Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY263500 Unique Reference Number 11 March 2008 Inspection date Lilyanne Taylor 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 since 2003. She lives with her partner and two children, one school age and one pre-school age. They live in an end of terrace house in a residential area of Fratton, Portsmouth. The whole of the premise is suitable for childminding; however, the childminder chooses to use only the lower floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The premises are in close proximity of schools, shops and parks. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and currently has four children on roll, all of whom attend part time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the spread of illness and infection through the effective procedures and practices the childminder has in place. The childminder ensures all children have their own toothbrush, flannel and comb and all children learn about their own personal hygiene through daily routines. Play items children place in their mouth are sterilised after each child's use and a rota is in place to ensure all toys are cleaned on a regular basis. A list of infectious illnesses

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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 and their incubation period is given to parents and children who are sick are requested not to attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is well protected by the procedures in place for administering medication and dealing with injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied selection of nutritious snacks and have access to drinking water throughout the day, which ensures they do not go thirsty. Main meals the childminder provides are cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients and all children's allergies are taken in to account. Parents are able to view sample menus of meals their children may be provided with, these include Spaghetti Bolognaise, Shepherds pie and roast dinners.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children are out in the fresh air each day so they experience and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. Children are able to take the toys they play with indoors out into the garden and they have regular opportunities to use a wide range of equipment such as a climbing frame, scooters, trikes and push along toys. In addition, children are taken on walks around the local area and visit indoor play centres and a baby gym. During warmer weather children are protected from the harmful rays of the sun; a gazebo is erected in the garden providing children with a shaded area to play.

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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 welcoming home from home environment. The premises are kept secure and children are not able to leave them unsupervised. Children are constantly supervised and the childminder carries out a risk assessment of all areas children have access to within the home environment and on places they visit, which ensures they are kept safe. Appropriate permission is sought from parents for taking children out of the home environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder carefully organises resources and play equipment; all resources are stored at low levels and checked when used so that children are able to access toys safely and freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All children can exit the premises safely; fire drills are practised regularly. Records of children's attendance clearly show when they are in the care of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Systems in place ensure that in the event of the childminder being absent through an emergency, children are only cared for by adults that are suitable. Should a child be not collected the procedures the childminder would follow ensure they are kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from abuse and neglect. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and her responsibilities as a day care provider. In addition she has systems in place to record any pre-existing injuries children may come in with. This further protects children and promotes their wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children come in happily, settle quickly and enjoy the time they spend with the childminder; children have a good relationship with her and enjoy her company. The childminder interacts well with the children; she plays on the floor with them and constantly talks to them about

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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 what they are playing with. This effective verbal interaction supports younger children develop their language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the well organised, broad range of resources and daily activities because the childminder has a clear understanding of child development. The childminder observes children while they play and uses the information she gains to plan further activities for them. As a result, children’s interests are supported and they are stimulated and challenged appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy visiting local places of interest and they learn to socialise with other children and adults through their regular attendance at local community groups. Children play well together sharing resources and taking turns. The childminder celebrates children's achievements, which raises their confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy listening to stories and looking at books; when they visit the local library they make their own choice of books they would like to borrow to take back to the childminders. They learn the words to nursery rhymes through the music sessions they attend, and they enjoy taking part in musical movement activities within the childminders home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed to attend the setting; they feel valued as the childminder takes time to listen to them, shows an interest in what they say and do and encourages them to take part in all the activities and outings provided. The childminder has systems and procedures in place ensure the needs of children who may have additional needs/learning difficulties are able to be met in the best possible way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are familiar with the daily routine and become aware of the rules of the setting through the clear guidance and support they receive. They enjoy having responsibility and help pack away the toys they have finished playing with and they hang their coats up on their individually labelled pegs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

New children feel welcome and secure. They are able to attend pre-visits with their parents and their initial hours of attendance are able to be flexible so they get to know the childminder and the environment in which they will be cared for. The childminder gives parents a copy of the policies and procedures she works to, which ensures their child's transitions from home to the childminder's, is smooth. The childminder ensures she obtains written permission from parents as required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationship the childminder establishes with parents. She obtains information from them about their child's needs, which contributes significantly to their well-being. Each child under the age of one year has a home link diary that details the care they have had provided, the activities they have engaged in and any noticeable achievements they have made. These are exchanged daily with parents, who are welcomed to add to any information they feel the childminder should know from home. This ensures children are provided with continuity of care, appropriately supported and their individual needs met. Information is verbally exchanged for older children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are regularly kept up to date with information regarding the operational procedures of the setting; they receive a newsletter that informs them of any training the childminder has

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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 undertaken, her holiday periods, and any trips or outings their children may be going on. Periodically the childminder invites parents to evaluate the service she is providing by filling in a questionnaire; the childminder takes action with any areas identified for improvement. For example, parents commented there was nowhere to store pushchairs, an area has now been provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has procedures in place to deal with complaints should she receive any. Systems in place show, if a parent were to make a formal complaint it would be appropriately investigated and responded to within the regulatory timescales. In addition, a poster providing parents with information of the Ofsted web site is displayed. This provides parents with the opportunity to find out how registered child carers are helping children stay safe and healthy.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who is suitably qualified and experienced. The childminder has knowledge of first aid and regularly attends training courses to ensure her knowledge of childhood development is kept up to date. Procedures and practices in place contribute to children's health, safety and well-being.

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Organisation

Children feel confident and secure in a comfortable and relaxed environment where indoor and outdoor play space is laid out to maximise children's play opportunities. Their welfare, care and development is promoted because the childminder is well organised and prepares activities and resources accordingly for the children she receives each day.

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Organisation

Parents are welcomed into the home and kept well informed of the care provided for their children and the progress they are making. The childminder is aware that the information she holds about children is confidential. Most information held on children is stored in their individual files.

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Organisation

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 written permission is sought from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment for their children. The childminder now obtains this at the onset of providing care for 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 may see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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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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): • review the systems in place for recording the permission parents give regarding the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment so that the information gained is able to be kept within individual children's files.

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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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