Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265774 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2007 Inspection date Hilary Preece 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 2003. She lives with her husband and one child aged four years in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The house is within walking distance of shops, schools and parks. The childminding takes place mainly on the ground floor of the house and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five on four days a week. The childminder also cares for children over eight years before and after school. She takes and collects children from local nurseries and schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has previous experience of working as a children's nanny and in day nurseries. She holds a relevant Level 3 qualification in childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children's good health is promoted because the childminder values the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise for children. They are well nourished because meals are varied, freshly cooked and take account of children's individual preferences. Children make healthy choices, for example, choosing a favourite breakfast of poached eggs and selecting the vegetables they would like from a range offered. Children enjoy being active in the garden or at the park. They explore with confidence the range of equipment available that supports their physical development. They enthusiastically use an electronic dance mat to follow a dance sequence and bounce a basketball, showing developing control and co-ordination over their movements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because there are effective procedures that promote their well-being and personal care. Children understand the importance of washing their hands before eating and are quick to remind each other that they should use soap when doing so. They use a hand gel when they are on outings to enable them to clean their hands after touching farm animals, for instance, which minimises the risk of picking up infections. Children are protected by a clear sickness policy that excludes children with contagious or infectious conditions. The childminder has completed first aid training and keeps appropriate records relating to children's medical and health needs which are shared with their parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure environment. They move freely and safely between areas of the home where they play as hazards have been minimised. They enjoy being able to access the garden easily from the play room and select whatever toys and equipment they need for their games. This encourages their independence and decision making. Children use an appropriate range of toys and resources that are stored at low level for them to help themselves. Younger children use small sized furniture in the garden, which helps them feel secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about keeping safe because the childminder has clear procedures when children are out and about. They learn road safety and awareness of the risks of talking to strangers. Children are reminded how to use equipment safely such as when carrying scissors, so they do not hurt themselves or others. However, some procedures to protect children are still developing and are not so robust. The childminder has the necessary fire safety equipment in her home but an emergency escape plan has not been practised with the children, which has a potential impact on their safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's generally secure understanding of child protection procedures. She would always seek advice if she had any concerns about a child's welfare, although currently she does not have the Local Safeguarding Children Board publication readily available, which weakens her procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play confidently together in self-chosen games and activities. They use their initiative to select and adapt resources for a particular purpose, for example, when building a den in the

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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 garden or making paper crowns. They engage in imaginative play very well and use dressing up clothes and props to develop their ideas. Children show curiosity in wildlife as they recall how they collect bugs in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to each other and benefit from positive social interaction with children of different ages. They are learning to negotiate and resolve any difficulties amongst themselves but are supported sensitively by the childminder when help is needed. This helps them to learn about what is right and wrong and become aware of the needs of others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in varied activities and routines that meet their individual needs. Younger children enjoy outings to the local heath and parks where they can explore the natural environment. Children who attend after school are supported with homework as well as having time to play or take part in activities. Children's confidence and self-esteem are promoted because the childminder is so interested in what they do and say. Conversations flow freely and the childminder is very sensitive in recognising when children may need additional reassurance or support. This enables them to feel more confident about new situations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and their individual needs understood. They are settled and secure within the setting. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and would follow appropriate procedures in order to meet their needs. All children have equal access to resources and opportunities to take part in the same activities. For example, left-handed scissors are provided to offer all children equal chances. Children have some opportunities to become aware of the beliefs of others and use resources that reflect diversity. They learn about festivals from other faiths and cultures through discussion and cooking activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave responsibly and show kindness to others. They enjoy helping by tidying up the garden toys and taking plates to the tea table. Older children enjoy the responsibility of playing with and helping the younger children. Children are cared for according to their parents' wishes as aspects of their care such as behaviour strategies, health needs and individual routines, are discussed and agreed. Regular communication takes place to share information, either verbally, by telephone or in a daily diary for younger children. This keeps parents well informed about their children's progress and care. Appropriate written records are maintained but parents have not been informed about how to make a complaint, in line with regulations. This means they are not so well informed to enable all to work together.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her space and resources well to provide children with a balanced range of child-led play, adult-led activities and outings. These promote children's overall development and enjoyment. She makes sure that children are given sufficient individual attention to enable them to feel secure and confident. She has completed the required childminder training.

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Organisation

The childminder's practice is supported by sufficient documents and records. She shares information with parents verbally about her policies and procedures, which generally promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. However, she does not have available all the

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 latest publications required or show full regard for requirements and guidance as set out in the National Standards, which compromises the efficient management of the provision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were a number of actions and recommendations to improve practice concerning training, resources, hazards within the home, written agreements with parents and child protection procedures. Generally good progress has been made to address these issues and improve the outcomes for children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is now better qualified to meet children's needs as she has completed an Introduction to Childminding course and training in first aid for infants and children. She has increased the range of resources available so that activities meet the developmental needs of a range of children. Safety of the children has improved because hazards such as low-level glass and a lock on the toilet door have been made safe or removed. The written agreement between the childminder and parents is more robust as it now includes parents' written permission for the childminder to administer medication, seek emergency treatment and transport the children in the car. The childminder has increased her knowledge of child protection issues by reading widely and consulting with those that work in child protection. However, she still needs to improve her knowledge of reporting procedures and ensure she has access to up-to-date

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Improvements since the last inspection

information in order to fully safeguard children's welfare.

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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): • devise and practice an emergency escape plan • provide parents with information on how to make a complaint and the contact details of the regulator (Ofsted) in line with regulations • ensure policies and procedures reflect current requirements in the National Standards, the 'Birth to three matters' framework and up-to-date publications.

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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 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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