Bott Janette Susan

Inspection report for early years provision

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225166 Unique Reference Number 29 October 2007 Inspection date Claire Jenner 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 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, 13 and 12 years in a village in Leicestershire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, and takes children to the local library and park. The family have one pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 13 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed family home where they have sufficient space to play, rest and eat according to their needs. Children are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene procedures, which are encouraged by the childminder. For example, washing hands

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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 before eating, and after playing outside. Suitable systems are in place to deal with any minor accidents as the childminder has completed relevant first aid training, and an appropriately stocked first aid kit is readily available. Children are protected from the possible risk of cross-infection as the childminder has a clear policy ensuring children with an infectious illness do not attend. Systems are in place to record the administration of medication, however these are not sufficiently robust.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy physical activity, develop motor skills and experience fresh air within their everyday routine. For example, through daily walks to and from school and trips to the local park. Flexible arrangements between the childminder and parents helps to ensure children receive suitable meals and snacks during the day. These include sandwiches, beans on toast, pasta, meat and vegetables. Drinks and snacks, such as juice, water, fruit and the occasional biscuit are provided ensuring children remain hydrated and well nourished throughout the day. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that these are met and their health actively promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Use of the ground floor provides sufficient space for children to play, eat and relax within the childminder's sight and hearing, so helping to ensure they are appropriately supervised. A number of acceptable precautions are in place to reduce the risks to children's safety. For example, stair gates are in place to prevent access to the kitchen, and covers are fitted to low-level sockets. Smoke detectors and an identified emergency evacuation plan help minimise the risks from fire. However, this has not been practised with children which hinders their knowledge of how to react in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to access a basic range of toys and resources which are stored in child height boxes within the main play area. However, these are disorganised and lacking in presentation, consequently children's play and learning is hindered. The toys are maintained to a satisfactory standard and are checked by the childminder to enable children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder shows a clear awareness of child protection issues and procedures. She has a sound understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and is aware of her duty to inform parents of her duty to protect children, maintain appropriate records and the procedures she should follow should she have any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house and they receive an adequate level of adult support which allows them to explore their environment in safety. They are able to participate in a range of home-based activities generally suited to their interests and stages of development. For example, school-aged children have access to a selection of board games and drawing materials whilst younger children play with cause and effect toys or engage in role play with the bags. Toys and resources are accessible to children to enable them to make some simple choices of what they wish to engage in. However, these are not always well presented and some lack purpose. Consequently children's play and learning is hindered and opportunity for challenge and to extend play is limited. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and changing legislation and guidance. She undertakes some planning including

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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 some structured art and craft activities which all children are able to participate in. Children are happy and content at the childminder's house. They develop their confidence and relate well to the childminder and visitors. Children receive lots of cuddles and positive interaction so they feel valued and relaxed at the childminder's home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder recognises children as individuals and respects their needs, and children do have access to some resources, such as dolls, reflecting cultural diversity. However, these are limited and poorly presented. Children have opportunities to find out about different festivals through activities but these are not consistently well-planned to help them to extend their understanding of their own and the wider community or to respect differences. This inhibits their understanding of the needs of others. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to obtain to ensure appropriate care could be provided for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is well managed by the use of suitable age-appropriate strategies. For example, time out and distraction which allows them time to reflect upon their actions. Children are given clear and consistent boundaries and explanations of why their behaviour is unacceptable so they learn to be responsible for their own behaviour. Positive behaviour is praised and their achievements acknowledged, which promotes their self-esteem and confidence. A behaviour management policy is shared with parents which includes details on physical restraint and that it must not be used unless to prevent injury to a child or damage to property. However, systems to record such incidents are not in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive satisfactory levels of care as the childminder works with the parents and has developed positive relationships with them. Written agreements which cover most aspects of routine business and care arrangements are in place, so helping to establish the expectations of both parents and childminder. An exchange of verbal and written information ensures parents are kept fully informed of the daily events and the child's experiences. Parents are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home which enables children to feel happy and secure in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel secure and content in the childminder's relaxed family home. They are cared for with a satisfactory level of adult support, which means they can explore the environment in safety and with confidence. The childminder has completed relevant training, such as, the introduction to childminding course and the developing childminding practice course to support her in the day to day management of her childminding service. Written records contain most of the required details needed to support children's care. However, medication records lack clarity and systems to record any incidents of physical restraint are not in place. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to address a number of safety issues including the safe storage of items in the small ground floor room, security of both the indoor and outdoor of the premises, the safe storage of hazardous items in the shed and kitchen and access to low

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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 level glass and uncovered plug sockets. All of these issues have been addressed satisfactorily by the childminder, therefore protecting the safety and well-being of minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the childminder's 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 records detailing the administration of medication are clear and consistently maintained and that effective systems to record incidents of physical restraint are in place • ensure that positive steps are taken to promote safety with regard to practising an emergency escape plan • ensure that there is a sufficient range of activities and resources available to all children that promote positive images of diversity • develop planning and organisation to ensure a balance of appropriate toys, resources and activities are consistently and easily accessible to children.

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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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