Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335694 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2008 Inspection date Kay Roberts 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 registered in 2006 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives with her partner and children aged nine, seven, five and 10 months, in a semi-detached, five bedroom property in Longwell Green, South Gloucestershire. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to work with an assistant and at such times may care for no more than six children under eight years. When working alone, the childminder may care for three children under eight years at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean environment and know that they should take off their shoes when they come indoors. Children learn the importance of hygiene as they wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. The provision of a small step enables children to reach the wash hand basin independently. However, there is a risk of cross infection as all children use one

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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 towel. The policy for excluding children who are sick, together with details of exclusion periods for communicable diseases, is shared with parents so children are offered some protection from infection. There are suitable procedures for managing medication so that children's welfare is promoted. Children are not fully protected in the event of an accident as the childminder does not hold a current paediatric first aid certificate, although she is due to finish a course on this subject in three days time.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are sufficiently confident to ask for drinks and food. They are offered frequent healthy snacks of pancakes and fresh fruit, or crackers and cheese with fresh fruit. Pre-school children are encouraged to assist at snack time by counting the number of plates and passing them to all children present. It is a social occasion when all children sit together, and sometimes older children read stories to younger ones. Children record what fruit and vegetables they eat on a daily basis and when they have eaten five portions they have a small reward, so that the importance of healthy eating is reinforced.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to choose whether they play in or outside as the patio doors are left open. Children recognise when they are cold and put on a coat. In the summer children do not get burnt as sun screen is applied, they wear hats and do not go out during the hottest part of the day. In the garden children develop co-ordination as they throw a ball to each other. Large muscle skills are used when they jump up and down on a large trampoline. Regular visits to parks and soft play extend physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in suitably decorated and maintained premises where their independence is facilitated with the provision of a small step in the bathroom and low level coat hooks. Space available for play is maximised as furniture is placed to the side of the room and children are able to move freely between all rooms on the ground floor. Children have space for relaxation, play and physical activity. The lounge has a colourful poster celebrating difference. Children confidently help themselves to a range of clean, safe resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a secure environment so they can not leave unnoticed. There are suitable procedures in place so that children are only released to authorised adults and are protected from people who have not been vetted. The childminder's sound understanding of local safeguarding procedures, offers children further protection. The risk of an accident is reduced as the childminder has completed a risk assessment, although some potentially dangerous garden equipment has not been risk assessed. In the event of a fire, children know how to evacuate the premises safely, as they practise the fire drill on a fairly regular basis. Children learn the importance of road safety when on outings with the childminder, for which there is written parental consent.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They develop co-ordination as they play on both large and small interactive computer games. Time is limited on the computerised games as a way of encouraging children to try a range of activities. As children draw and paint a tractor they develop pencil control. The childminder extends their learning by showing them how to make butterfly prints and older children, with encouragement from the childminder, introduce those who are younger to words, such as, symmetrical. Children show good concentration as

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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 they participate in painting and as they do so chat about life at home, and the type of ball they have. Children are social and enjoy each other's company. Young children use their imagination as they negotiate who will push the buggy and who will carry a bag to go on a picnic. They organise their own tea party by placing all the cups and plates in a line. Later they are joined by older children, the childminder providing grapes for the food. As children complete age appropriate jigsaw puzzles and participate in games such as 'Four in a Row' they use problem solving skills. Learning is encouraged through first hand experience when they go to a toddler group, soft play and visit farms. The childminder plans to undertake training on the Early Years Foundation Stage and will use this as a basis for planning a broad range of activities to meet

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident as the childminder praises their achievements and listens to what they say. All children are valued and included, and where appropriate activities adjusted to children's varying levels of ability. The childminder also has experience of meeting people's additional needs. Children are polite and generally well behaved. Young children are able to take turns and negotiate. They learn about democracy as they vote for which story should be read at snack time. Unwanted behaviour is sensitively managed through distraction. A respect for the environment is encouraged as children tidy away one activity, before reaching for something else.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the local community as they go on visits with the childminder. A respect for nature is fostered as they see animals on the childminder's parents' smallholding and they visit various farms. A positive attitude to difference is encouraged as children play with readily accessible resources portraying images of our broad society. Children learn that some cultures are different as they taste foods from around the world and look at the flower garlands and photographs of the Asian Water Festival.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are emotionally secure in the relaxed relationship between the childminder and their parents. Parents are aware of the childminder's practices as they are able to view her welcome folder which includes her policies and procedures. Parents are updated verbally and if parents require, a daily diary is also provided. Fully detailed child record forms and contracts ensure that all parties are clear about their remit.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides. She has not completed further training since registration but is currently studying for a paediatric first aid certificate. The childminder also plans to undertake further training on child protection, food hygiene and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Documentation complies with both the National Standards and regulatory requirements so that children's welfare is promoted. The childminder provides a relaxed environment for children where they have space for play, relaxation and physical activity. Children are happy and settled with the childminder.

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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 registration Ofsted received a complaint relating to National Standard 1 (Suitable Person) the childminder leaving children with people who are not vetted, National Standard 2 (Organisation) not complying with registration conditions with regard to the number of children, National Standard 6 (Safety) not using the correct car seats, National Standard 12 (Working in Partnership with parents) and National Standard 14 (Documentation) accidents rarely recorded and no written consent to administer medication. Ofsted visited the childminder and as a result of this, five actions were issued under National Standards 1, 2, 6, 12 and 14. The childminder addressed these actions and we are satisfied that the National Standards are now being met. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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 there is no risk of cross infection when washing hands. • undertake a risk assessment of potentially hazardous activities so that children are not exposed to unnecessary dangers • plan a suitable range of activities to meet children's individual needs.

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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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