Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY152384 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Samantha Powis 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 has been registered to care for children since 1985. She lives in the Henleaze area of Bristol. Minded children have access to all areas on the ground floor. Children use the first floor to access toilet facilities and a bedrooms for sleep purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to six children. There are currently three children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health is given top priority by the childminder. All practices and procedures support children's day to day health needs. For example, children have separate flannels and towels to

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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 use when they wash their hands, which helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children are protected from the risk of passing on infectious illnesses, as the childminder has a clear policy regarding the exclusion of children who are unwell which she shares with parents. Documentation is in place to ensure that accidents and administered medication are recorded accurately, therefore, supporting children's ongoing health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit greatly from being offered healthy snacks and home cooked meals during the day. The childminder tries where possible to use organic ingredients, as she feels this is positive for children's health. Drinks of water are offered to the children frequently to ensure they don't become thirsty. Excellent information is sought about children's individual diets and routines to ensure these are always respected and met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to play out of doors on a daily basis, which benefits their health and welfare. They enjoy using the garden area where they have access to a range of equipment to strengthen muscles and develop new skills. They regularly go on outings to the park, often taking a picnic in the summer to get the maximum fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is protected well due to the positive practices followed by the childminder. Safety is given consideration within the home and when on outings to prevent accidents occurring. Safety equipment such as socket covers, stair gates and fire guards are in place throughout the spacious play areas. All of which help to protect children from harm. The childminder has thought through clear procedures to follow in an emergency. She ensures smoke alarms on each level are checked frequently, however, although a fire blanket is available, it is stored in a cupboard making it difficult to access in an emergency. Toys and equipment are checked regularly to ensure they are safe and suitable for use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She has completed training and shares a policy with parents about her role and responsibilities in this area. This supports her in safeguarding children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and relaxed and appear "at home" within the welcoming home environment. Very good organisation of toys and equipment makes play areas look inviting and exciting as children enter. They quickly start to play with the toys of their choice, selected from the excellent range available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children interact very well with the childminder who offers them her full attention whilst they are with her. They seek out her support when playing with the toys, and sit on her lap to hear a favourite story. The children have a real love of books as the childminder has a very good range of books available to them. They demonstrate how they have learnt how to use books for themselves, turning the pages and knowing when the book is upside down.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy as the childminder is actively involved with their play. She sits on the floor with the children singing their favourite nursery rhymes. They squeal and laugh as they join in with a favourite rhyme, eagerly anticipating the part they play when they have to scream out loud. The childminder has a good understanding of children's developing needs, and flexibly

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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 plans activities to support their learning. Children are offered a variety of activities such as painting, sticking and cooking within the home. They also attend local toddler groups on a regular basis, which offers them lots of opportunities to mix with other children and develop social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for as the childminder has a very good understanding of their needs. She gathers detailed written information to ensure she knows children's likes, dislikes and routines well. This helps children to feel settled and secure. Children are made to feel welcome. Their confidence and self esteem is promoted as they see their own creative pictures displayed on the walls of the childminders home. The children develop an awareness of their own community as they enjoy regular local outings. Also, through the resources and activities the childminder offers, they start to develop an awareness and understanding of the wider world. The childminder works closely with parents and, where appropriate, other professionals to ensure children's needs are fully met and their development is supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and polite. This is due to the childminders consistent and sensitive approach. She encourages sharing and turn taking with children from an early age, and always ensures she offers lots of praise and encouragement. Close working relationships are established with parents of minded children, ensuring that all work together to meet children's individual needs. Parents are consulted with daily, to ensure they are kept well informed. Excellent procedures for new children and families ensure children settle quickly. The childminder has written information about a procedure to follow if they have a concern or a complaint, however, this does not include contact details of Ofsted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder regularly updating her own skills to better support children's needs. Space and resources are organised very well, to ensure children are comfortable and relaxed at all times. Children freely move between the different play areas, offering them choices and flexibility.

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Organisation

Documentation is used well and supports the childminder in providing positive outcomes for children. Most written policies are shared with parents, and help to give them information about the service offered. All personal information is stored well to promote confidentiality. In general, children's safety is given good consideration. The childminder is fully aware of the need to keep Ofsted informed of any changes, and ensures children are always supervised by herself to promote their safety. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider was asked to practise the emergency evacuation procedures with the children. A clear procedure is in place, and is practised with all children attending. This ensures they would know what they should do in an emergency, which helps to keep them safe.

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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

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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 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): • ensure the fire blanket is sited appropriately in the kitchen • include contact details of the regulator in the complaints procedure shared with 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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