Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY319492 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Anneliese Fox-Jones 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 2005 and lives with her husband and two children aged two and four years. The family live in a two bedroom flat in Bushey, Watford which is close to local parks, schools and shops. All areas of the flat are accessible to children. There is a communal garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children under eight years. She is currently minding two children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have one cat and a fish tank. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in generally clean, healthy surroundings. Regular cleaning routines ensure this. Children's individual routines are followed so they are able to sleep and eat when they

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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 need to. Care is taken to ensure that nappies are changed regularly. However, the childminder does not effectively protect children from cross infection, by the use of gloves or effective hand washing before changing the next child. Children are finding out about keeping healthy as they learn to wash their hands before eating. Little step ups enable young children to use the bathroom independently.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive an appropriate diet. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables served at snack and lunch times. Through discussion they learn about healthy eating. Information regarding children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children are offered drinks regularly, although these are not readily available to the children throughout the day to ensure they are well-hydrated. Effective procedures are in place when dealing with children who become ill whilst in the childminder's care. Appropriate documentation is in place to record accidents. However, there is no clear procedure in place to maintain written parental consent for all medication and an accurate record of any medication administered, which affects children's overall well-being and the partnership with parents. Children are further safeguarded as the childminder has up to date training in first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to take part in a range of physical play activities planned into the daily routines. They enjoy playing in the communal garden, the local park and regularly visit local toddler groups which are equipped with various equipment. These activities support the development and improvements of children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and secure environment. They are free to explore in organised child-friendly surroundings. Space is used effectively to allow children to independently access toys. The childminder is aware of any potential risks and takes appropriate measures to keep children safe. There are basic rules and boundaries in place to ensure the children's safety, such as no climbing on the furniture and on outings they follow simple road safety and stranger danger precautions set by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel at ease in a comfortable home from home environment. There is a suitable range of resources appropriate for the minded children. Resources and equipment are checked, kept clean and are in good condition. Many of which are rotated around on a regular basis to offer children variety. Children are protected because the childminder has up to date knowledge and a sound understanding of her role in child protection. Children benefit as she has attended training in this area. Relevant leaflets and contact numbers are readily available to refer child protection concerns, in line with the Local Safeguarding Child Board (LSCB). Therefore, children's welfare is effectively safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled and can therefore become involved in a variety of activities which support their development and learning. Children develop social skills and an awareness of the local community as they regularly visit toddler groups and access the local parks, shops and library. Children have access to a suitable range of resources which enhance their ability to explore, make choices and develop independence in their play. Children are acquiring new skills as they have opportunities to count, identify colours and learn new words in day-today routines or activities.

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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 Children are supported in their play as the childminder is interested in what they are doing. However, the childminder is not yet familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework to guide her practice with children under three years. Children enjoy sensory and creative activities such as play dough, painting and sticking to extend their imagination. They learn to distinguish right from wrong during their play as they are reminded to share fairly and use resources safely whilst babies are around. Children develop confidence and independence because support and praise encourages children to become independent and know when to come for support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs and routines are adhered to. They respond well to the childminder's guidance and benefit from the attention she gives them. They approach her for comfort and reassurance. The childminder has an understanding of how to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She appreciates that some children may need additional support or resources to enable them to reach their potential. A small range of resources promotes children's awareness of diversity. Children behave generally well. They respond appropriately to the childminder's firm and fair approach. They learn to understand responsible behaviour through positive praise and encouragement. If necessary and depending on the children's age, they have timed periods away from others to think about any unwanted behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for according to parents' wishes. Appropriate contracts and records are maintained to ensure children's needs and the business arrangements agreed. Information is regularly shared verbally and through the use of daily diaries to ensure that parents are kept informed. There are clear and comprehensive policies in place that are shared with parents. However, there is no formal complaints record that is discussed with parents, in line with current regulations. This means parents are not fully informed of the factors that potentially impact on the children's well-being. Children benefit from the sound partnership that has developed between the parents and the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises time sufficiently well to meet the requirements of the children. She has appropriate knowledge of the National Standards. She organises her home to provide a safe environment and comfortable surroundings that meet the needs of babies and young children. Children are familiar with their routines which helps them to feel secure. Children enjoy the flexible structure to their day which enables them to participate in a variety of self-chosen activities as well as enjoy frequent outings and fresh air. Opportunities are made for resources to be rotated around and for children to select toys of their choice.

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Organisation

Children's safety is effectively provided for and the record keeping and policies are well-organised. Documentation is maintained for the safe and efficient management of the setting. The childminder has effective communication with parents. This means that parents are kept informed about their children's activities which leads to a professional working relationship. Overall, the children's needs are met.

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Improvements 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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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.

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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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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 readily accessible at all times for children • obtain written parental consent for all medication administered and record appropriately • protect children's health by ensuring nappy changing procedures are effectively hygienic • develop systems for the recording of complaints, in line with current regulations.

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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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