Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260837 Unique Reference Number 12 December 2007 Inspection date Tina Kelly 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 has been registered since June 2003. She lives with her husband and children aged 10 and two years. They live in the Boxmoor area of Hemel Hempstead near to local school, parks and playgroup. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children do not access upstairs other than to use the family bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden used for outside play. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

At the time of inspection two children aged one year and two years were being cared for along side the childminder's own son. Additional part time arrangements of two other children under three years and three occasional after school arrangements are also in place. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. Their health is monitored as the childminder discusses their individual needs with parents on a regular basis. Children'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 understanding of personal care routines are reinforced with consistent routines around nappy change times and potty training. The childminder talks to the children and explains what is expected of them. She asks them to hold the nappy and to lift their legs. Children are cooperative and the changing experience is a positive one for them. Flexible routines are in place to ensure younger children are able to rest and to play when they need to.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional needs are met. When parents provide packed lunches the childminder supplements these with fruit and healthy snack foods as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a range of opportunities for physical and robust play. They enjoy outings to the park and play areas. The garden offers space for children to explore and to play freely. Young children are encouraged to extend their physical skills in the home. Babies are encouraged to crawl, appropriate apparatus is provided to stimulate their walking skills and to develop their strength and balance.

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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 secure environment. Children are protected as the childminder is aware of possible hazards within her home and garden. Relevant measures are in place to provide safe areas for children to play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn simple rules that keep them safe such as not running in the home and putting toys away so they do not trip or fall. Children have free access to a range of toys and games that are stored at low-level in the lounge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is monitored. Relevant records are kept with regards to accidents and incidents. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to maintaining the children's safety having attended a child protection course. Information leaflets and contact numbers for the Local Safeguarding Children's Board are readily available in the childminders portfolio. This ensures appropriate action is taken in the event of concerns being raised about children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content in their childminder's care. They are familiar with the routines and resources that are available to them. Children's self esteem is growing as they receive consistent attention and support from their carer. Very young children are confident in approaching and sitting with visitors. They are keen to become involved in the various play opportunities that are laid out for them. Children are encouraged to extend their play ideas and move freely around the lounge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy new experiences such as playing with dough. A wide selection of cutters, shapes and rolling pins are used with great enthusiasm. The childminder sits with the children as they explore the range of toys that are readily available to them. She talks to the children, developing their language and understanding of the toys that are provided for them. Children are regularly taken to toddler groups. They are able to play with other children and access different toys and apparatus. They are developing their social skills and confidence in a safe and stimulating setting.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and encouraged to take part in all activities and events. The childminder is very aware of the children's individual needs. She adapts her routines and activities to ensure children of all ages can be included. Very young children are encouraged to crawl and to extend their physical skills in a calm and sensitive manner. The childminder has routines and procedures in place to help all children reach their full potential. These strategies cater for learning difficulties and physical disabilities. She liaises closely with all parents to ensure children's personal and developmental needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have various opportunities to develop their understanding of the wider world. They are taken out in the community, to friend's houses and to join in social play groups. Toys and resources reflect different cultures and family backgrounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept informed about their children's day to day routines through discussion at the end of the day. The registration folder contains all the required documents in line with registration. However, although the childminder is aware of the Ofsted requirement to have a complaints procedure, parents are not made aware of this in the information provided for them.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder arranges the week around several part time arrangements for children under the age of three years, occasional after school care and her own family. Children's independence is promoted as they have free access to a range of age-appropriate resources stored at low-level around the home.

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Organisation

Children's personal care needs are met as the childminder uses the National Childminding Association (NCMA) document pack to monitor their care and to ensure efficient management of the provision. Relevant documents are in place in line with regulation. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities with regards to maintaining ratios for the part-time care but Ofsted has not been informed of changes to members of the household. Suitability checks for all individuals is a requirement of registration and failure to do so has implications on the well-being of children cared for in the home.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last inspection the childminder was given four recommendations: to make available to parents details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint, to ensure good hygiene practices are in place regarding nappy changing, ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times and to ensure that bathroom lock is safe and garden tools are inaccessible to the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is aware of the complaints procedure but parents are not made fully aware of the process. A new recommendation has been made with regards to this. Children's health is promoted as there are good hygiene procedures in place with regards to nappy changes. The childminder has developed a folder that contains all the required documents in line with

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Improvements 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 regulation. The childminder ensures the children's safety as the bathroom lock is inaccessible and the garden tools are stored appropriately.

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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 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 Ofsted is informed of any significant changes to personal circumstances or to adults living on the premises • ensure parents are fully informed about the complaints procedure.

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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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