Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY289522 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 Inspection date Beverley Blackburn 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 2004. She lives with her 14 year old daughter in Corsham, Wiltshire. Minded children have access to all areas of the house, there is a fully enclosed front garden for outside play. Shops, park and local amenities are within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding six children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and homely environment, where they learn to understand the importance of good hygiene practices and personal care through a well planned daily routine. Their good health is promoted by the childminder effectively helping children to understand how to maintain a good standard of hygiene. The childminder ensures that toys for younger

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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 children are separated out and regularly cleaned. Her management of pets and regular cleaning routines ensures that children play in a hygienic environment which minimises risk of infection. The childminder has a written policy about sickness which is shared appropriately with the parents which helps to promotes consistency of care for the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to enjoy physical activities such as music and movement and walks to the park where they can play football, run and climb and develop their physical skills. Children are able to rest according to their needs and parent wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides snacks and meals that are nutritious, well balanced and varied; she takes account of the parents' wishes, children's choices and any special dietary needs. Children can access drinks whenever they need to, which helps them recognise and respond to their body's needs. Children develop their social skills through eating together at the table and are developing an understanding of healthy eating through encouragement from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and welcoming environment. They play freely without restriction in an environment where risks are identified and reduced. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments, checking, toys, equipment and the house. Children are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe outside and inside of the home. They are encouraged to tidy up their toys before taking out other activities and they are helped to understand how to cross the road safely. The childminder makes sure they are looking and listening out for on coming cars as they cross the road; children are always within sight and hearing of her. The childminder carries out regular fire drills, which are accurately recorded; this includes the time taken to evacuate the premises. Younger children are securely strapped in their pushchairs when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a good range of quality toys and equipment that are stored at their level. These include items such as puppets and musical toys. The toys are regularly rotated to help children develop new skills and keep their interest. They are safe and in good condition; regularly checked, appropriate and suitable to the age and stage of children's development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's thorough understanding of child protection issues. She has a clear awareness of the possible indicators of abuse such as changes in behaviour, inappropriate language and unexplained injuries. She is aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child and has a full child protection statement in place which she shares with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an excellent setting where they are encouraged to enjoy themselves and achieve. They are provided with excellent care, in a warm, secure and stimulating environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thrive on the wealth of play equipment and activities provided by the childminder. They are able to make choices from the extensive, well organised and easily accessible resources which promote their independent learning. The childminder involves herself in children's play,

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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 listens carefully to their ideas and provides thoughtful support and encouragement in order that the children achieve. Children show excitement in their achievement as they successfully complete tasks, such as putting a train track together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The extensive range of resources provides inviting opportunities for pretend play, such as the home corner resources, puppets, dressing up clothes and the train tracks. Children gain very good learning experiences through well planned activities that are linked to themes such as 'winter weather'. Children interact well with each other. They are learning to share and take turns, and to develop good friendship.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a very good understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and has incorporated some of the play and practical support ideas into the activities she provides for younger children. Children are making very good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder has started to keep observations on each child and to plan for the next stage of their development. The childminder provides a very balanced programme of child-led and adult-led activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children all have equal access to toys and activities and they receive equal attention from the childminder. They begin to learn about differences within society as they have access to a range of resources reflecting positive images, such as dolls and books. However, the children's learning could be enhanced through the childminder introducing activities and resources to promote positive view of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses a positive approach to managing good behaviour; she gives praise consistently and uses appropriate methods. For example, distraction or reward certificate. Children benefit from consistent boundaries and a calm approach. They behave well and show concern for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has strategies for building good relationships with parents and carers, which contributes significantly to children's wellbeing. She ensures records of activities and procedures are thorough and clear. She regularly shares information to ensure consistency and to help parents and carers feel actively involved in their children's development. New parents are provided with a welcome pack. Parents are very positive and happy about the service the childminder is providing for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is enhanced through the keeping of all the required records, policies and procedures. The childminder has a detailed portfolio for parents that includes comprehensive policies and procedures. This includes procedures to follow in the event of a child becoming lost or parents failing to collect a child.

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Organisation

The children benefit from a very well organised environment, good planning and clear and comprehensive policies to keep them safe and give consistency. The childminder has both experience and qualification, which enable her to provide a good standard of care. She is committed to training and increasing her knowledge and skills in childcare. She organises her paperwork effectively to ensure it is confidential but easily available if needed, and efficiently

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 keeps all the detail required by regulation. The childminder works well to provide good quality care for children. 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 childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, to provide a sufficient range of toys and equipment to ensure regular rotation of resources. There is now a wide range of toys and equipment which includes multi-cultural resources that are available to the children.

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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 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 further the range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world, to enable the children to learn about similarities and differences.

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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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