Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362916 Unique Reference Number 15 April 2008 Inspection date Nigel Lindsay Smith 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her two children aged nine years and one year in Hotwells, Bristol. All areas of the property are used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding one child, who attends on a full-time basis. The childminder attends local toddler groups, takes children to the local library and park, and the zoo. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted as the childminder follows good practice. Children learn about good hygiene through washing their hands regularly. They benefit from good procedures in place to ensure equipment is suitable for use, including the regular cleaning of toys and equipment.

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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 Children's health and welfare is enhanced through the clear supporting documentation. Parents sign to ensure they have been made aware of accidents. They give permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment to avoid delay. Children can be treated promptly in the event of an accident as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, and maintains a recommended supply of first aid provision. There are appropriate arrangements for them to provide consent for any medication to be given by the childminder and to sign the record. Children are protected from unnecessary exposure to illness as the childminder has an agreement with parents for children not to attend if they are unwell. Children have good opportunities for regular physical play and fresh air through using local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good diet is effectively promoted through the childminder's commitment to promoting healthy eating. She provides healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit. Children sit together for their meals, which are balanced and healthy. Records of any allergies are maintained. Drinks are available throughout the day to ensure children's fluid levels are maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in premises which are well organised to meet their needs. The area used for the children is welcoming, with toys set out at their level. They choose from a good selection of toys and resources which they can safely access; the childminder regularly checks the equipment to ensure that it is safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is secured by the childminder's good understanding of risk factors. Precautions, such as a gate between the kitchen and the lounge, and locks on the bedroom windows protect children from hazards. Smoke detection equipment is in place and the childminder has evacuation procedures in the event of a fire. However, the fire blanket was not fitted appropriately in the kitchen. Children are safe when on outings as arrangements are made suitable to their ages, such as for children to use reins. The childminder takes first aid provision and emergency contact details with her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded by the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. However, she does not have a copy of the relevant guidelines so that she can make a referral promptly if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy learning through play as the childminder ensures that they have a well-chosen range of resources. A child chooses from accessible items, stacking cubes into a tower and showing pleasure at being rewarded with a clap. The child sits and enjoys exploring a box of wooden farm animals. The childminder skilfully introduces new ideas when the child's attention wanes, sitting him comfortably on her lap and reading him a story. When he becomes tired she sings him soothing songs, introducing songs with actions when he is rested and follows up by providing a choice of musical instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn numbers, colours and letters through the childminder's close involvement with them in their activities, such as in songs and books. They enjoy planned activities, such as experimenting with a mixture of cornflour and water, and imaginative play. They mix with other children at toddler groups, attend singing and rhyming sessions at the library, and visit the local zoo.

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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 good. Children have access to appropriate resources which reflect different cultures, such as multi-cultural puzzles and books. The childminder understands the importance of adapting activities if children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are present so that all children can take part together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder being calm and spelling out her expectations, so that they behave well. She has appropriate strategies to deal with any unacceptable behaviour, which she shares with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's high commitment to building good working relationships with their parents so that they settle well. She offers flexible opportunities to help children settle when they commence minding with her. She provides daily feedback to parents. She makes written agreements with the parents and seeks relevant consents. She has an appropriate procedure to follow in the event of a complaint about her practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's individual needs are met well by the childminder, who shows good understanding of how children develop. The childminder organises the available premises well to provide a good balance of play opportunities for children. She regularly updates her knowledge to ensure consistency in the care that she offers through attending a variety of training courses.

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Organisation

Most relevant documentation is in place to ensure children's safety; it is shared in confidence and stored securely for the required time. The household members have undertaken appropriate checking procedures.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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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 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): • ensure that the fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen • ensure that the local child safeguarding board procedures are accessible

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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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