Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276061 Unique Reference Number 10 March 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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged three, six and nine years, in the Horfield area of Bristol. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a secure garden area for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to four children. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has an NNEB qualification in childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is supported well due to the effective practices the childminder follows. Children are reminded or supported to wash their hands before eating and also after using the toilet. They use anti-bacterial soap and have individual flannels which reduces the risk of germs being spread. Homemade signs in the bathroom area act as gentle reminders for children, to encourage them to follow good hygiene practices independently. The childminder acts as a

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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 good role model, following good hygiene routines herself after supporting children in their personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Documentation is used very well to further support children's health and welfare. Accident and medication records are very detailed and used to ensure written consents are sought and that parents are kept fully informed. The childminder has developed a policy which she discusses with parents, regarding the exclusion of children who have an infectious illness. This helps to prevent the risk of infection being passed on. Children have regular opportunities to engage in activities out of doors in the fresh air, which benefits their health and fitness. They regularly go on outings to the local parks and take walks in the local area. The spacious indoor areas are also used to offer children opportunities to exercise and be active.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are recorded and respected which supports their ongoing health. The childminder provides the children with healthy snacks and home cooked meals during the day and they always have access to a drink to ensure they don't become thirsty. A menu plan is on display for parents to see, giving them the opportunity to inform the childminder of anything they know their child would rather not have. Children's interest in fresh fruit and vegetables is increased, as they have some opportunities to grow their own. For example, the children enjoy planting some cress seeds, and talk about how once they have grown, they can enjoy eating these with their egg sandwiches.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very welcoming and safe, homely environment. Good systems are in place to ensure children are protected from harm when at the childminders home and when on outings. For example, children wear the special safety backpacks when out and about, which means the childminder can ensure they stay close to her at all times. The childminder ensures children are well supervised and most safety issues are appropriately addressed. She has devised a clear emergency evacuation procedure and practices this with the children, to ensure they are familiar. Smoke alarms are checked regularly, to ensure they are fully functional, however, although a fire blanket is available, it is not sited appropriately to ensure it can be accessed quickly in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a very good selection of well maintained, age appropriate toys and suitable equipment. Storage of equipment ensures children's safety is not compromised. For example, games and toys containing small pieces are stored up high, making them inaccessible to the youngest children.

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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 and clearly knows what she should do if she has a concern about a child's welfare. 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 very happy and settled and have established a good relationship with the childminder. They benefit from the caring interaction they receive from the childminder, who actively involves herself in the children's play throughout the day. They appear comfortable and relaxed as they sit with her on the large sofa, sharing a favourite story together. The childminder organises her time well to ensure she can devote her attention to meeting the

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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 children's needs and encourage their learning. For example, she sits with the minded children as they use the stickle bricks, encouraging them to use them creatively. She suggests they make a birthday cake, and encourages them to count the candles, developing their confidence and understanding of number. The children sing out loud the happy birthday song, demonstrating their confidence, which is encouraged as the childminder regularly praises them. Children have access to a wide range of resources and materials within the dedicated playroom. This allows them to make independent choices within their play. Displays of their own art work and items they have made, help to give them a strong sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder gives consideration to supporting children's individual learning when planning activities. For example, when planting the cress seeds, children talk about the letter which their own name starts with. The childminder then supports the children in writing this on the kitchen paper, and the children sprinkle their seeds along the letter shape. They talk about how the cress might grow in the shape of the letter. Activities are successfully adapted to ensure all children are included and involved at their own level.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's individual routines and preferences. These are given full consideration during the day, which helps to ensure children feel secure and relaxed. Children's experiences are enhanced as they enjoy outings within the local environment, visiting local places of interest to support their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and included as the childminder is aware of their individual needs and makes sure these are fully considered throughout the day. Children learn to respect each other and their own environment. Their awareness of the wider world is supported as they use books and resources that offer positive images of diversity and engage in planned activities. For example, the children talked about Chinese New Year, and visited the Chinese food market to buy some traditional ingredients. The childminder works closely with parents to support children's particular needs, which helps them to achieve their full potential through a consistent approach. She is happy to develop her own skills to enable her to support each child's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of supporting children in managing their own behaviour. She encourages turn taking and sharing as they play, and has very clear boundaries and expectations which are fairly and consistently applied. This helps children to feel secure. The childminder uses simple explanations and discussion to help them understand their own actions and the feelings of others. She uses lots of praise and encouragement with the children, which helps them to feel proud of their achievements and encourages good behaviour. She has developed a written policy regarding behaviour management, which helps parents and the childminder work together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships established between the childminder and parents are highly valued. Children's individual needs are continually discussed, which contributes to children's overall well-being. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their child's day. She uses a daily communications book and always allows time for discussion. A parents notice board within the playroom, provides them with information about routines, activities and events. She talks through with parents her policies and procedures, some of these are written, to ensure they understand the consistent messages, which are in place to support children's welfare.

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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 good. Children benefit from the childminder constantly updating her own knowledge and skills to improve the care she offers to the children. Space and resources are well organised to meet the needs of children of different ages, which makes them feel "at home" in the childminders care. Overall, procedures and practices support children's health and safety well. The childminder understands the need to keep Ofsted informed of any changes, which ensures children remain safe and are appropriately supported at all times.

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Organisation

Documentation is very well organised and kept up to date to promote children's well-being. Consideration has been given to the storage of personal information relating to children and their families to ensure confidentiality is maintained. 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, three recommendations were made to improve the care offered to children. The childminder was asked to obtain a first aid qualification, ensure written consents are obtained from parents, develop an understanding of child protection procedures and ensure that detailed records are obtained for each child. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has access to a well stocked first aid kit, ensuring she can deal with any minor emergencies appropriately. Written information about children's individual needs is now in place and written consents have been sought, ensuring the childminder respects the wishes of parents and can meet children's needs consistently. The childminder has used literature to develop her understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children's board procedures, increasing her understanding of child protection and her own role in supporting children's safety.

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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 to ensure it is easy to access 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 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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