Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY245258 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2007 Inspection date Janet Maria Moutter 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 is a member of the National Childminding Association and belongs to the local childminders' group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, six and six months in the Woodhall Park area of Swindon, Wiltshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets.

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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 benefit from a healthy lifestyle which includes walking to and from school during term time. They have the chance to visit activity centres each day during the holidays where they can climb on equipment in order to develop their large muscles. Parents provide lunch boxes and bottles for the babies during the day and the childminder provides a light lunch and evening meal at parents' request. However, the childminder provides healthy snacks of sandwiches and fruit, and sets a good example with regard to table manners. Drinking water is available for children at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most required documentation is up to date, which ensures appropriate action will be taken in the event of an accident. Written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is provided, and accident records are appropriately recorded. However, knowledge of notifiable infectious diseases is limited in order to report effectively to Ofsted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn effective hygiene routines and personal care which contributes to their good health. For example, children are provided with their own towels and use anti-bacterial spray to wash their hands. The childminder discusses with the children appropriate ways to wash hands effectively. As a result, children are learning to prevent the spread of infection through good personal hygiene regimes.

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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 environment. They are able to easily access toys for themselves from the good range of quality resources which are provided by the childminder. Toys have been carefully chosen to attract children's attention and to cater for their preferences. For example, a selection of dressing up materials which include clothes for all the children, as well as dolls and small world figures captures children's attention for some considerable time. Resources are stored in plastic boxes and the contents are easily identified.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe home where all the risks have been identified and minimised. For example, the garden is fully enclosed and is safe in order for children to play outside. Children are closely supervised when on outings or walking to and from school. Children learn an appropriate way to cross the road. Children are made aware of the emergency evacuation drill which has been practised by the childminder. Written permission is provided by parents in order for children to enjoy the wide variety of outings which take place during the minded day. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through the good example set by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the reporting and recording procedures. The childminder is fully aware of her responsibility to safeguard children. As a result, children remain well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are in receipt of excellent care and attention. They are settled in the childminder's company. Children are well known to the childminder who provides high quality play resources

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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 which interest the children. The childminder has taken time to find out what children like to play with. For example, there is a wide range of action toys for all children to use, which includes dressing dolls in various clothes, creating scenes familiar to children such as a 'Cinderella'. Children develop their self-esteem through the chance to make decisions for themselves about what they would like to play with from the excellent range of toys and activities. This includes a wide collection of board games for children to enjoy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder shows an excellent understanding of the individual development needs of the children. There is a varied routine provided for children. This includes spending time each day in the company of others in an indoor play activity centre, as well as developing their art and craft skills in the childminder's home. For example, children make purposeful models from card. They make presents for family and friends such as ceramic wall pictures. Children's needs are being met effectively through the childminder’s sensitive and appropriate interactions that promote their self-esteem. Very good positive relationships are evident between her and the children. She knows the children very well and nurtures their self-esteem. Children develop an excellent awareness of their own needs and a mature respect for the needs of others as they negotiate turn taking with toys in the playroom and lounge. Also providing favourite activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

such as individual activity books for the older children, while the babies are having their bottles, the older children know through familiar routines that soon it will be time for them to have undivided attention from the childminder while the babies have a nap.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have the opportunity to build positive relationships with adults and each other through the childminder's experience of working and caring for children. Children have the freedom to express themselves though an excellent range of dressing up clothes and imaginative play resources and craft ideas. As a result, children are having many opportunities to learn through play in a welcoming environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued by the childminder as individuals. The childminder listens to what children have to say and values their contribution. For example, children talk about their arrangements for a pirate fighting scene as they dress up or dance sequences and acting out stories with the small world models. Every effort is made to make children and their families welcome. Children are well behaved and polite, they are kind towards each other. Children have a good range of toys and resources which reflect diversity, such as books and dolls and plans include festivals such as Dewali and Christmas. Children are fully integrated into the setting through the childminder's routine of the day which takes into account every child's need.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship between parents and the childminder. She feeds back verbally to parents when children are collected. The childminder keeps a file of commendations from previous parents who are pleased with the service she provides. Parents are verbally notified of the childminder's complaint process and are made aware of most of the latest legislation. The childminder has a written agreement with parents which sets out the service the childminder provides. She regularly informs parents of their children's time in her care. This includes a verbal feedback at the end of each day. There is a good partnership between home, school and the childminder. This ensures that children's individual needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Organisation

Children are welcomed into a family environment where the space in the home gives children many opportunities to freely select toys and resources. The childminder is well organised in her management of time spent with the children, she gives them the chance to socialise and enjoy being creative in the home. Policies and procedures are well maintained and remain secure. The childminder is experienced in the care and education of children, and has a clear understanding of the national standards. She is committed to furthering her professional development by choosing to attend courses. As a result, children positively benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm to provide quality care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her fire safety precautions buy practising a fire evocation drill. This she now does on a regular basis.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • obtain knowledge of notifiable infectious diseases in order to report effectively to Ofsted

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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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