Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY274219 Unique Reference Number 01 October 2007 Inspection date Siobhan O'Callaghan 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight years and two months respectively. The family live in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. 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 five children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for one child under five years on a full-time basis and another child just four days a week. She also cares for a school aged child after school two days a week. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups and childminding support groups. The family have a pet dog and two rabbits. The childminder 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 are developing a positive attitude to healthy living as the childminder has a good understanding of the importance of children eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. She introduces children to a variety of healthy foods that promotes their overall good health and well-being. Children enjoy eating pasta, chopped cheese and cucumber for their lunch. They eat fruit and yoghurts for pudding. Young babies are very keen to eat their puréed fruit and vegetables that have been prepared by their parents for them. Children freely access drinks which ensures that they remain hydrated throughout the day. Older children enjoy making nutritious fruit smoothies and fruit slushy's. Children's individual dietary requirements are carefully monitored and managed effectively in liaison with their parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to understand good health and hygiene practices as they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. They sit to eat their food and snacks, reminded that it is not safe to walk around whilst eating. The childminder ensures good hygiene practices are maintained with regards to the care of the family pets. Children only have supervised access to the pet rabbits and dog who are all housed away from where children play, eat and rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical exercise as they walk to and from school everyday. Babies are taken out for walks in their buggies ensuring they receive fresh air. Children access a range of toys in the garden which includes bats, balls, hoops and quoits, these are used positively to support their growing development and coordination. Young children have good opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs. They sleep in a quiet room with appropriate bedding and furniture. The childminder has listening devices in place which helps her to monitor sleeping children.

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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, secure and safe environment. The childminder has implemented essential safety precautions within the home which includes removing all hazardous household items so they are out of reach. There are socket covers a fire blanket and first aid equipment all in place helping to safeguard children, however, a smoke detector is currently not available downstairs which may potentially put children at risk. Children learn to keep themselves safe through clear boundaries and rules in the home. There is no running in the house. Children access their drinks in the kitchen to prevent spillages in the main play area and thus minimise the potential for slipping over. Older children are encouraged to play with consideration when playing with small resources that could pose a hazard to the babies. Generally these toys are taken to an area which is not accessible to the babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a broad range of safe and suitable equipment and resources. These are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure that they are in good repair. Children are kept safe on outings as they learn about the dangers of traffic and the need to hold hands when crossing the roads. They are transported safely in the childminder's car as there are appropriate car seats in place. Children are further protected as the childminder's car is insured for business use and her public liability insurance is kept up to date.

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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 are protected against harm as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and her role in ensuring that children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children feel secure, settled and happy with the childminder who communicates and engages well with them. Children's self-esteem is supported as they explore their environment independently and their early attempts at walking and standing unaided are praised and encouraged. Babies are excited as they explore musical instruments such as drums, a xylophone and trumpet, they are delighted with the sound effects that they can achieve. Children are involved in a broad range of activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. They are encouraged to explore resources that offer them challenge. Young babies learn to concentrate as they build small towers with bricks. Children's social skills are promoted as they spend time with other children at weekly toddler groups. Planned visits to other childminder's homes extend opportunities for the children to play with peers of a similar age

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children have access to a full range of challenging equipment such as board games, puzzles, books and art and craft activities. These are all stored safely and allow them to access these independently.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their individual needs met as their home routines are clearly valued and respected, they are able to sleep and rest according to their needs. The childminder follows the parents home routines to provide consistency of care for the children. Positive relationships are evident as children approach the childminder for support or for a reassuring cuddle. They are learning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder supports them to understand how they are to care for one another. This is evident when children are supported to touch the new baby very gently, an explanation is given as to how she is very delicate and small.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has established positive partnerships with parents. Children benefit from this close working relationship as their individual needs are fully valued and respected. Effective communication positively supports the care and general well-being of the children. Their daily eating, sleeping and playing activities are recorded and shared with parents. Likewise, parents are encouraged to add their comments so they are involved in the monitoring of their child's personal development. Parents receive comprehensive information about the care their child receives and about the management of this through the childminder's policies and procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a sense of belonging as the childminder values each child as an individual. Their home backgrounds are acknowledged and celebrated through discussions with parents and through the provision of books and toys that promote positive images of the wider community. Young children are learning how to play harmoniously together, they are reminded of the importance to share and to be kind to one another. They are aware of their own needs as they access drinks when they are thirsty. Babies make it known that they are hungry through their body language. Children access their environment independently which contributes to their developing self-confidence.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures effective supervision of children. Her sound understanding of safeguarding issues ensures children are well protected from unvetted adults. She manages her childminding business in a professional manner with a high regard for the children's overall welfare. Children are cared for in a secure, clean and well-organised home. They have good access to appropriate play space. Babies crawl freely around the main play area and wonder into the kitchen which is safe as all hazards have been removed. They eat safely in their highchairs as well as having the opportunity to eat independently. Children can rest in comfort as the childminder has appropriate furniture set up in quiet areas for them to have undisturbed sleep.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to keeping her knowledge and skills up to date. She has a current first aid certificate and has attended many courses to support the children in her care. Training in behaviour management and promoting quality care for children from birth to three years has a positive impact on her ability to provide good care for children.

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Organisation

Overall, the setting is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that her attendance records are kept accurate; make sure that low-level glass panels are safe or inaccessible; and to ensure that there is written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder now maintains a detailed attendance record, which clearly shows the days and hours of attendance for each child. She has developed documentation to ensure that written permissions are in place which now supports the safeguarding of children. The childminder has removed all low-level glass panels thus protecting children from these potential hazards.

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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 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):

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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 • ensure a smoke alarm is available downstairs which is maintained in working condition.

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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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