Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343369 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2007 Inspection date Janet Maria Moutter 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 good. 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 2006. She lives with her husband school aged son in Abbeymeads a district of Swindon in Wiltshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children under eight on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in warm, clean premises. They benefit from the childminder's awareness of the correct administrative procedures to follow if children have an accident or require medication whilst in her care and her understanding of first aid. Children's health is well

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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 protected. Children are encouraged to practice good hand washing routines and the childminder follows hygienic routines herself. For example, sterilising baby equipment and appropriate nappy changing routines. The childminder is a good role model for the children and they quickly respond and assist at various routines such as handing new nappies or the nappy wipe packet to the childminder and washing their hands after playing outside. This means children are not at risk from cross-infection but are gaining some understanding of personal hygiene. The childminder formally shares the sickness policy with parents and ill children are not cared for. Children are not, therefore, exposed to unnecessary illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs and preferences are discussed with parents prior to a child commencing in the setting. These discussions are recorded and any needs are met. Children bring their own food to the childminder's house, and this is stored appropriately in the fridge. The childminder offers feedback to parents regarding the foods their children eat daily, offering advice on the foods they enjoy, and those they are not eating. Water is available at all times and this means children have enough fluids throughout the day. Children's dietary needs are successfully met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise as they walk to school daily. Indoors, children are able to use appropriate equipment to support their physical skills, such as a doll's pram, and furniture to cruise around. In the garden, they have access to an all weather 'astro' turf, slide, bats, balls, push chairs and ride on toys. They also visit the local toddler group where there is a large soft play area. They have also planted sunflower seeds and tomatoes in the green house, ready to plant out in the garden. This encourages the children's physical development well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest in welcoming premises. Space is well utilised to enable the children to have areas for eating, resting and plenty of floor space for play. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that cover all developmental areas. They are able to freely choose the toys they wish to play with and this encourages their confidence and independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in safe premises, free from risks. They benefit from the range of safety measures the childminder implements to promote safety and prevent accidents, in the home. For example, sockets are covered, hazardous materials are in locked cupboards and the premises are secure. Children are, therefore, able to move around the premises with confidence and play in safety. On outings, appropriate safety equipment is used and the childminder ensures the children learn about the importance of road safety. This promotes their safety. All fire precautions are in place. However, the fire evacuation has not been carried out to monitor its effectiveness and to encourage children to learn how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is supported by a childminder who has a good knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. She formally shares her child protection duties with parents and this actively promotes the children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children take part in well-planned activities, which are enjoyable and which motivates them to learn and develop well. The childminder is extremely skilful in introducing learning through

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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 play and daily routine activities. She motivates them to acquire new skills, encouraging them to count, identify differing colours and constantly involving them in conversations to extend language skills as they play. Toddlers are involved in routine care procedures so that they gain a better understanding of their own, and other's, developmental and care needs. All children take part in an extensive range of interesting, fun activities, which include visits to local places, such as the library, local shops and various social groups. The childminder also provides indoor activities such as painting and craft projects as well as opportunities for children to just relax and have fun. She has a very good understanding of their differing abilities, likes and dislikes and plans activities accordingly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures she organises her daily routine around children’s individual care needs and they are very relaxed, happy and confident in her care. Children demonstrate a secure bond with the childminder as they readily approach her for comfort, for example, cuddles, and appear relaxed and very at ease in her care. They eagerly explore the toys and are confident in making decisions regarding the resources they wish to play with, such as the cooker in the home corner and with the train set. She interacts well with the children, and gets down to their level to play with them. This encourages their self-confidence and supports their language development well by explaining what happens next.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who knows the children in her care well, she values and respects their individuality. They have regular opportunities to socialise with other children as they regularly visit local toddler groups and friends houses to play. Children gain an awareness of their local environment with daily walks to the new community school, to the local parks and to the library. They have access to a wide range of resources that promote positive images of diversity in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates an awareness of the appropriate methods to use for managing children's behaviour. She uses praise and encouragement and works consistently with parents to ensure children receive consistent messages. This helps the children to learn right from wrong and develop respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the solid partnership with parents as their care needs and routines are fully respected by the childminder, and they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. The childminder exchanges information with parents daily, both verbally and in writing, and this means any childcare issues are easily discussed. This enables the childminder to offer the children continuity of care. Parents receive detailed information regarding her policies and procedures and the service she offers. This enables them to know how their children will be cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a suitable and appropriately qualified childminder. She maintains the required ratios at all times and this means children receive good adult support as the childminder spends quality time interacting and playing with the children in her care. Children appear relaxed and at ease in the welcoming environment where they are free to explore the toys and equipment. The childminder keeps her knowledge updated to enable her to provide enjoyable activities and ensures she is able to provide a high level of support at all times.

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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 All necessary consents are gained from parents for routines and activities and this protects the children's well-being and ensures they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. All required documentation is stored securely and available for inspection. The childminder implements her policies and procedures in a way that promotes the children's welfare, care and learning.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it 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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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 good. 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): • monitor the effectiveness of the fire evacuation plan, to encourage children to learn how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire

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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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