Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349177 Unique Reference Number 07 April 2008 Inspection date Bridgette Williams 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 first registered in 2007. She live with her partner and child in the St Paul's area of Cheltenham, close to shops, schools, playgroups and parks. The house is a three-bedroom end of terrace. the whole house is registered to care for children but all play takes place on the ground floor. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a clean environment where there are procedures in place to minimise cross infection such as the use of paper towels for drying hands. Children who are infectious do not come to the setting therefore preventing the spread of contagious ailments. The childminder has a well stocked first aid box to attend to minor injuries, there are procedures in place to share any accidents with parents and prior written permission is gained to administer medication however, parents do not always sign to acknowledge that medication has been given.

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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 The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding children's individual dietary needs to ensure that their individual needs are met. Nutritious meals and snacks help children develop healthy eating habits from a young age. Children do not become dehydrated as drinks are offered to babies and older children help themselves to drinking water from a jug positioned on the table. The childminder follows children's individual routines for eating and sleeping. This contributes to the continuity of care for the children. Although children do not currently have free access to a garden the childminder takes the children for regular walks to the local parks and playgroups to gain fresh air and develop their large muscles skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy playing in a spacious well organised play room which allows them to move around and play safely. Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and appropriate to their stage and age of learning. For example, toddlers independently look into the open top storage box to choose which toy they would like to play with next.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a range of safety measures for example stair gates being used to prevent unsupervised access into the kitchen and radiator covers, however, there are some loose television electrical wires accessible to the children. There are smoke detectors and a fire blanket in place to contribute towards keeping children safe in the event of a fire, there is a fire procedure in place, however the childminder does not practise with the children how to evacuate the premises in an emergency. The childminder has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and understands the procedure to follow if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Happy and warm relationships exist between the children and the childminder. Children receive good warm interaction from the childminder and receive regular attention and cuddles. Toddlers are able to choose what toys they would like to play with as they can easily access the toy storage containers and books are displayed on a low book shelf which allows the children to choose a story independently. For example, the children happily gurgle away as they play peek a boo while reading together with the childminder. Babies and young children gain much from being together, they learn to communicate and develop good relationships.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy and learn from a varied range of activities such as play dough, jigsaws and building towers with wooden blocks. The childminder responds with enthusiasm and praise as the children manage to build a tower helping the children feel good about their learning. She reinforces how words are pronounced to the young children's babbling sounds providing them with reassurance and confidence to develop their communication skills. Toddlers communicate their needs through gestures and babbling, pointing to toys they want to play with, responding with smiles as they manage to activate their musical toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Both girls and boys have equal access to all toys some resources reflect diversity of society, however the childminder does not organise activities to promote an awareness of different cultures and beliefs and has no resources reflecting disabilities. Children show a sense of

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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 belonging as they independently choose what they would like to play with and tell the childminder what they need. For example, they happily point to items they would like such as their shoes. The childminder has a positive approach to managing children's behaviour and rewards them by telling how clever they are and praising them for playing well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are given details about the provision at the outset and asked to share information about their child, the childminder offers regular verbal feedback as required. The mutual sharing of information contributes towards the continuity of care for the children and helps to ensure that individual needs are met. Contact details of the regulator are available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and happy where they move around the play room safely and have access to a range of well maintained toys. Legally required paper work which contributes to children's health safety and well being is in place, however the childminder has not notified the regulator of a significant event which is a breach of regulations. Children records are maintained and stored confidentially. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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 regulator is informed of significant events • ensure parents sign for medication administered • develop children's awareness of cultural differences and develop resources that reflect disabilities

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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 • ensure television wire are made inaccessible to children • ensure children practise their fire evacuation

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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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