Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231654 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Karen Ann Byfleet 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?

This childminder has been registered since 2002 and she works with another childminder from the other childminder's home. They are registered to provide care for a maximum of 7 children under 8 years and there are currently 5 children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All the downstairs areas of the house are accessible to minded children along with the upstairs bathroom. the outside garden is not currently used. The house is within walking distance of local shops, toddler group, football field and park and there is a family pet rabbit, which lives outside and fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well and they are protected from illness and infection as the childminder ensures the environment is clean and well maintained. A written policy for sick

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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 is in place and is shared with parents. Children are actively encouraged to develop appropriate hygiene practices as they follow daily routines for hand washing before eating and after using the bathroom. The childminder follows good hygiene procedures when changing nappies as she uses individual changing mats, wears disposable gloves and ensures surfaces and hands are cleaned afterwards and that nappies are disposed of appropriately in the outside bin. All required documentation with regard to the administration of any medication and the recording of accidents is all in place. However, there have been none to date. Written parental permission for the childminder to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment is also in place, further protecting children and maintaining their health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder gathers information with regard to any food allergies from parents. The childminder provides children with healthy nutritious snacks and meals, although currently most parents provide children with packed lunches and snacks. Fresh fruit, cheese, breadsticks, jacket potatoes and stew are typical healthy snacks and meals which the childminder provides. Children are offered fresh drinking water throughout the day and a choice of water or squash with their snacks and meals. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as the childminder takes them to the local park and weekly visits to the local play group where they access a range of equipment for climbing and balancing. There is currently no access to the outside garden area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming environment for all children where they are able to feel safe and relaxed. The home is kept secure with doors locked to prevent children leaving unaccompanied. This also protects them from uninvited visitors. The childminder provides a safe environment in which children are able to rest and play and hazards are minimised as the childminder is vigilant in making sure potential risks are reduced. Hazardous products are stored safely and the children with a good range of developmentally appropriate toys which are fit for purpose.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder works with another childminder in the premises and is therefore able to provide constant supervision. She engages with children's activities and ensures that they are well supervised when they access the upstairs toilet. There are good procedures in place to promote children's safety on outings. Pushchairs and reins are used to keep young children safe and children also learn about how to stay safe in an emergency as there is a comprehensive escape plan which has been practised with the children. As a result, children learn how to respond to an emergency situation in a calm setting. This helps to ensure that they respond quickly to instruction should it be necessary. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures which helps to safeguard children from potential future harm. She is clear about her role and responsibilities and is aware of signs of abuse and how to refer any concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit as their welfare is prioritised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The relaxed home environment means that children are comfortable and content. They communicate with developing confidence as the childminder responds to them with respect. The childminder values what they say and uses positive encouragement which helps them increase their self-esteem. For example, she praises their achievements telling them 'you're

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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 clever' and interacts well with them in their chosen activities. Children benefit as they gain confidence in their own abilities. Babies and younger children have developed a strong bond with the childminder as they approach her with confidence and enjoy 'snuggles' and listening to stories with her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have independent access to the good range of age-appropriate resources. They self-select activities such as books, dolls, posting boxes and the play kitchen and they play contentedly alone or with each other. The childminder plans activities around themes, such as making valentine cards, clocks and spiders and incorporating songs and rhymes which relate to the themes. This ensures children have a suitable range of varied activities to develop their social, creative and physical skills. As a result, children are generally engaged in their play and enjoy their time with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages children to appreciate the needs of others as she actively encourages them to play together, to share and take turns. As a result, children play together harmoniously and any inappropriate behaviour is dealt with calmly by the childminder in order to ensure children learn how to behave in a manner which protects their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats all children with equal concern. She liaises with parents and records any special requirements to enable her to meet children's individual needs. The childminder has actively collected resources that reflect disability, culture and gender in a positive way. This helps children from all backgrounds respond to diversity with respect. The childminder displays a good awareness of how to support children by discussing their abilities, preferences and routines, she seeks to ensure that all children receive appropriate individualised care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are effective systems in place for the exchange of information. Parents receive comprehensive details as to the care provided as the childminder shares her policies and practices with them. Therefore, children are protected as parents agree their care at the start of a placement. Parental consents are consistently obtained. For instance, there is written parental consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This ensures children are able to receive care in accordance with their parents' wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder uses age-appropriate methods to deal with unwanted behaviour, such as distraction or reasoning. She engages older children in purposeful discussion about how they behave to encourage them to identify how alternatives to bad behaviour can be more productive. Her approach means that children learn right from wrong in a positive way that enhances their self-esteem. Children's good behaviour is reinforced through the use of positive praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has not yet completed the introduction to childminding practice course. However, she is currently working with another registered childminder who has completed the course and she is keen to develop her understanding and knowledge and has identified this training which she intends to undertake as soon as a course is provided by the local authority. She has updated her first aid certificate and through working with the other registered

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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 childminder she is able to ensure that children are always protected by good supervision from appropriately vetted individuals.

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Organisation

Documentation is maintained to a good standard. All records are available for inspection and stored with due regard for confidentiality. The quality of written policy indicates that the childminder has sound knowledge of the National Standards. Demonstrating a good understanding of the procedures to notify Ofsted of any changes in her circumstances, the childminder effectively ensures that children receive good standards of care at all times. High levels of adult attention are assured as the childminder consistently keeps to ratios. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: complete an Introduction to Childminding Practice course and to increase resources to reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender, and disability.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She is currently working as a co-childminder alongside another registered childminder and is based at the other childminder's home. She has not yet completed the introduction to childminding practice training and is awaiting a date from the local authority. However, she is competent and confident in her practice. She demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards and her practice reflects this. A good supply of age-appropriate toys and activities, such as books, dolls and play foods which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability have been introduced and help to raise children's awareness 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): • complete the introduction to childminding practice course.

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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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