Costanzo, Deborah Mary

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

960288 Unique Reference Number 29 October 2007 Inspection date Susan Mary Deadman Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and their 10 year old child in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and a bedroom upstairs is used for rest and play. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently looking after six children of whom one attends on a full time basis and one is over the age of eight years. The childminder takes children to and collects them from local pre-schools and Hamilton School. The family have one rabbit, one guinea pig and gerbils as pets.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder cares for children in a clean and tidy home with good hygiene systems in place. Effective nappy changing procedures minimise the spread of infection. The childminder wipes

p.2

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 children's noses and monitors hand washing prior to meals. The regular cleaning of toys and equipment promotes children's well-being.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes children's safety as she is well organised to deal with accidents effectively. The first aid box has suitable contents and the childminder updates her knowledge of first aid on a regular basis. The childminder takes suitable items with her on outings to ensure that she meets the children's needs. However, she has not requested parents' prior written permission to seek emergency medical treatment. The sickness policy informs parents of the suitable absence period if they are infectious and includes her medication procedures.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a suitable range of activities, which promote their physical development. Play equipment includes walking aids, which support children's increasing mobility.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder cares for children in a warm and welcoming environment. There is a good amount of play space, which enables children to move around freely. The childminder has a good range of equipment to meet the children's developing needs. For example, younger children sit in a high chair or at small table and chairs for their meals; children sleep in a travel cot or on the sofa and a stair gate prevents unsupervised access to the first floor.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home and garden are safe for children as the childminder has taken suitable steps to minimise hazards. She is highly vigilant and monitors the children at all times. There are child catches on cupboards containing cleaning items, alcohol is out of reach and upstairs windows are locked. Effective precautions minimise the chance of a fire on the premises. For example, the childminder follows good fire safety procedures such as ensuring only one plug is placed in each socket, keeping tea towels off the cooker and maintaining smoke alarms in working order.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good procedures in place to protect children on outings. The childminder teaches children how to cross the road safely, has younger children in a buggy and older ones holding her hand and monitors other adults who are in close proximity at this time. The written lost child procedure supports children's well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues. She updates her knowledge and understanding through recent training. The written child protection policy informs parents of the need for the childminder to report any concerns. The childminder has relevant government documents and phone numbers are easily accessible, which supports the referral procedure.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder who provides attentive and affectionate care. Children play in an interesting environment, which contains a good range of play activities. Children make independent choices from low-level toy chests and the childminder arranges other items for their attention. For example, children have a garage and small cars, train engines and musical items on the carpet, ready for their use.

p.3

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 Children benefit from the positive interaction of the childminder. They enjoy a good variety of outings, which include soft play centres, museums, bowling and swimming. The childminder provides activities to meet the individual needs of those who attend. For example, older children have use of the computer, hand held computer games, board games and jump around on the large trampoline.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel important and the childminder enhances their self-esteem. She gives plenty of cuddles and describes their individual attributes in a positive manner. The childminder manages disputes in a way, which teaches children right from wrong. Simple, age appropriate explanations, teach the children how to be kind to others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong partnership with parents, who receive verbal and written feedback. Parents receive a good amount of relevant information, which supports the care of their child. The childminder shares policies and procedures with parents, which ensures they know how their child is cared for. Information includes the behaviour management used and the daily activities. The childminder provides parents with much information relating to her complaints procedure. However, the contact details of Ofsted as the regulators have not been updated, in line with changes.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

She informs parents about forthcoming inspections and has previous reference letters, which provide positive comments in relation to her childcare. The childminder supports the inclusion of parents in their child's day as she sends them photographs from her phone of the children participating in activities.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children benefit from the childminder's generally effective organisation. Clear and comprehensive policies promote their safety and general welfare. They cover all aspects of her care including health and safety, child protection and equal opportunities. The childminder is committed to developing her knowledge and understanding through additional training. She is flexible and plans her day to meet the children's needs. For example, on the day of the inspection, the children were feeling unwell. The childminder took account of this and planned to spend the day indoors so that they could rest as their needs required.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder organises her paperwork to a generally satisfactory standard. However, not all documentation required by regulation, is available for inspection. For example, although the childminder gains parents' prior written permission to administer medication and records the details, she does not retain the records on site, which is breach of regulations.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder displays relevant information in clear sight of parents. This includes her public liability insurance, registration and first aid certificates, which provides parents with reassurance. Records show the actual hours of children's daily attendance. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder was required to increase the range of resources, which promote positive images of differences. Children have easy access to a suitable range of clothes in which to dress up. The children enjoy informative outings to museums, giving them the history of slavery and exhibitions in relation to black history. Through these activities, children learn to value differences and find out about other cultures and lifestyles.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • request written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that all the required records are kept on the premises and available for inspection • update the complaints procedure to ensure it includes the full address and contact details of Ofsted.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5