sleep or for children to play under supervision. Children also have access to the upstairs bathroom.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years. There are currently no children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local school and toddler group and lives within easy walking distance of the local pre-school. The childminder regularly visits local play parks and shops. There is good access to local bus routes.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder maintains a suitably clean family home. She demonstrates a clear understanding of how children’s good health is promoted. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding children’s medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. She describes how children would learn about their personal hygiene through normal daily routines and by talking to them and praising their efforts to be independent. The childminder has completed a course on first aid emergency treatment for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

From discussion, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of healthy eating. The food given to children is nutritious and varied and regular drinks are given throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder talks about varied activities which promote physical good health. This includes regular trips to local parks to play on the equipment and to meet with other children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a positive attitude to risk assessment and has taken steps to reduce most hazards. The premises are safe and secure because the childminder ensures that all required safety equipment is in place and in working order. This enables the children to move around the room freely and independently. She provides a wide selection of safe play equipment suitable for a range of ages and stages of development, which are maintained to a safe standard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She has a dog, and if children or parents express a wish, she ensures the dog is kept in the garden during their stay. However, the dog is more normally kept in the kitchen with a gate that it is able to jump over. This does not fully protect children during their time with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates how children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted as she has all the required guidance and documents in place. She has attended suitable training in safeguarding children and has good knowledge of child protection procedures. This ensures that she is confident about following the process should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder shows a good understanding of children’s development and is knowledgeable about how to provide valuable play experiences. She gave good examples of how to ensure children enjoy and achieve whilst she cares for them. She demonstrates the ability to develop children’s sense of self, build their confidence and self-esteem by, for example, being very attentive and giving regular praise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder talks about encouraging children’s development through offering a variety of toys, books and activities. Children are able to play, for example, with a selection of vehicles on the carpet, carry out a variety of craft activities or read books with the childminder.

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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. The childminder talks about how children learn about the world around them by providing outings to the park and when walking to school. She provides a range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, and this has a positive impact on children's awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Evidence suggests that children are valued and respected as individuals; their needs are met well as they follow their daily routine. The childminder shows a sound example of behaviour management giving examples of distraction and praise, which are regularly used. The childminder also outlines her successful management to reduce biting behaviour in a young child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has effective systems in place to gather information from parents about their child’s care and individual needs. The childminder talks about how she ensures that parents are clear about the care she offers. She is aware of the need to liaise with parents regarding complaints and would record details as necessary. However she does not currently have a complaints policy that is available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is an experienced parent; there are currently no other children being cared for.

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Organisation

The home is well organised and laid out to provide suitable areas for children’s play. This warm and caring environment will encourage children to feel at home and at ease. Play resources are organised in an effective manner which helps to promote children’s free choice. They are sufficient in quantity and easily accessible in low-level shelving.

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Organisation

Evidence suggests that documentation is generally well organised and up to date and accessible for inspection. The certificate is not displayed to enable parents to read it easily. The childminder has effective procedures for passing on any information to parents through daily communication.

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Organisation

Evidence suggests that the childminder would meet 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 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 the registration certificate is displayed within easy view of parents and carers • develop a complaints procedure which conforms to current regulations • ensure children's safety is promoted at all times with particular regard to managing the dog.

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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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