Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY361109 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2008 Inspection date Shirley Ann Jackson Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and one child aged two years. She lives in Coleford, in the Forest of Dean. The whole of the house is used for minding, at the childminder's discretion, with most care taking place downstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. There are currently two children on roll aged nine and fourteen months.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children become aware of positive hygiene procedures as they follow well-established daily routines. For example, they wash their hands on individual flannels before and after eating and see the childminder cleaning the highchairs after they have eaten. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment. They follow this as shoes and jackets are taken off when they

p.2

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 arrive at the childminder's home. This helps them to understand about keeping the environment clean. Personal care for younger children is carried out promptly and in an appropriate manner, for example, nappies are changed on a regular basis. This ensures that children are kept clean and comfortable.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a first aid box is available, along with a smaller kit to take on outings. The childminder has clear procedures in place for dealing with accidents, emergencies and administering medication. All accidents are recorded appropriately, shared with parents and confidentiality is maintained. The childminder has a written policy in place regarding children who are ill or sick. This contains exclusion periods for infectious diseases and is shared with parents to help prevent the spread of infection. Children rest and sleep according to their individual routines. However, the childminder sometimes uses a bouncy chair for young children to sleep in.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children bring a packed lunch with them to the childminder's home. This means that children are able to enjoy their own, familiar food. Lunches are appropriately stored by the childminder to ensure food remains fresh. Mealtimes are social occasions as children and the childminder sit together to eat. The childminder provides healthy snacks for the children during the day. Drinks are freely available to children throughout the day, and the childminder regularly reminds children to have a drink.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes the children outdoors every day, unless the weather is very bad. This means that children have the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and exercise. They go for walks in the local area and visit the shops. Children can play in the childminder's garden where they enjoy playing with a range of outdoor resources which help them to improve their physical skills and development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder gives a high priority to children's safety at all times. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder recognises and reduces possible risks. She has completed a thorough risk assessment of all areas of her home, identifying any risks and minimising them. The children are safe and secure when playing in the childminder's home or outdoors in her garden. Children practise fire evacuation procedures regularly, this ensures they know what to do in an emergency. The childminder records details of these and then evaluates them to make the evacuation speedier and more effective. For example, during one drill she realised that carrying out two toddlers was difficult so now has a set of reins close to the door to use. The childminder has carefully considered possible risks on outings and has taken effective measures to minimise these, ensuring that children's safety is prioritised. Children learn about safety as

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

they are suitably restrained when using highchairs, pushchairs, travelling in the car and safety reins are used when appropriate.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can move freely and are protected from harm within the childminder's home. The space inside and out is organised effectively, creating a child-friendly environment and there are plans to develop the outdoors further. Children can independently select what they want to play with from a good range of high quality resources and equipment. The resources children use are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has a sound knowledge of the indicators of abuse and neglect, this helps to safeguard the children in her care. She is aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child attending. This helps to protect children's welfare and well being.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are comfortable in the childminder's home. They build a warm relationship with the childminder and her own family which helps to build self-esteem and gives the children a sense of belonging. The childminder knows the children well and is aware of their individual routines. This ensures consistency of care and helps the children to feel secure.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to become independent learners as they can help themselves to resources from the good range offered. Children's early communication is fostered as the childminder talks to the children and listens and responds appropriately to them. Babies and young children have opportunities to explore natural objects and household items to promote their sensory development. Children's social skills are promoted as they play alongside the childminder's child and are taken out into the local community.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy creative and sensory experiences as they print using their hands and feet, play with play dough, jelly, custard and gloop. Their imagination is fostered as they play with small world and role play toys. The childminder is calm, caring and shows a genuine enjoyment in the company of the children. She has started to put development records in place to be able to offer activities at each child's level.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a suitable range of resources which positively reflects the wider community. She has displayed posters in the conservatory which help to raise children's awareness of diversity. All children have access to all resources and their choices are respected by the childminder, building children's self esteem. Children become involved in the local community as they take walks round the local area, visit the library, shops and family centre. Young children build warm, caring relationships with the childminder, seeking her out when they are unsure or need re-assurance. This helps the children to settle and gives them a feeling of security. The childminder values the children as individuals and clearly knows them well. She follows children's own home routines, as discussed with parents, to ensure that their care needs are effectively met. The childminder has not been approached to care for any children with

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

learning difficulties or disabilities. She is keen to offer an inclusive setting and to support children with specific difficulties.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder helps to build children's independence and confidence as she gives them the opportunity to select their own resources. Children are given a sense of belonging, for example, they help to tidy away resources before moving on to a different activity. Children learn about positive behaviour as they follow the childminder's lead. She has a calm and re-assuring manner. Children follow this lead and their behaviour is good. The childminder uses praise and encouragement to promote self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the detailed information which the childminder shares with parents. Folders contain the childminder's policies and procedures, risk assessments and details of the service she offers. The childminder is available to chat to parents at the end of each day to

p.4

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 share all relevant information. The walls and windows in the conservatory display children's current art work. This gives children a sense of belonging and helps to keep parents informed and involved. Children benefit from this strong partnership.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home effectively to help to make the children feel welcome and to help to build their independence skills. For example, children are able to independently access some resources from those offered in the lounge and conservatory. The childminder organises her time to give children the opportunity to be outdoors every day to enjoy fresh air. They have time to enjoy free, unstructured play as well as activities which are more adult-led. The childminder is enthusiastic and caring and clearly enjoys spending time with the children.

p.5

Organisation

All legally required paperwork is in place and is well maintained. The childminder's registration and insurance certificates are displayed in the hallway for parents to see. The childminder has produced written policies and procedures which reflect her daily practice. These are shared with parents along with training certificates and risk assessments to ensure that they are well informed about the provision. The childminder is keen to improve and extend her knowledge and is attending training to help to improve the service she offers. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 children sleep in appropriate equipment

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.6