Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY258532 Unique Reference Number 05 February 2008 Inspection date Amanda Shedden 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children both of whom are in full time school in Yateley, Hampshire. The whole of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 one child full time and four other children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. She also takes children to the local parent and toddler group, library and parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a clean well maintained home as the childminder has a good awareness of hygiene issues. Children are encouraged to develop their self- care skills by washing their hands at

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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 appropriate times. In the toilet there is a child friendly poster reminding the children to wash their hands after using it. The towels and flannels are colour coded ensuring that children only use their own limiting the risk of cross infection. The childminder has good procedures in place when changing nappies she wears gloves, disposes of the nappy outside immediately and wipes the changing mat clean after every change.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sit together to have their evening meal or snack according to the parents wishes. Parents provide all of the children's food and the childminder ensures that it is stored appropriately. When required the childminder will provide a range of healthy options ensuring that the children can access other foods if necessary. Children can easily access drinks during their time at the childminders. Young children have cups placed on low level cupboards allowing for them to self select, the older children can enter the kitchen to collect theirs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good procedures for recording accidents and administering medicine ensuring parents are well informed. She ensures her first aid qualification is up-to-date and checks the first aid resources on a regular basis. The childminder has gained written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment ensuring children in her care are treated without delay.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around the home freely and safely because the childminder identifies and reduces potential hazards within the home, using for instance corner protectors and safety gates. When travelling in the car the childminder ensures that children are strapped into appropriate car seats to keep them safe. When walking the young children are strapped into the buggy or wear a wrist strap according to their stage of development. The childminder takes the children's contact numbers with her when outside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire appliances are in place and regularly checked, children undertake a fire drill monthly ensuring they would know what to do if a real emergency evacuation was needed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a range of stimulating, safe and stage appropriate resources. The childminder ensures that young children's toys are rotated regularly keeping them interested. Older children can play upstairs if they wish or bring resources downstairs to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She is knowledgeable about recording signs and symptoms and ensures parents are aware of her responsibilities from the outset.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate very well to the childminder. They are gaining new skills and developing their confidence from the childminder who sits and supports them in their play. For instance when building bricks the childminder sits and says the colour clearly of each one as it is being used encouraging the child to build on their vocabulary. She praises and converses with the children constantly, promoting their self esteem.

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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 During the year the childminder ensures that the children have access to a range of stimulating and interesting activities by careful planning. The childminder researches activities for the children to undertake appropriate to their level of understanding and ability.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Most days the children have access to fresh air and exercise; they walk to and from school and often visit the park. There is a fully enclosed garden with a good variety of play equipment suitable for children of all ages, for instance a small swing, trampoline and slide.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into this family orientated environment, which ensures they settle well. The childminder shows a clear understanding of equal opportunities and knows the children well. She has a range of resources and organises activities that promote the wider world. For instance children recently made flower garlands whilst learning about Diwali, enhancing children's experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management. She shares her policy and house rules with the parents and children ensuring that they have a clear understanding of the boundaries set.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship between the childminder and their parents. Parents are given comprehensive information about the childminders practice before their child starts. Each child has a daily diary that both parties can contribute to; ensuring parents are kept fully informed of their child's daily experiences and encouraging two way communication.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease and comfortable in the home. The premises are well organised and space is laid out to maximise play and learning opportunities. There are good routines in place to ensure that the needs of all the children are met allowing times for meals, school runs and sleeping.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements of her registration. However, the childminder has not received any recent training to further enhance her good practice. All documentation, which is legally required, is in place, stored appropriately maintaining confidentiality. 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 needed to review and update documentation, review safety in the home and ensure that Ofsted were informed of any significant changes or events. All documentation has now been reviewed and is shared with the parents. Safety in the home has been thoroughly reviewed ensuring that children are safe in the home at all times. Ofsted have been notified about the pond in the garden and the childminder is clearly aware of when Ofsted needs to be informed.

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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 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): • develop knowledge and understanding to further enhance childminding practice

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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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