Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361842 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2008 Inspection date Rhonda Foster 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children in a village near Banbury. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child. She takes the children to the local toddler group and on walks around the village.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and comfortable home. The childminder follows effective hygiene procedures that promote children's good health. For example, clean towels are provided each day, kitchen surfaces are wiped down with anti-bacterial spray and hands are washed before preparing food for the children. Children's good health is further supported because the childminder obtains detailed information from parents about individual children's care needs, including consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. Well organised written records are kept clearly detailing any accidents children have and parental permission

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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 is sought before administering medication. A well stocked first aid kit is readily available and the childminder holds an appropriate first aid qualification. Consequently, children are well cared for if they become ill or have an accident whilst in the childminder's care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works flexibly with parents and follows their wishes when providing meals and snacks. She takes into account children's individual dietary needs when providing healthy snacks such as bananas and yoghurts. Children have free access to a drink to ensure they do not become dehydrated. All children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual routines and parents' wishes. A travel cot and pushchair are provided for younger children to sleep in, with clean bedding supplied.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical play experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They have access to a fully enclosed garden where they have many physical play opportunities such as jumping on the small trampoline and building sandcastles in sand tray. Younger children are able to practise their physical skills as they pull themselves up on the domestic furniture provided. The childminder also takes the children on local walks to the park where they can play on suitable climbing equipment.

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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 safe and well-maintained home. They are able to move around freely and independently under the childminder's close supervision. Children's safety is enhanced and the risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has taken effective steps to reduce possible risks. For example, safety gate in the lounge doorway to restrict access to the stairs, external doors are kept locked and catches fitted to kitchen cupboards containing hazardous cleaning materials. Fire safety precautions are satisfactory, they include a fire blanket in the kitchen and smoke detectors on each floor. The childminder has carefully considered an emergency evacuation plan which she practises with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy access to a stimulating range of high quality toys and play equipment that meet safety standards and are age appropriate. The large lounge is the main play area and the childminder rotates the toys provided daily to maintain children's interest. She cleans and checks the toys and equipment regularly. The garden is fully enclosed and secure. When on outings the childminder ensures children are appropriately restrained in the car and safely placed in a pushchair when out on local walks. As a result, children stay safe indoors and outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures that children's welfare is her first priority. She has a sound understanding of child protection issues and is aware of her responsibilities in safeguarding children. However, she has not considered what to do if allegations are made against herself or a member of the household.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and well settled in the welcoming environment. They enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where they spend time exploring the stimulating range of toys and equipment provided. Children's play experiences are well supported by the childminder who gets down to their level and joins in with their play. She promotes their early language and curiosity through encouragement and gentle questioning. Consequently, children's learning is consolidated and extended.

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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 Children show interest in what they see and do because the childminder provides a satisfactory variety of activities and play opportunities using her sound knowledge of child development. However, there are limited opportunities for children to explore craft materials and be involved in messy play that promotes their creative development. The childminder is warm and gentle with the children and reflects aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' in her sound practice. The childminder supports their communication skills by patiently listening and responding to their emerging language. She is alert to their need for consistency and believes in offering plenty of one to one time.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to freely access the toys and resources put out for them in the lounge area. The childminder rotates the toys and equipment throughout the day to maintain children's interest. She encourages the children to help her tidy up and knows what their favourite toys are. Children use emergent language and body language to express their needs and the childminder is responsive to this, she knows what their utterances mean. As a result, young children are less likely to become frustrated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected as individuals. They are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She knows them well and ensures they feel valued and included. All children have equal access to toys and equipment that meet their individual needs so they can become confident and independent, appropriate to their age. The childminder has some resources reflecting diversity such as ethnic dolls, small world sets and informative books. As a result, children develop an understanding of others and awareness of the wider world from an early age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has considered how the environment and activities could be adapted to ensure inclusion. The childminder works closely with parents to provide individual care required to effectively promote children's welfare and development. She is willing to work in partnership with other professionals to increase her knowledge and would undertake further training to accommodate an individual child's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about right and wrong from an early age. The childminder is a positive role model and has a sound understanding of how to manage children's behaviour according to their age and stage of development. There are house rules such as not climbing on furniture and sharing toys with other children. There are enough toys available for all children and this avoids disputes between children. If she was concerned about a child the childminder would talk with the parents so they can agree strategies to encourage positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are able to share all the childminder's written policies and information is provided to ensure children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. A positive relationship is built with parents from the beginning, as children spend time settling in with their parent. Information is shared verbally on a daily basis about children's meals and activities to ensure changing needs are met and to provide continuity of care. The childminder has a complaints policy in place which outlines procedures to follow if a parent has a complaint. However, the childminder has not prepared a log to record any future complaints should there be any.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a well-organised home that provides a stimulating and child-friendly environment. Children are able to take part in a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Space and resources are well organised to provide children with interesting activities. Children's needs are well met by a balanced adult to child ratios. Consequently, children benefit from the individual care and attention given by the childminder.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is positively promoted by the detailed documented information kept, this is well organised to ensure children's details are kept confidential. A daily register is maintained which clearly shows children's actual hours of attendance. All the required documentation was available at the time of inspection.

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Organisation

The childminder has a clear understanding of the National Standards and to comply with the conditions of her registration. She is suitably qualified and all appropriate checks have been carried out to ensure children are cared for by a suitably vetted person. The childminder would never leave a child alone with any person not vetted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • ensure a log book is prepared to record complaints, should there be any in the future • consider what to do if child protection allegations are made against yourself or a member of the household in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance • improve opportunities for young children to be involved in creative play.

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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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