Green, Sian

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299924 Inspection date 03 August 2005 Inspector Hilary Knight

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged thirteen, ten and seven months in a house in Aldershot, Hampshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The property is within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently caring for one child on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local toddler groups.

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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 enjoy a wide range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. Regular outings to the park to play on the swings, and regular play in the garden enable children to develop physical skills and develop self-confidence. Younger children play on blankets and undertake planned water activities. Children benefit from relaxed snack and meal times as they sit in highchairs, or on chairs at the table, and eat together, promoting their social skills. Babies are encouraged to develop independence in feeding themselves, by holding their own snacks and taking as much time as they need. The childminder monitors what children eat and ensures that they have adequate fluid intake. Children are cared for in a clean environment which promotes children’s healthcare. Effective procedures followed by the childminder help to protect children from illness and infection. Children have their own towel and are encouraged to wash their hands

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Helping children to be healthy

before and after eating and after stroking the dog.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of good quality toys and resources, which are rotated on a regular basis in order to provide a stimulating selection. Children play independently and safely, as toys are regularly checked for damage and are discarded if broken. Most risks have been identified and minimised by the childminder, to ensure that children can play safely. However, the environment needs to be regularly and thoroughly risk assessed, in order to prevent younger children from pulling leads to lamps, or ornaments, off low level shelves or tables. Children’s welfare is suitably protected, as the childminder has satisfactory procedures in place; she has relevant insurance cover, has completed a first aid course and has good knowledge of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s self esteem and confidence is promoted through their relationship with the childminder. They receive lots of eye to eye contact and additional cuddles when they become tired. Children experience a combination of planned activities and time for self-exploration. The childminder is using the Birth to three matters framework to plan and extend activities for younger children. Children have time for play with natural resources such as the textures of different materials and time for creative skills like colouring.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Their development is recorded and shared with parents on a regular basis. Older children have access to arts and crafts and the use of a computer. Children’s social skills are promoted through relationships with other children and outings to toddler groups, which cultivate their understanding of sharing with others, as well as its effect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence, through praise, encouragement and good settling-in procedures. There is no set time for a child to be settled in, and the length of time depends on the individual child. Children are encouraged to settle in quickly, as the childminder learns about their individual home routine, and incorporates it into the setting. Daily discussions with parents about their child’s day ensure that parents are kept informed about how their child is developing. The childminder also keeps a day book, which details activities undertaken and food and drink consumed that day, to ensure continuity of care for children. Children are learning about the diverse world in which we live through appropriate toys and activities. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of caring for children with special needs, and promoting equal opportunities for all children; she

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Helping children make a positive contribution

has put together a portfolio with policies and procedures available for parents to view.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is organised well so that children have sufficient space to crawl or move around in. The areas used for play are welcoming, and resources are stored to enable children to develop confidence and independence. The childminder organises her time sufficiently well with menu plans and planned activities, so that children are able to play purposefully. The childminder stores documentation appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Most paperwork is maintained accurately and consistently to protect children’s welfare, however, parental consent needs to be in place for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 safety of environment on a regular basis due to children's developmental stages. • gain parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment/advice

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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