Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY290053 Unique Reference Number 15 April 2008 Inspection date Sheila Harrison 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 August 2004 and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and one year in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding where there are toilet facilities. Undisturbed sleeps are provided in the dining room. The first floor is not included in the registration. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local parent and toddler groups regularly and takes children on outings to local adventure playgrounds. The family have a pet hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are suitably nourished as they are offered sufficient, healthy meals. The childminder provides fresh fruit daily and likes to ensure children have sufficient milk either through a yoghurt or milk pudding. The meals are generally home-made without salt or sugar. Some snacks such as crisps are given infrequently. Children have free access to drinks in suitable containers. Parents are fully consulted in the preparation of the menus.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children are learning about simple hygiene practices as the childminder talks about wiping away the germs when washing their hands. Children are adequately shielded from the spread of infection as each child has individual changing mats and bedding. The childminder has a satisfactory sickness procedure which is shared with the parents. Children are protected in an emergency as the childminder has appropriate training in first aid and suitable first aid equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have sufficient exercise as they play on the physical toys at the parent and toddler groups and regularly visit an indoor adventure playground. They sleep according to their individual needs in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere with the childminder staying close by.

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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 warm and welcoming home. They have sufficient space to move freely and are learning to manage the step between the kitchen and lounge competently. Children are not using the garden at present whilst the improvements are in progress. Photographs of the children and examples of their art work are displayed to help develop a sense of belonging. The childminder is aware of the hazards in the home and young children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe as she gently explains the consequences of their actions. The childminder has the required child protection procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children freely access a sound range of suitable resources which are stored at a low level and available for them to choose. Toys are safe, kept in good order and appropriate for the children’s developmental needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and they respond well to the childminder as she plays on the floor at their level. She is interested in what they do and say and ensures favourite activities are readily available. Their favourite toys are the farm animals and their emerging language is encouraged as the childminder asks them to make the animal sounds. Young children’s growth is well supported as an interesting range of toys is placed within the child’s reach including appropriate books and teddies. The baby bouncer includes music and lights to encourage their sensory development. Children concentrate and listen as the battery operated dolls play music and soft toys that sing. Their creativity is encouraged as they access messy play and craft activities regularly at the local carer and toddler groups.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the parents and childminder's friendly and professional relationship. There are effective communication systems to ensure parents are reassured about their children’s welfare. Suitable discussions take place at the outset of the arrangement and there is feedback at the end of the day including a daily diary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The flexible settling-in arrangements enables children to feel secure and helps parents feel confident when leaving them. Children are valued as individuals as the childminder demonstrates a commitment to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. They are beginning to learn acceptable behaviour as the childminder is calm and gentle and offers suitable praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children visit the local carer and toddler groups within the local community to ensure they relate well to others. They have the opportunity to play with a few positive images of other cultures and some non-gender specific toys. They celebrate traditional festivals and birthdays. However, opportunities for children to learn about the wider world are not fully explored as the childminder is less confident in promoting anti-discriminatory practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s welfare is maintained as the childminder is committed to her role and has completed the required training. Information from the courses is used to inform current practice as the toys are more accessible and the storage units are labelled with pictures to support children’s growing independence. The childminder effectively uses her time with the children to ensure their well-being and there is adequate documentation which is appropriately organised. For example, contracts, contact numbers and the attendance registers are complete. Overall the children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to seek permission form the parents for emergency medical treatment, ensure the contents of the first aid box is sufficient, complete an approved first aid course and pre-registration course.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children’s welfare is supported as the childminder has completed the required training. A new first aid box has been purchased and permission for emergency medical treatment has been obtained from the parents.

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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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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 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 that all children have access to an appropriate range of activities and resources which actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory 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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