Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY268682 Unique Reference Number 12 June 2007 Inspection date Susan Mann Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight. At present, two children attend on a part time basis. She lives with her husband and two children. They live in a house in Devizes. The whole house is registered for childminding. Children also play in the garden.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children on outings in the local area and attends parent and toddler groups. She takes children to and from school and pre-school. The childminder is able to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy by a range of good procedures and routines. They enjoy healthy snacks and meals. The childminder prepares these and she ensures that foods are healthy and

p.2

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 nutritious. She provides sample menus so that parents know the type of meals she will offer children. Children benefit from sociable mealtimes because the childminder sits with them and they talk together, enjoying one another's company.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from the spread of germs and infection. The childminder's home is clean and hygienic. Children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. A thorough sickness policy advises parents on when to keep a child at home. This helps to limit the spread of infection. Good procedures are in place for recording any medicines that are given to children. However, parents are not asked to provide their written permission for the childminder to seek medical treatment or advice in an emergency situation. This means that necessary treatment could be delayed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy lots of fresh air and exercise. They play in the childminder's large garden, jumping on the trampette and riding bikes and trikes. These activities help children to develop their level of physical fitness and co-ordination. Children also benefit from walks around the local area, and from countryside outings and picnics.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe in the childminder's welcoming and comfortable home. The home is well organised to provide children with plenty of space to play, eat, and rest. Regular checks on the home and toys ensure that most hazards are properly dealt with. However, in the living room there is some low level glass which has not been made safe. In addition, the hearth has exposed corners. Both of these hazards could pose a risk of injury to a child should they fall on them. The front door is kept locked to ensure children do not leave the premises unaccompanied. The garden is fenced and secure so that children are able to play safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children would be safe in the event of a fire or emergency. There are smoke alarms in the home which are checked regularly to make sure they are in working order. The childminder has devised a fire procedure to safely evacuate the house should the need arise. However, children have not yet had the opportunity to practise this, which means they are not familiar with it.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect because the childminder is knowledgeable about the relevant procedures. These are underpinned by a robust child protection policy. This is shared with parents so they understand the childminder's responsibility with regard to safeguarding children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a wide range of inviting activities. The childminder makes written plans for each week, to enable children to enjoy a variety of events and tasks that are interesting and fun. Children enjoy cooking, as well as arts and crafts. They sit around the dining table and make cards using collage materials. They play with a broad range of toys and resources that are well presented and organised. This allows children to select what they would like to play with, which fosters their independence. The toys are suitable for boys and girls, and for the range of children who attend.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are engaged in their play, concentrating for long periods of time. The childminder is attentive and gently supports them without intruding on their ideas. For example, a young

p.3

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 child plays with some dolls and baby equipment. She sits on the floor, feeding her 'baby' from a bottle. The childminder sits with her and shows interest in what she is doing. Children's enjoyment is enhanced through outings. Each week, they visit the local library to look at books. The childminder also takes them to parents and toddler groups which provides them with the opportunity to play with other children and develop their social skills.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They are well behaved and demonstrate a good relationship with the childminder. Children know how to behave because they follow house rules that have been drawn up to promote consistent behaviour. Behaviour management is discussed with parents, and is underpinned by a clear policy so that there is a coherent approach between home and setting. Children benefit from the positive relationships that exist between their parents and the childminder. Each day, the childminder prepares an informative chart for parents. It is called 'What have I done today', and details how they have slept, what they have played with, and how much they have eaten. This provides parents with a valuable insight into their child's day.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is experienced and knowledgeable about how young children develop. She is skilled at interacting with children of a range of ages and abilities. Children learn about our diverse society through playing with resources which reflect a range of different cultures. For example, they enjoy borrowing books from the library and cooking multi cultural recipes.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the effective organisation of the childminder. Existing documentation is well maintained and properly stored to ensure confidentiality. Attendance registers record the times of arrival and departure of children who attend. The childminder is experienced in childcare, and is appropriately qualified. This enables her to provide good quality care for the children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to consider developing several areas of her provision. She was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course to enable her to provide care for children in the event of them becoming unwell or having an accident. She has completed this training, and is about to renew her qualification to ensure she updates her knowledge and skills. A fire blanket has been fitted in the kitchen to limit the dangers of fire. Documentation has been reviewed to ensure that parents provide their written permission for children to be transported in a vehicle. However, parents have not been asked to provide such permission for the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice should it be necessary. This could prevent children from receiving emergency attention if required.

p.4

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. The provider is

p.4

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 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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice • ensure children are kept safe by practising the fire evacuation procedure regularly, and by making safe any low level glass and the living room hearth.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5