Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY279377 Unique Reference Number 30 November 2007 Inspection date Miriam Sheila Brown 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 satisfactory. 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two and a half year old daughter in a two bedroom house in a residential area of Witney, within walking distance of all local amenities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The ground floor of the house is used as the main play area and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently has seven children on roll who are cared for at varying times throughout the week.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted and they have their individual dietary needs met. Healthy eating is supported generally well although there is scope to increase children's choice of healthy foods. They have free access to fresh drinking water throughout the day and any particular

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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 dietary needs are recorded. All foods are stored safely in the refrigerator. Children learn about simple good health and hygiene habits because the childminder encourages them to wash their hands at all appropriate times. She provides them with their own flannels and pegs on which to hang them, to reduce the risk of cross infection. Nappy changing routines are managed effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has attended first aid training although this is not currently up-to-date. Accident and medication records and permissions are well maintained and shared with parents, helping to ensure they are kept well informed about their children's care. Children rest according to their individual needs and are monitored whilst they sleep, this may be either in a cot or buggy, according to parents wishes and children's preferences.

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Helping children to be healthy

Throughout the day children have generally good opportunities to develop their physical skills. This is either playing in the garden, at the park using a range of large equipment, or enjoying walks in the local area. Indoors they enjoy using a range of craft materials and playing with toys that require small muscle control, for example, small construction and drawing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally well maintained and clean environment. They play in the ground floor rooms where they have access to a range of toys and resources which are appropriate to their stage of development. These are rotated by the childminder to provide a variety of experiences. Resources include construction toys, books, jigsaws and art and craft equipment. Box games and toys for older children are available for those attending after school or in the holidays. The rear garden provides children with a safe, enclosed area for outside play. Here they develop their imaginary play in the playhouse and their physical skills using the trampoline and other large outdoor equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder employs a good range of safety measures within the home. For example, stairgates are placed at risk areas such as the bottom of the stairs and the kitchen doorway. All dangerous substances are secure and socket covers are in place. The childminder has a written emergency evacuation procedure which is shared with parents and assists in maintaining children's safety in an emergency situation. Children are supervised throughout the day. Outside of the home the childminder helps children to understand basic road safety by talking to them about looking for the 'green man' when crossing roads, and holding onto the buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Discussion with the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She is clear about the procedures to use should she have concerns about a child in her care and from whom she would seek support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a varied range of activities throughout their time with the childminder and are happy and settled in her care. Some activities are planned, such as Christmas crafts, cooking and outings to the library or visits to other childminders. Alongside planned play children choose their pastimes, enjoying imaginary play in the indoor tent, using battery operated toys, mark-making with chalk, crayons, pencils and paint. This encourages them to express their ideas and feelings in a variety of ways. They suggest and create their own games such as

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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 playing catch whilst sitting in the play tent, counting the balls and deciding on the different colours they have in their hands. Activities for older children who attend after school or during the holidays are planned and a good range of age appropriate resources offered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is experienced in the care of very young children and observes them carefully to ensure their needs are met. For example, providing them with different positions from which to view the world and responding to their sounds and facial expressions with positive responses such as mirroring their voices, smiles and cuddles. Children respond positively to the childminder and include her in their play, for example, seeking her assistance with construction, art work and stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. They develop a positive attitude to others through their play with children of different ages and learn about their individual needs by sharing toys and activities. Children's understanding of the wider world is enhanced through books and resources which reflect different cultures and lifestyles. They become familiar with their immediate surroundings by visiting places such as the library, nearby friends and enjoying local walks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and the childminder is consistent in her approach. She uses appropriate strategies to manage the behaviour of children of different ages. This is supported effectively through frequent praise and attention which helps children to learn about right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. The childminder speaks with them each day and regularly updates her records to ensure they accurately reflect individual needs. This is supported by written policies and procedures that provide parents with detailed information about the childminder's approach to providing care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She organises her time well to provide a balance of activities throughout the week that support and enhance children's development. All those connected with the registration are in receipt of appropriate clearance and children are supervised and their safety maintained throughout the day. The childminder holds an early years childcare qualification and has experience of child care from her work in the private sector and caring for her own family. This enhances the care, learning and play for children. Most required documentation is in place, although her first aid training is not currently up-to-date and there are no written permissions for children's use of the trampoline.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to put in place a written statement to inform parents about the procedures to use should they wish to make a complaint. This now in place and forms part of the childminders policies and procedures file which offers parents clear information about all aspects of care offered.

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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 records may contain complaints other that 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 satisfactory. 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): • complete a recognised first aid course • seek parents written permission for their children to use the trampoline.

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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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