Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364906 Unique Reference Number 29 July 2008 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two children, aged five years and fifteen months, in a house in Rickmansworth. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding one child under five on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted adequately as the childminder has appropriate medical procedures and records in place. Children are excluded from her care if ill so as to protect others from infection. In the event of an accident children are well cared for as the childminder has completed training in first aid. Children rest according to their needs so that they avoid becoming overtired during the day. The childminder is attentive to hygiene and ensures that children are cared for

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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 in a clean environment. They are encouraged to be aware of personal hygiene and wash their hands before preparing or eating food. These procedures contribute to keeping children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have an increasing awareness of a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy a generally balanced and nutritious diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. They have fun helping to prepare lunch, for example, making their own pizzas. Children with special diets eat appropriately as the childminder liaises with parents concerning their dietary needs. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day so that they avoid the risk of dehydration. They enjoy a range of opportunities for regular physical activity and benefit from being able to move freely between the house and garden. They have access to various outdoor resources and also enjoy visits to the local park. This helps children to keep fit and healthy.

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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 welcoming environment. They enjoy comfortable seating and a range of table-top activities. There is good access to a downstairs toilet and washing facility. The childminder has a variety of safety measures in place so that risks to children are minimised. Safety gates are used to restrict children's access to the upstairs rooms. All cleaning materials are kept out of reach of children and low-level cupboards have been fitted with child locks. Children keep secure on the premises because the front door and the back garden gate are both kept locked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a variety of attractive resources, all of which are maintained in good condition and stored so as to be easily accessible. There are adequate fire precautions in the setting although the fire blanket has not been fitted in the kitchen so that it is easily accessible. The childminder has a plan for evacuating the house in an emergency but does not practise this regularly with children so that they know what to do. Children keep safe on outings as she makes use of safety restraints when necessary and teaches children about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have an increasing awareness of personal safety as the childminder explains safety issues to them. She has a good knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children and has attended extra training in this area. She knows what to do if she has any concerns regarding child abuse and so children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They particularly enjoy the freedom to explore independently in different play situations and often become absorbed in their own exploration. Children show interest in all the resources on offer and respond to the childminder's ideas enthusiastically. For example, they enjoy colouring and sticking, puzzles and crafts. The childminder follows up children's own interests effectively, for instance, when wanting to write letters she seeks out extra materials for children to use. She organises visits in the local area, such as walks to the shops and library, which offer alternative learning experiences for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a range of activities in the childminder's home which support their learning and development. They like to take part in organised activities, such as board games, and benefit from the support of the childminder as she helps them to achieve, for instance, finding matching sets of pictures. She asks questions to encourage children to think and boosts their self-esteem through much praise. She engages children in conversation throughout the

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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 day, helping to develop their confidence and communication skills. However, she does not always take opportunities to extend their learning further when interacting with them during play activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and included. At times, they enjoy the individual attention of the childminder, for example, when taking part in organised games. She is very aware of the need to promote inclusion and ensures all children have the opportunity to participate in conversation and activities. Older children are asked to help out with younger children and a happy, busy atmosphere prevails. In this way children are encouraged to develop a sense of belonging in the setting. They develop an increasing awareness of a wider society through talking about different cultures and using resources which reflect diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is attentive to children's individual needs and liaises closely with parents to ensure that she meets those needs. She has procedures in place to enable her to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children are encouraged to develop personal independence, for example, tidying up after themselves. They learn to share resources fairly and take turns when playing games. In the event of a dispute the childminder intervenes to help children negotiate and respect each other's needs. Children respond positively to the childminder's requests, taking on responsibility and following instructions well. Consequently, they are aware of their boundaries and learn to behave responsibly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents and carers. She provides written information about her practice and is always very clear about the type of care she offers. She notes carefully any special requests from parents so that children always receive the appropriate care. Parents complete written contracts and are also asked to agree to the childminder's policies. The childminder keeps them informed about each day's events both verbally and through written diaries. Children benefit from this close working partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's policies and procedures work effectively in practice to promote the outcomes for children. She has collected a set of written policies which explain the various aspects of her practice. Her paperwork is well organised and her attendance register is maintained appropriately. She has organised emergency cover for herself. Since registration she has completed her required training in childcare and attended additional training in Safeguarding. She is keen to develop her practice through taking advantage of further training opportunities.

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Organisation

The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children. She spends her time involved with the children in her care, ensuring that they are all happy and safe. Children have plenty of space in which to play and enjoy good relationships with the childminder. She provides a mix of activities for children, both adult-led and child-initiated. She continually reviews and increases the range of resources and equipment available in order to suit the needs of different children.

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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

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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): • fit the fire blanket in the kitchen and practise the emergency evacuation plan regularly • explore ways of interacting with children in learning situations so as to extend their skills.

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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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