Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275263 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2007 Inspection date Nikki Whinton 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 11 years in Old Town, Swindon. The property is within easy walking distance of schools, pre-schools and other amenities, including shops and parks. Most of the property is used for childminding. 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 a maximum of six minded children under the age of eight years at any one time and is currently minding three children on a part-time basis. The family has three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends a local toddler group and she is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childminding Practice.

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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 lead a healthy lifestyle whilst in the provision. They are able to play in the childminder's fully enclosed garden and have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise whilst walking to regularly planned activities, such as the nearby toddler group or the Town Gardens.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children increase their awareness of healthy eating through the varied menu of healthy snacks and meals that they enjoy whilst in the provision. Menus are planned to promote five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Allergies or dietary issues are discussed with parents as part of the registration process. These discussions are recorded and any requirements accommodated. Children are able to help themselves to drinks at all times, which assists in ensuring they are consuming liquids in sufficient quantities to meet their differing needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of first aid and the correct procedures to follow should accidents occur, if children require medication or if there is a notifiable disease. There is a range of measures to promote children's good health. For example, the childminder's sick child policy is discussed with parents at registration, children use separate hand towels to reduce the risk of cross contamination and written parental permission has been obtained to apply sun cream or seek emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are clean, well maintained and of an appropriate temperature. There are designated bedrooms available to enable children to have uninterrupted sleep. Older children are able to visit the downstairs toilet independently, which supports them in building their independence and self-care skills. There is a range of measures to promote children's safety and help avoid accidents. For example, there is a comprehensive emergency plan, gates prevent children accessing the kitchen or stairs unsupervised, the premises are secure, a fire blanket is easily accessible and socket covers are fitted to exposed electric points. Children are starting to share some responsibility for their own safety through activities, such as taking part in fire drills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to help themselves to a good variety of age appropriate toys that are stored at children's height and well displayed to encourage exploration. Children benefit from the childminder's clear understanding of safety issues concerning the purchase and ongoing maintenance of equipment. As a result, children play with resources that are safe and suitable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is supported by a childminder that has achieved a level 3 qualification in Safeguarding Children. She understands child protection issues, confidentiality of information and the correct procedures to follow if concerned about a child. There are very effective arrangements in place to make sure parents fully comprehend the childminder's responsibilities, prior to a child commencing in the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children appear relaxed, settled and confident within the setting. They make independent decisions concerning the activities they wish to explore. For example, one child decides to spend

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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 time in a large indoor playhouse whilst another chooses to investigate small world figures. Children benefit from the childminder's continual involvement in their play. For example, they share the exploration of storybooks and build models together with construction materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a very good rapport with the caring childminder and approach her spontaneously for hugs and cuddles. They take part in interesting outings, such as to Noah's Ark Farm in Bristol, the Cotswold Wildlife Park or Coate Water. Such opportunities enable children to gain an awareness of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows her minded children well, appreciates their differing needs and understands their varying home circumstances. Each child is treated as an individual. Children are able to access a limited range of resources reflecting positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder is aware of positive methods, such as praise, encouragement, diversion and adult involvement in play as means of encouraging appropriate behaviour. Strategies are discussed with parents as part of registration to ensure consistency of approach between home and the provision.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are shown the childminder's detailed written policies and procedures as part of the registration process. There are daily opportunities for informal discussion between parents and the childminder about children's achievements or any care issues. Separate appointments are arranged, if required, to share any confidential matters. Children's care needs are successfully met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare and development is supported by a capable, motivated, well-qualified childminder who regularly undertakes targeted early years training to help support her professional development. She makes good use of her home and local facilities in order to offer children a varied programme of appropriate play opportunities.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation is in place and confidentially stored. For example, meticulous records are kept of children's attendance and personal information is easily accessible to support their care, such as in an emergency. However, children's pre-existing injuries are not recorded.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the last inspection, the childminder was given recommendations to help improve the quality of the provision. The childminder was requested to record children's actual daily arrival and departure times, obtain information on the correct procedures to follow in the case of an infectious notifiable disease or if there are child protection concerns and to practise emergency evacuation drills. In addition, she was asked to increase her range of resources reflecting positive images of culture and disability and to make sure potentially hazardous materials in the garden are inaccessible to children.

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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 The childminder now records children's actual arrival and departure times, has information on the correct procedures to follow in the case of an infectious disease or if there are child protection concerns and practises emergency evacuation drills. There are no potentially hazardous materials accessible to children in the garden. These improvements have had a positive impact on the quality of care offered to the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

However, children have access to a limited range of resources reflecting positive images of diversity.

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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): • develop the range of resources accessible to children that show positive images of diversity • ensure children's pre-existing injuries on arrival into the childminder's care are recorded.

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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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