Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356447 Unique Reference Number 24 August 2007 Inspection date Amy Skilton 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 first registered in 2007 although she has been working as her mother's assistant for several years. She works from her mother's house, which is also occupied by her sister and her partner. The family have several pets; a dog, two cats, chickens and a rabbit. The house is situated in the Tutshill area, within close proximity to Chepstow and Sedbury. Most areas of the house are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear 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 six children at any one time, when working on her own, and nine children when working with an assistant. She is currently caring for 12 children; eight of whom are under five years; two of whom are aged between five and eight years and two of whom are over eight years. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children and collects from the local pre-school, nursery and schools. She takes children to the library and places of local interest.

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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 learn about the importance of good health and hygiene, as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands with liquid soap before eating, after arts and craft activities and after going to the toilet. They use separate hand towels to prevent the risk of cross infection. The childminder is a positive role model as for example, she routinely cleans work surfaces and the toys with anti-bacterial spray. Children receive consistent care from a caring childminder if they are unwell or injured as the childminder has attended first aid training. There is a first aid box with contents that are kept updated. There is an appropriate sickness exclusion policy in place to help prevent the spread of infection. A comprehensive record of medication administered and accidents that occur are maintained. All of which are counter-signed and dated by parents, as well as permission forms for emergency treatment to be administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder encourages children to frequently go outside, enabling them to receive regular physical exercise and fresh air. They play in a large garden with a lawn and patio area. Resources available to them include bikes, scooters, a mini bouncy castle and bats and balls. The childminder sets up activities, such as obstacle courses with hoops for the children to jump through, to provide them with sufficient challenge. They also enjoy going for regular walks to the local park, castle and library.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat a healthy diet, as the childminder prepares nutritious meals, using fresh vegetables, according to children's individual preferences and their parents wishes. She caters for all dietary requirements, including any allergies, as these are discussed with parents on induction, to ensure that all children's health, preferences and cultural needs are met. To ensure that they are hydrated, they eat fruit snacks and have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is clean, warm, welcoming and child-friendly. It is well ventilated, whilst also being at an appropriate temperature. All parents and children are greeted at the door and children quickly settle into the routine of the day. Children are only released to those persons listed by the parents. All children have ample space to move around safely, as they play either within two playrooms or the lounge in the house, with well laid out resources. They also regularly go out to the large enclosed garden area, which is secluded at the end of a drive, away from the road. Children have access to toys and equipment that are suitable for their age and stage of development. They are in good condition, posing no safety risk to them. The childminder has put appropriate precautions in place to minimise safety risks to children. For example, a fire blanket, extinguisher and smoke alarm are in place in case of an emergency, and dangerous

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

substances are stored out of children's reach. The childminder uses her car to transport children. She has use of plenty of car seats suitable for children's age and size, and all of the necessary documentation in place. When children go out walking with the childminder they are kept safe as the childminder talks to them about road safety awareness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children from harm. She knows the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child or receives allegations

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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 against herself. She has attended a relevant training course and is committed to attending further courses to keep up to date with current practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of activities including completing an obstacle course with hoops, various puzzles and free play. The childminder has a good selection of books, which children were observed to read to one another and the childminder, in a shaded spot in the garden. Good interactions take place between the childminder, co-childminder and children. For example, during a story being read, the children related parts to their own lives. The childminder spent time discussing this with them, asking open questions, before continuing with the story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A range of resources are accessible to children in labelled boxes with pictures on the front. They include construction, small world, creative arts, puzzles, a computer and role play items.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder follows an equal opportunities policy, to enable all children's individuality and diversity to be respected. They are nurtured in a loving environment, where they are settled and content. They enjoy warm relationships with the childminder and respond to her gentle manner and copious praise for all their efforts. For example, they play well together in a calm atmosphere, as they learn about right and wrong, as the childminder clearly explains to them how they should share toys and take turns with resources. The children respond positively showing understanding of the childminder's clear routines and high expectations of their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to value individual and cultural differences as they use resources, such as books about feelings, race or disability. Their self-esteem is thoughtfully enhanced as for example, their work is displayed on the wall, including self-portraits to promote their sense of belonging and identity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are included in their children's development, as the childminder provides them with daily verbal feedback, including activities that their children have participated in, meals they have had and rest time. Parents questions and comments are welcomed within an environment of open communication. They receive good information from the childminder, including a welcome pack and copies of all of the policies. However, the complaints policy contact details are out of date. The childminder has experience of working with children with learning difficulties. As such, good systems are in place to allow all children to be included and supported.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a qualified and experienced childminder, who is committed to constantly improving her practice by attending relevant training courses. She works with a co-childminder, and they share all aspects of their work, such as paper work, cooking, interacting with the children and engaging in activities with them.

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Organisation

Children's care is underpinned by all the required documentation, as well as written policies and procedures being in place, which are shared effectively with parents to ensure that children's

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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 care is always consistent. However, not all of the accident records are confidential. 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 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): • to promote consistency of children's care, ensure that all accident records are confidential • ensure that the regulator's complaints contact details are updated.

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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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