Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276451 Unique Reference Number 14 June 2007 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two sons of primary and pre- school age. They live in a house in Alton, within walking distance of the town centre and close to local shops, pre-schools, schools and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder provides overnight care. There are currently three children aged under eight years on the roll. Care is provided throughout the year on a full or part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Association of Childminders and a local childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder maintains high standards to ensure that children's health is actively promoted. She provides individual towels, flannels and toothbrushes to minimise the danger of infection. Nappy-changing and hand-washing procedures are effective. This means that hygiene standards

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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 are high and children are not put at risk. The daily walk to and from school, and outings to a nearby park ensure that children have regular access to fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for the administration of first aid ensure that children are treated appropriately. The childminder holds a current first-aid qualification and has first-aid equipment readily available throughout the setting. Parents have been asked for prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, and any medication is stored safely so it is inaccessible to minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is a comprehensive policy in place to ensure that children are treated well if they fall ill. Those with infectious diseases are excluded from the setting to prevent illness spreading. High quality documentation is in place to ensure that an accurate record is maintained of any accidents occurring, and of any medication administered to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides sample menus for parents and discusses specific requirements at pre-care meetings to ensure that children's dietary needs are met. There is an emphasis on healthy eating and snacks of fresh fruit or vegetable sticks are provided throughout the day. Children receive a balanced diet. They have their own cups within reach at all times which means that drinks are always accessible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's house is homely and attractively presented. It is clean and well maintained throughout so children feel comfortable and relaxed there. Children move around freely as the use of space is well planned to meet their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are regularly cleaned and the condition of resources is reviewed to ensure that equipment is safe and suitable for children to use. Toys are presented at low level, on shelves and in storage boxes. This means that children can reach their equipment safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of potential hazards and takes steps to minimise the risks to minded children. The cleaning cupboard is kept locked, a stair gate is in use and door stops are in place to prevent children trapping their fingers. Out of doors, the garden is fully enclosed and the gate is bolted so children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. When on outings, children wear high-visibility arm bands and learn about road safety to keep them safe. Well documented procedures minimise the danger from fire. There are smoke alarms and a fire blanket in place and children regularly practise fire drills so they know what to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed training in child protection. She is able to recognise possible indicators of abuse and knows what action to take to protect children if she has any concerns for their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder plans a range of activities in advance, so each day children take part in a range of experiences which meet their needs and promote their development. Children benefit from a good balance of self-chosen and adult led activities. They choose from a wide selection of toys, making decisions for themselves, during free play. The childminder organises a wide range of experiences, such as, baking, swimming and singing so children remain stimulated and

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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 engaged. They make use of equipment which is fun and provides sufficient challenge. The extensive range of toys is rotated regularly so children do not become bored.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder skilfully uses everyday routines, such as the walk to school, as opportunities for development so, for example, children learn about road safety. There are frequent opportunities for children to explore. They enjoy playing with sand, water, pasta, and in the snow. Their knowledge of the wider community is developed as they attend football matches, visit the nearby fire station and the local park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes an interest in what children say and do. She listens carefully to them, and picks up on non-verbal communication to identify their needs. She shares a warm and affectionate relationship with the children. They are happy and settled in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder takes time to make sure that children's individual needs are met. She meets with parents before care commences and maintains detailed records to ensure that she is well informed. Children make their own choices about the activities they take part in, so they all have access to toys and equipment, as appropriate. They learn about diversity through a variety of activities, such as, visiting a local Italian restaurant, or celebrating St Patrick's day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive steps are taken to ensure that children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are effectively supported. The childminder uses Makaton to aid communication. She works with other professionals, such as, a physiotherapist, to make sure that children receive the care they need.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed sensitively. The childminder acknowledges that children have differing levels of understanding and adapts her practice accordingly. Children are encouraged to behave well as the childminder models good behaviour and manners herself and uses praise effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides care in accordance with parents wishes. She requests their consent before taking children on outings or in the car. Parents are well informed about the setting as the childminder provides written information about policies and procedures in the comprehensive parents pack. Daily communication means that parents are also well informed about their child's progress. Written information is provided each day. There is a parents' notice board and the childminder regularly shares photographs and examples of the children's work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although no complaints have been received, the childminder has a system in place to ensure that all concerns are addressed. However, the record book does not yet meet current requirements, which means that parents do not have access to all relevant information regarding any concerns that may be raised.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed all mandatory training and a number of additional courses, which means that she is well qualified to provide care for young children. Suitability checks have been completed on household members and the childminder ensures that children are within her sight or hearing at all times to make sure that they are kept safe.

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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 Suitable ratios are maintained so children receive appropriate levels of adult support. The daily register provides an accurate record of children's attendance. It is clear, well maintained and up to date.

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Organisation

Records are suitably stored so that they are accessible, stored securely and children's confidentiality is maintained. All records are routinely countersigned by parents to show that relevant information has been shared. The certificate is clearly displayed in the playroom. Parents have access to information about the conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to attend a first-aid course. Training has now been completed and the childminder is qualified to treat children following minor injuries.

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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 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): • review current procedures for recording complaints and sharing information with parents to ensure that legal requirements are met

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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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