Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342298 Unique Reference Number 13 July 2007 Inspection date Rhonda Foster 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 satisfactory. 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 became registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two daughters and son aged 19,14, and seven years and daughter aged two years in the family home in Leamington Spa. There are a number of community facilities within walking distance of the house, including a pre-school, primary school, shops and recreation areas. The childminder has use of a car during the day. The areas of the house used for childminding purposes include the lounge, the kitchen/dining areas, conservatory and cloakroom downstairs and two bedrooms and bathroom at the rear of the house on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the house for outdoor play. The family have a cat and bird. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a warm and welcoming home. They are learning to follow simple health and hygiene practices from an early age such as washing their hands after toileting and before eating. The childminder ensures each child has a clean flannel to use every day. Domestic

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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 hygiene standards are well established and the childminder ensures food preparation surfaces are clean and that she washes her hands before handling the children's food. The childminder has a cat and bird which have minimum contact with the children. However, hygiene standards are compromised because the cat's food bowl is left out when children are present. Documentation regarding the administration of medication, recording of accidents and children's specific health requirements is well maintained. However, written permission to seek emergency medical treatment is not sought from parents, therefore children's welfare is not fully protected. A well stocked first aid kit is available in the home and taken on outings, ensuring children's well-being is safeguarded in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides the children with healthy food and drinks at snack time such as strawberries and bananas. They are provided with regular snacks mid-morning and afternoon. Parents send in their own child's lunch for midday which the childminder prepares. Children can access drinking water at any time ensuring they do not become dehydrated. Children enjoy an appropriate range of activities which contribute to their good health. They benefit from regular walks to local parks and outings to play centres which meet their developing physical skills. Children have access to a secure garden and have a range of play equipment to help them develop new physical skills, such as balancing on ride along toys. The children are able to enjoy being in the fresh air and being able to stretch, run and explore the outdoor environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm and friendly environment. The home is secure and provides the children with sufficient space to play, rest and eat. Children are generally safe within their environment because potential risks have been identified and appropriate safety equipment put in place such as stair gates and plug socket covers. The childminder ensures the play areas are uncluttered and that hazardous materials are out of children's reach. However, an emergency evacuation procedure is not fully effective because the exit route at the rear of the premises is currently obstructed. Consequently, children's welfare is not fully safeguarded. The rear garden is partly grass and patio, it is secure and fully enclosed. However, children's safety when playing in this area is compromised because loose building material is a risk to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides the children with a suitable range of toys and equipment. They are able to self-select toys from a low shelving unit and colourful toy boxes, which promotes their independence and allows them choice. The toys and resources are in good condition and are checked regularly by the childminder. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe on outings as the childminder teaches them how to cross the road safely and they know to stay close. She also uses pushchairs, reins and appropriate car seats, when necessary, to keep the children safe. The childminder uses her car to transport children on outings to the local garden centre and play areas. However, written permission from parents to transport children has not been sought.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately protected. The childminder understands that the protection of the children is her first priority and is aware of the correct referral procedure if she was concerned about a child.

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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 satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the welcoming environment. They enjoy spending time exploring the balanced range of toys and activities provided by the childminder such as books, play dough and walks to the park. She gets down to the children's level and joins in with their play, encouraging them to explore their environment. Younger children's needs are well met by the warm and gentle approach of the childminder. Although not currently using the 'Birth to three matters' guidance the childminder is reflecting aspects of it in her sound practice. Babies develop their physical skills as the childminder supports them as they move around. They are also able to look at books and play with small world sets, which stimulates their imagination. Children enjoy opportunities to learn about the local community as the childminder takes them on outings to the local park and toddler group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children's routines well and notices when they are getting hungry or tired. She organises activities around their needs and comforts them with cuddles. The children enjoy this close contact and are reassured. As a result, children develop close relationships and a sense of trust.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected as individuals and settled in the childminder's care. Their needs are met because the childminder has a sound understanding of the care that they require and seeks information from parents at registration. Children have built good relationships with the childminder who responds sensitively to them and respects their individual needs, as a result the children are developing confidence and independence. However, the childminder has limited resources that reflect diversity, this restricts children's access to opportunities to gain a positive view of the wider world. The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is aware of the need to work in partnership with parents and other professionals to ensure children's welfare and development is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are mainly well behaved. The childminder has a sensitive and consistent approach to behaviour management including distracting younger children and explaining to older children the consequences of their actions. This ensures children begin to know what is expected of them, whilst praise and support help to develop self-esteem. Parents are able to exchange information with the childminder on a daily basis, ensuring parents are kept well informed of their child's progress, routine and activities. Children are cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises the home to provide a stimulating and child-friendly environment. Children enjoy a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Space and resources are well organised and children benefit from being able to move around freely and safely, self-selecting age-appropriate toys. Children's needs are met by a well-balanced adult to child ratio, ensuring children receive a greater level of individual attention. A register is maintained and records children's actual hours of attendance. Appropriate checks have been carried out to ensure children are cared for by a suitably vetted person and the childminder ensures children are never left alone with any person not vetted.

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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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it 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 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 satisfactory. 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 any animals kept at the premises do not pose a health risk to the children, with reference to restricting children's access to pet's food bowl • request written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • make sure children can play safely in the garden and make safe loose slabs on low wall • review fire evacuation procedure and ensure exit route from rear of premises is not restricted by security locks on side gate • obtain parents written permission for their child to be transported in a vehicle • ensure children are able to access resources and experiences that show positive images of people of all races, cultures and abilities.

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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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