Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY359872 Unique Reference Number 12 August 2008 Inspection date Zahida Hatia 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 husband and three year old child in the village of High Littleton. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. The family own a pet cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. Currently there are two children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted as the childminder applies good standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. All childcare areas and toys are kept in a clean condition and maintained to a good standard to prevent cross infection. Children's everyday health needs are met well because the childminder has a first aid qualification and a clear procedure for dealing with sickness and infectious diseases, which she discusses with parents. She has appropriate documentation for recording accidents and medication if necessary. Good provision is made so children can benefit from fresh air and exercise. They are regular visitors to the park and soft play areas and enjoy dancing to music tapes and singing in the childminder’s home. The

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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 premises are warm yet well ventilated, clean and well maintained. Children are beginning to learn about personal hygiene as the childminder has procedures in place to help stop the spread of germs such as encouraging children to wash their hands before eating and after changing nappies. However, the childminder does not always check if the children have used their own towels for hand drying.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks. Provision of meals and snacks takes account of individual dietary needs. Comfortable seating and age appropriate cups and utensils enable children to enjoy eating and drinking independently and make meal times an enjoyable social occasion for all. The children enjoy trying out new and different foods such as water melon, kiwi fruit and rice cakes. Although water is always available during meal times, it is not always accessible to children throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure child-centred environment. They have space to play and move around with confidence and growing independence because the childminder has carefully considered potential risks and taken steps to minimise them. A wide range of interesting play materials and equipment which are safe and developmentally appropriate are safely accessible to children. Resources are of good quality, meet safety standards and are regularly checked by the childminder to ensure that they continue to be safe for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's good awareness of safety protects children well. She raises children's awareness of keeping themselves safe, for example, when out walking and when in the car. Hazards in the home have been identified and steps are taken to keep children safe, such as, ensuring hazardous substances are inaccessible. Good attention is paid to fire safety as emergency evacuation procedures are practised and discussed with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder is knowledgeable about safeguarding children procedures and recognises that the child's welfare is paramount. She has information available to allow her to report concerns promptly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are relaxed and comfortable in the childminder's home. They have very good relationships with the childminder and benefit from warm and affectionate interaction with her. Children's needs are very well catered for because the childminder follows their individual daily routines which are fully discussed with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop, and detailed knowledge of the individual children she is caring for. She talks regularly with parents and observes children's play carefully to plan for their next steps in learning. As a result, their overall development is being promoted well. Children enjoy many interesting activities using a wide range of stimulating resources, which support and challenge their development. Children love art and craft activities such as gluing, sticking and painting. They enjoy books and listen with much enjoyment to stories, and also engage in singing and dancing in the childminder's house. children love being outdoors and whenever possible activities are provided in this area. They regularly attend toddler groups and visit the local park, this helps to promote children's physical well-being.

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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. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. Children learn to value differences through sensitive discussions and are receptive to the childminder's good role modelling. A varied range of resources help to raise children's awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well due to consistent, positive behaviour management by the childminder. The younger children play well alongside each other and are gaining an understanding of sharing and taking turns, for example, as they play with the dolls and construction toys, they learn to share and are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong because the childminder reminds the children it is wrong to snatch or push each other over.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Trusting partnerships have been established with parents to help promote children's well-being, development and progress. Verbal information is shared on a daily basis and detailed written policies keep them informed of procedures. Parents' knowledge of their child's needs and interests is actively sought prior to a placement commencing, and on a regular basis throughout their time in the childminder's care. Parents speak highly of the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit positively from the care of a childminder who clearly enjoys caring for, and being with children. She has completed mandatory training and continues to develop her childcare knowledge by accessing further courses with the local authority and volunteering in the local primary school. This ensures she develops her practice so children benefit from good quality care.

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Organisation

Space is organised well and children feel at home and at ease in the warm, welcoming, well organised environment. They move around freely and confidently and initiate and extend their own play and learning. The required ratios are maintained and time is organised effectively which allows children to receive good support and care. Younger children benefit from having lots of attention throughout the day.

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Organisation

Good quality, well organised records, policies and procedures are in place and kept appropriately. These are shared regularly with parents to keep them fully informed about the service, the activities and the care provided for their children. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it 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 consistency in encouraging children's good practice for personal hygiene with particular regard to hand drying facilities • ensure fresh water is made freely available for children throughout the day

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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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