Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY348209 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Lilyanne Taylor 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two pre-school aged children in semi-detached house in a residential area of Binstead, near Ryde, on the Isle of Wight. All areas of the home are suitable for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The premises are within walking distance to local schools, parks and shops. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and currently has four children on roll that attend part time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from the spread of infection through the effective procedures and practices the childminder has in place. All areas of the home accessed by children are cleaned daily and work and eating surfaces are cleaned prior to and after use. Children become aware of their own personal hygiene through daily routines; they are carefully reminded to wash their hands after toileting and prior to eating. Parents are informed that sick children are excluded

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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 in order to safeguard other children. Children who become unwell whilst being minded are cared for sensitively until their parents arrive to collect them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate procedures are in place for administering medication and dealing with injuries. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and she seeks permission from parents so that emergency first aid or medical advice can be sought if necessary. All accidents to children are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Some children's main meals are pre-cooked meals, which their parents provide from home. The childminder stores them in the refrigerator then re-cooks them in the microwave prior to serving them to children. However, she does not find out how the food has been prepared or stored prior to her receiving it. Consequently, the good health and wellbeing of children is not fully protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied selection of nutritious fresh fruit snacks and drinks are freely available, which ensures they do not go thirsty. All children's dietary requirements are complied with which ensures they remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children have regular opportunities to be out in the fresh air each day so they experience and enjoy a range of outdoor activities which aids their physical development. For example, they have regular access to large equipment, such as a climbing frame, slide and swing in the rear garden and are taken on walks around the local area visiting the play parks. During warmer weather months children are taken to visit places of interest such as the duck pond, steam railway, farm, botanical gardens and the beach.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from the heat of the sun rays while outdoors; the childminder seeks parents permission to apply sun cream to children at regular intervals throughout the day and all children wear sun hats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a secure environment which enables them to move around freely. The security of the premises ensures children are not able to leave unaccompanied and only authorised persons are able to gain entry.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from persons who have not been suitably vetted; they are constantly supervised and a record of all visitors to the premises is maintained. The childminder carries out a risk assessment of all areas children have access to which ensures they are kept safe. Appropriate safety equipment in place prevents children from accessing areas unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Parental permission is sought to take children out of the home for walks or in a vehicle. The childminder makes pre-visits to places she intends to take children to assess whether they are safe and suitable for the children she will be taking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder carefully organises resources and play equipment; she takes into account the ages of children being cared for and stores equipment accordingly; younger children's toys are kept at a low level. All equipment and toys are checked as used so that children are able to access toys safely and freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children can exit the premises safely in the event of an emergency; procedures for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire are clearly written, shared with parents and practised with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully protected. The childminder has good knowledge of the procedures she should follow if abuse of a child were suspected or if an allegation of abuse were to be made against her or other members of the household. Parents are informed of the childminders responsibility as a day care provider to report any concerns she may have in order to protect children's well-being. In addition to this a record of pre-existing injuries children come in with is maintained. A copy of what to do if you're worried a child is being abused is available for parents to view.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Records of children's attendance clearly show the times they are in the childminders care and systems in place ensure children only leave her care with persons their parents have authorised. In the event of a child not being collected the childminder has appropriate systems and procedures in place to ensure children are kept safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a relaxed, home-from-home environment, which meets their individual needs and makes them feel secure. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at this setting and have a good relationship with the childminder. When children are tired they seek comfort from the childminder; they go to her and sit on her knee for a cuddle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's interests are responded to because the childminder finds out what they like doing best; she observes children while they play and provides further activities for them based on her observations and their interests. For example, the childminder is aware that children are interested in trains, she helps them to build their own train track, sits with them and reads stories about trains and takes them on outings to the local steam railway to see trains running along the track.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts with the children well, which extends their learning and sustains their interests. Her effective verbal interaction supports younger children to develop their language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play well alongside one another and take turns when playing. They are appropriately challenged as the childminder provides toys that are suitable for their individual ages and stages of development. Consequently, children enjoy what they are doing and have fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to the praise they are given in recognition of their achievements which raises their confidence and self-esteem. They have the opportunity to socialise with other adults and children when they visit other local childminders and their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and respected by the childminder. They develop confidence as they make their own choices of activities they engage in; all children have equal access to the range of toys and play materials available. Children feel valued and are treated as individuals; the childminder takes an interest in them and the time to listen to what they have to say. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 enjoy the security of bringing in a special toy from home and their awareness of some aspects of the wider world is raised through books, puzzles and small world play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is consistent with her expectations of the behaviour children should display while in her care. The age appropriate methods she uses to manage children's behaviour ensure they become aware of their own behaviour and begin to have an awareness of what is right, what is wrong and the reasons why. Children understand the simple and consistent house rules; they learn to share resources and toys, know they have to sit to the table for meals and snacks and that they are expected to say please and thank you.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good rapport and working relationship the childminder establishes with parents. Children's individual care needs are met because the childminder takes the time to get to know what they are. She obtains information from parents when they enrol their children and exchanges information with them on a daily basis which contributes significantly to their well-being. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes at all times; all agreements that require parents' written consent are in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

New children feel welcomed and secure. They are able to attend pre-visits with their parents so they get to know the childminder and the environment in which they will be cared for which ensures the child's transition from home to the childminder's is smooth. Children's initial hours of attendance are able to be flexible; they settle well in a home from home environment and enjoy the childminder's company. The childminder explains to parents the operational procedures of the provision and gives them a copy of her prospectus which details all the policies and procedures she works to; parents are invited to comment on these and their written acknowledgement is sought to state that they have received, read and agree with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are able to see how their children spend their time while in the childminders care; each child has their own individual booklet entitled 'wonderful things' and contains photographs of them engaging in a wide range of activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A variety of information leaflets and brochures made available to parents provides them with details of how to treat many childhood illnesses and local places of interest that they may like to take their children to.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with information of the procedures they should follow if they have any views or concerns about the provision. The childminder has appropriate systems in place for recording complaints and procedures she would follow include responding to parents, informing them of the action she has taken in addressing any views or concerns they have expressed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by a childminder who attends regular training to ensure she remains up-top-date with current legislation requirements and childhood development. She has good knowledge of the criteria of the National Standards and shares with parent's information of how she aims to meet these requirements with the care she provides for children. As a result all outcomes for children are positive.

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Organisation

Children can be easily supervised and are able to move freely around the lower floor of the premises; indoor and outdoor play space is used flexibly to maximise children's play opportunities. Their welfare, care and development is promoted as the childminder is well

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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 organised and prepares activities and resources accordingly for the children she receives each day.

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Organisation

Written procedures and policies in place are of an exemplary standard; they clearly inform parents how their children will be cared for. Most procedures effectively contribute to children's health, safety and well-being.

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Organisation

The childminder displays her registration certificate so it is clear for parents to see how many children under eight years may be cared for at anyone time. Records maintained show the actual hours children are in attendance.

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Organisation

A poster displayed informs parents of the procedures they should follow if they have any views or concerns of the provision that they wish to inform the regulatory body of.

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Organisation

Parents are welcomed into the home and kept informed of their child's progress. The childminder is aware that information she holds about children is confidential so is careful to keep it safe; each child has their own individual folder that contains their personal details and permission slips for the care they are able to receive as given by their parents.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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 may 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 the arrangements in place for accepting meals from parents to ensure they remain healthy for children when re-heated/cooked

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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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