Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347591 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2007 Inspection date Paula Durrant 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 lives with her partner and their 17 month old daughter in a first floor flat on the outskirts of the town of Ware. The whole of the flat is used for childminding purposes. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight at any one time and is currently minding two children aged over five years. Both of the children attend full-time during holiday breaks and part-time during term time. The family has a collection of goldfish and two budgerigars. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school. She makes full use of community based amenities such as parks in addition to childminding support groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they become ill or have an accident as the childminder rigorously adheres to environmental health and hygiene guidelines. For example, children who are unwell are discouraged from attending in line with stipulated exclusion periods for childhood diseases. Appropriate measures such as the childminder's

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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 maintenance of a valid first aid qualification, sufficient medical supplies and written consents from parents for the administration of medication or emergency medical intervention all contribute to maintaining children's health care needs. Good practice, such as suitable storage and preparation of food, use of antibacterial solutions to cleanse work surfaces and equipment used means that children's welfare is not compromised as cross-contamination is effectively minimised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to understand simple good health and hygiene as they follow the daily routine. They know to wash their hands prior to eating, after using the toilet and when returning from outside play. They understand the reasons behind the hand washing process as the childminder frequently introduces discussions about germs and the effects they can have on their bodies, making them poorly and unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is flexible in the provision of meals working in partnership with parents and carers. Previous practice has included parents providing a packed lunch, however through consultation with parents it has been agreed that an alteration of contractual arrangements will be implemented as children were not eating what was provided. The childminder therefore now provides all main meals, taking account of children's likes, dislikes and dietary intolerances. Children benefit as they receive a nutritious balanced diet, where seconds are offered and taken. Children stay well hydrated as drinks are offered at periodic intervals throughout the day. Water is preferential as the childminder is aware that it is a healthier option that does not damage their teeth or affect their diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical activity. They frequently visit parks and adventure playgrounds and take regular walks in the local community. Although the childminder does not have a secure enclosed garden, she does have access to a communal area which she checks for suitability prior to use, staying with the children whilst they play. Children rest and are active in accordance to their needs. Younger children sleep in line with home care routines, whilst older children sit quietly looking at books or watching favourite child-centred television programmes to recuperate their energy levels.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe secure family home where all necessary safety precautions remain in place. The childminder is highly vigilant undertaking daily checks of the home prior to children's attendance. Children remain in sight and hearing at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access a wide range of resources that are suitably maintained. The childminder abides by manufacturers' recommendations providing age-appropriate equipment that holds a recognised safety kite mark. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder explains house rules and road safety when out. However, children do not benefit from developing an awareness of fire safety or how to evacuate the house in an emergency as there is no written procedure and drills have yet to be practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as they are cared for by a suitable adult who has a clear understanding of child development. The childminder has completed vetting checks and demonstrates a strong knowledge of child protection. She knows where and how to record and report concerns in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time within this setting. They thrive on the stimulating play opportunities provided within the home and the interesting and varied excursions undertaken away from the house, such as when taking a trip to an adventure playground called '100 Acre Woods'. They talk incessantly about what sort of climbing apparatus may be available and what the area will look like, reflecting on the story of the character 'Winnie the Pooh'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit in accessing a varied programme of events which they are able to contribute to. They appreciate the childminder's instruction and know that on occasion they may have to wait for a specified activity such as when going out to play in the communal garden. Due to it's location and accessibility to others, the children respect that the childminder must go with them and this may mean that it does not always occur spontaneously.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children remain engaged in their play as the childminder shares her interest in what they are doing. When a drawing activity comes to a close the childminder quickly re-directs their play as she comments on their rolled up pictures looking like a scroll or treasure map. This leads to an imaginary game of pirates searching out the treasure, looking in different locations of the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs take high priority in this home from home provision. A strong working partnership with parents supports the individual care needs and delivery of service. Mutual respect, love and understanding all play an integral part of the childminder's practice. Children are exceptionally polite, courteous and respectful of the childminder and her home. They know the house rules and use social graces such as please and thank you without prompt. Children with defined needs are warmly welcomed and supported within this nurturing environment. The childminder is extremely supportive of every child's individuality. For example, she has implemented a star chart to reward achievement for a child with a learning disorder where concentration affects their behaviour. This gives the child a goal to work towards and is beginning to have an affect on their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play an active part in their own learning. They make independent decisions in their play and the activities that they wish to participate in. They have positive levels of self-esteem and respect the opinions and actions of others because the childminder consistently praises their efforts and re-affirms their achievements, guiding their social and moral development. Behaviour is very good. Although the childminder openly displays Ofsted's complaints poster and has a written policy, she has yet to devise a system for documenting and managing parental complaints. This is a minor area of improvement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a conscientious practitioner who has a secure understanding of child development and the way that children learn through play. She makes full use of her maternal life skills as a mother, training opportunities and child-centred literature, to implement practical age-appropriate activities that appeal and stimulate interest and a desire to learn. For example, she provides a balance of focused adult-led activities in addition to promoting free choice in

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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 order for children to reaffirm and practise their skills. Children feel part of an extended family and are comfortable in this well-organised and inviting environment. They confidently make independent choices in their activities and extend their own play and learning in an imaginative way. The childminder effectively uses her written procedures and routines to promote the welfare, care and learning of all the children. Whilst a vast majority of documentation is compliant with National Standards requirements some minor amendments would enhance current practice. For example, the childminder does not have a written fire evacuation procedure or fire log book and is yet to develop a summary annex for managing parental complaints so that confidentiality is upheld. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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): • ensure documentation fully complies to National Standard requirements, this refers to implementation of a written fire evacuation procedure, maintenance of a fire log of drills undertaken and a system in which to record and manage parental complaints.

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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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