Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY232046 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Susan June Stone 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives in a semi-detached house with her husband and their three children in the town of Yeovil, Somerset. Two of their children are aged over eight years and one is under five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the house is available to use for childminding purposes and the childminder intends to convert a room into a dedicated playroom for the children. There is an enclosed garden at the back of the premises for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. The childminder has cared for children at her previous registered address, but there were no minded children present at the time of inspection. The childminder does care for children that are related to her in addition to her own children, who were present at the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the local amenities in Yeovil, such as the soft play centre and play park.

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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 satisfactory. Through discussion mainly, and some observation of interaction with children that are related to her, the childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of how to promote children's good health. She ensures the house is kept clean and tidy to ensure a suitable environment is provided. She ensures the children wash their hands before meals and snacks. They use liquid soap and running water. Children are provided with their own towel to dry their hands, and the childminder uses a separate towel also.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder explains how she respects parent's wishes regarding food. She is happy to provide meals which would be made from fresh ingredients. She shows a clear understanding of the importance of a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fresh foods. She states she provides a selection of fresh fruit for snack and ensures the children sit at the table together to eat their meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

She helps to protect children from illness and infectious diseases as she has information available indicating the exclusion times for different illnesses or infections. She has the required documentation to gain consent and record any medication administered. She ensures her training in first aid is maintained and has a current first aid certificate. She has a first aid box available to use but she has not reviewed the contents in line with the guidance from her recent training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Appropriate action has been taken to ensure children can play and be cared for in a safe environment. The childminder's home is welcoming and child friendly. Safety measures are in place such as a stair gate being fitted at the top and base of the stairs, plug sockets being used and safety catches being fitted to kitchen cupboards. The fire-blanket, however, is not easily accessible in the kitchen to use in an emergency situation, as it is not fixed to the wall.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Evidence suggests that effective use of all available space ensures children are comfortable and have room to move around independently. Available space is used effectively to meet children's different needs and ensure they are safe and comfortable. They are able to move around freely and can safely access a reasonable range of toys and equipment. The childminder intends to dedicate one room of the house to a playroom for the children to use. Toys and activities will be suitably stored in this room so as to allow the children free access. Children also have access to a fully enclosed outdoor play area at the back of the house. The childminder places strong emphasis on safe supervision. Discussion with the childminder suggests that she has taken appropriate action to ensure the children are safe when out walking. She introduces road safety and ensures the children understand the importance of keeping eyes and ears open

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of child protection and her role in protecting children’s welfare. She has a written child protection statement which she shares with parents. Discussions indicate she has an understanding of the support available to her if she has any concerns about a child in her care. She understands her responsibilities as a childminder to safeguard children’s welfare.

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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. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of appropriate activities for children of differing ages and stages of development. She aims to offer a warm and caring environment so that children are happy and secure in her care. The childminder talks about how she encourages children’s interaction with other children and each other, which enables them to build meaningful relationships. She encourages children to share, take turns and be considerate to each other's needs, such as doing puzzles together and sharing the pieces. Children are given the opportunity to socialise with other children as they will attend the local toddler group and soft play centres.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Observation of resources and equipment suggests they are organised and used well. The childminder states she provides activities based on the children’s likes and dislikes. She provides structured and free play activities. The childminder talks about the provision of activities that offer appropriate levels of challenge, suitable to children's ages and stages of development. For example, the childminder involves herself with children's play, encouraging problem solving. The childminder stated she talks with the children to help them learn their numbers and letters, such as using the initial letter of their name, thinking of other words that begin with the same letter or sound.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder suggests that children are valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine is flexible to allow for their individual needs and routines to be acknowledged and respected. The childminder is not caring for children at present as she has recently moved house and has moved to a different area. She does care for the child of a relative though. The childminder states that when she previously cared for children, she verbally discussed children’s needs with parents. She also has systems to record children’s individual needs and the documentation to support this.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of behaviour management. She states she talks with children when their behaviour is not acceptable so that they begin to understand right from wrong. She explains to them why the behaviour is unacceptable. She places strong emphasis on politeness and good manners, encouraging children to behave well by using lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder states that at times she uses stickers to reward the children ,such as when toilet training and for encouraging positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder offers opportunities for children to learn about their local community as they use the local amenities, such as the park and local soft play centres. She has some resources such as books and puzzles, which she uses to promote children's awareness of other cultures and abilities. She intends to increase these resources, stating she wishes to obtain additional dolls with different skin tones to help children develop an understanding of people from different countries with different cultures and beliefs than their own.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder appreciates the importance of developing effective working relationships with parents. She has developed a folder of information including policies and procedures. She shares this with parents to ensure they have the information they need about her childcare practice. Parents are given their own copies of the childminder’s policies and information about the care offered that they may keep for future reference.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder is well qualified and has extensive experience of caring for children. She demonstrates that she has an organised approach to her childminding role. She has developed a portfolio of information which includes the policies and procedures which support her childminding practice. She demonstrates a clear understanding of the documentation required. Policies and procedures contribute effectively to the safe running of the setting, promoting the care and welfare of all children. She has systems in place to gain necessary written consents from parents. However, this does not include gaining written consent from parents to seek any necessary emergency advice or treatment.

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Organisation

Discussions indicate that the daily routines are amended appropriately to respond to the different needs of the children cared for. Overall, the evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There was one recommendation from the last care inspection in 2005 which was to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. There was no evidence available at this inspection to show that this recommendation has been suitably addressed. It therefore remains as a recommendation from this inspection.

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 the contents of the first aid box in line with guidance from recent training • ensure the fire blanket is suitably placed and available to use in an emergency

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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 • ensure written permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment is obtained from parents

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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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