Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY274279 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Barton 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 since December 2003. She regularly works with two assistants and is registered to care for children overnight. She lives with her husband and two sons aged seven and 10 years of age. They live in a large bungalow in the village of Stembridge, which is close to Martock and South Petherton in Somerset.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the bungalow, including a designated playroom. The spacious front garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years and when working with both assistants a maximum of 13 children under the age of 8 years. At present there are 25 children on roll attending on a part time basis. The family have two dogs and chickens as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy and clean environment. Children frequently participate in outdoor physical activities. Children walk daily to the local school and pre-school ensuring plenty of

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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 exercise and fresh air which supports good health. Children access an exciting variety of equipment, such as climbing frames, play houses on stilts and trampolines which supports development of their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious and healthy food which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinks are available for children to access throughout the day which enables them to meet their own needs. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. She discusses fresh food as they pick apples from the tree in the garden and collect eggs from her chickens, which supports the children's learning.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accident and medication records are appropriately completed which ensures children are well cared for. Written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is obtained so the childminder can act in the best interest of the child. Children are learning good health and hygienic procedures as they wash hands before eating and after visits to the toilet and outdoor play. However, hand drying procedures do not fully protect against cross contamination. Good procedures for nappy changing, such as wearing disposable gloves and cleaning changing mats with antibacterial cleaner, protects babies and young children from infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment, where risks are identified and effectively minimised, such as in using stair gates and keeping doors locked. Very thorough and extra risk assessments have recently been carried out due to some building work on the premises and parental consent has been obtained ensuring children are safe and parents informed. Children benefit from excellent adult supervision as the childminder works with assistants which supports children's safety. Babies and young children are frequently checked whilst sleeping and a log record is maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children experience a warm and welcoming environment where they are able to access all rooms of the home which are on one level. Children benefit from a designated playroom where space and storage is effective to support children's safety in moving around the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of suitable, safe and well maintained toys, resources, furniture and equipment both indoors and outdoors. The childminder considers the age and abilities of children when providing activities and equipment to ensure they play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has excellent procedures for outings, children wear fluorescent jackets and walk appropriately along the road when going to school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has very clear procedures for evacuation in the event of a fire. She also ensures assistants are aware of these through induction and the display of the evacuation procedures. The childminder has appropriately located smoke detectors and a fire blanket to support children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is extremely well promoted by the childminder's positive awareness of child protection issues. She has a good understanding of the correct procedures and the need for confidentiality.

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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 outstanding. Children are extremely happy and settled with the childminder and her assistants. Children benefit greatly from the attentive care given and appropriate show of affection. Children are kept busy and enjoy their play. The childminder knows the children very well has a very good awareness of how children develop. This is extremely well evidenced as she plays on the floor and is very enthusiastic as she encourages and praises children. For example, the childminder comments on children's coordination skills when they are playing with the duplo and encourages their speech development as small children say words for the first time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has good routines and organises her care and learning through every day situations, such as washing up and taking children to school and pre-school. Children's needs and interests are met well through the childminder's flexibility. There is a balance of good free play activities and stimulating planned activities based around the seasons of the year. Children are able to easily access resources and equipment which develops their confidence and independence. Children benefit from a childminder who is fully engrossed in their play and is interested in what they say and do. For example, the children requested to be weighed and measured and the childminder has now recorded this on a chart on the wall. Excellent interaction effectively extends children's learning. Children's creative and imaginary skills are developing well through art and craft activities. Children are making Christmas presents for parents and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

access a wide variety of resources as they make book marks and boxes, and paint plates and cups. Children play excitedly as they participate in role play making their own home made house and pretend shopping.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience good opportunities to explore and investigate when playing in the large garden or participating in nature walks and trips to local country parks. Children enjoy constructing their own 'dens' and learning about creatures and animals which promotes their exploration of the natural world. Children's social skills are developing well through visits to parent and toddler groups and trips to the cinema and eating out. The childminder records children's achievements in their communication books which are shared with parents and show children's progress and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about equality of opportunity from first hand experiences and the childminder's positive role modelling. The childminder welcomes diversity into her home and all children are respected and valued which supports children's awareness of the wider world, exceptionally well. The childminder is passionate about children's understanding and attitude to sharing different cultures and learning difficulties and disabilities and strongly promotes children's sense of belonging. All children are happy to see one another when they arrive and share their news, such as what they have been doing at pre-school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children behave extremely well, they benefit from good daily routines and know what is expected of them. Children's good behaviour is promoted by the childminder's effective role modelling, she is polite, caring and calm when making requests and children respond immediately. A good behaviour management policy is in place supporting regular praise and encouragement, distraction and discussion to promote positive behaviour.

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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 Children greatly benefit from the childminder's excellent partnership with parents. The childminder is very respectful to the wishes of parents and can be very flexible when working with her assistants. Comprehensive record forms are completed by parents, including consent forms to ensure the childminder is aware of children's details and parents wishes. The childminder provides a regular newsletter to parents informing them of current details of her provision. The childminder is available to parents on a daily basis for discussion and also completes daily communication books which are shared with parents to ensure they are up to date on children's progress and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and at home in the childminder's environment. Children experience a good routine within an environment that is warm and welcoming. Space and rooms, including outdoors, are used well and children are able to make choices and select resources for their play. The childminder works well with her assistants and constant communicating and induction procedures ensure they are consistent and knowledgeable of the care required for each child. Children are confident and secure through good adult support and individual attention. A registration system for daily attendance is accurate and kept up to date.

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Organisation

Well organised documentation and procedures are used to support the childminder in safeguarding children's welfare and these are confidentially stored. However, the complaints procedure is not up to date and the procedure for children's hand drying is not fully effective against contamination.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a very committed childminder who is not only attending training to improve her knowledge and skills but is encouraging her assistants to become registered childminders. However, assistants at present do not have valid first aid certificates. The childminder and assistants regularly review their practice to identify any areas that require improvement to ensure the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection all staff where requested to attend first aid training. This was completed on those staff, however, new assistants have since been appointed who have not completed up to date training, therefore, this will be recommended at 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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Complaints 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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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 assistants complete appropriate first aid training that includes first aid for infants and young children • improve hand drying facilities to prevent the spread of infection • update the Ofsted contact details in the complaints policy.

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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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