Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346662 Unique Reference Number 15 July 2008 Inspection date Sara Jane Frost 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, 14 and 16 years in Plymouth. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The garden is not suitable for children to use.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder attends a local crèche and children regularly visit local play parks and go out for walks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's hygiene practices are promoted as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands at the appropriate times. A clear system is in place for recording accidents and all entries are countersigned by parents, ensuring they are kept fully informed. Children are further protected as the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. The risk of cross

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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 infection is reduced as children with infectious illnesses are excluded. However, there is no system in place for procedures regarding the administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a range of balanced meals and snacks for most of the children. Parents provide food for younger children and these are stored appropriately. At snack time children are provided with a range of fresh fruit. Children's individual dietary requirements are discussed and clearly documented. Children's fluid intake is maintained as the childminder ensures they have regular access to drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from trips to the local play parks and regular walks. The childminder is clearly aware of the children's different stages of physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move confidently around the childminder's home. Space is appropriately used to meet the needs of the children. For example, messy play activities are provided in the dining room area and suitable arrangements are provided for children to sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures the range of playthings and equipment available, is suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children she cares for. They have access to a range of well maintained resources which are in good condition . Children are generally safe and secure in the childminder's home. For example, electrical sockets are covered and stair gates are used to deny unsupervised access to the first floor. However, two low level window panes in the lounge are cracked and not protected; therefore, this presents a hazard to the children. Suitable fire equipment is available, smoke detectors are checked on a regular basis and a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen next to the cooker. Children's safety, however, is further compromised as the childminder has yet to devise and practise a fire evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has an adequate understanding of child protection. She has up to date information and knows the process to follow if she any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are clearly well settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. They enter the childminder's home with ease, and have developed a warm relationship with the childminder and other family members. Children are very chatty and confident. The childminder's kind, caring and sensitive approach enables children to become relaxed in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

For the majority of the time play is unplanned. The range of activities provided helps develop children's language and mathematical skills whilst in play. For example, children pair up and count out the tea cups and saucers to ensure there are enough for everyone. Children are fully engaged in their play and clearly enjoy developing the role play activity with the babies. Children confidently ask for resources, for example, a blanket to put the baby to bed. The childminder actively supports and offers guidance to further develop children's play. In agreement with the parents, the childminder is willing to provide opportunities for children to socialise with other children by attending a local crèche.

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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's individual needs are discussed with parents at the start of the childminding arrangements. Daily routines are planned around taking and collecting children from school. The childminder has a sound understanding and awareness of equal opportunities. Children's playthings and resources reflect positive images of diversity, which develops children's awareness of difference. The childminder describes how she and the children often communicate using sign language. She encourages children to take an interest and learn about their local environment whilst out and about on local walks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a clear and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. Different strategies are used depending on the individual and their age, such as changing the tone of her voice. Children's self esteem is fostered as they are regularly praised and receive encouragement from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder offers a suitable settling-in procedure and relevant information is shared during this time. She works with the parents to promote the children's care and welfare. To ensure consistency in care is maintained, the childminder provides parents with information about their child's day both verbally and by using a 'home book'.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is well organised, with the rooms set out ready before they arrive. Children are protected through the childminder's clear understanding of supervision and not leaving children alone with unvetted persons. The childminder is aware of procedures such as requesting suitability checks to be undertaken once her son reached 16 years of age; however, she is not pro-active in following the process through.

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Organisation

All the required training is in place and the childminder shows a willingness to undertake relevant courses to improve her practice and update her knowledge. Most of the required documentation is in place such as some parental consent to transport children, a daily record of attendance and children's details. 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 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 children are protected from potential hazards within the home, devise a fire evacuation plan and conduct an evacuation procedure. • further develop documentation to ensure systems are in place to record any administration of medication and any suitability checks have been fully completed

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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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