Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY368034 Unique Reference Number 04 June 2008 Inspection date Sue Vernon 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 2008. She lives with her partner and two children aged four and six in Bath. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and currently minds two children under five. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is supported effectively. Children learn good hygiene routines such as regular hand washing before eating and after messy play, using their own individual towels and liquid soap. Young children have their own individual cot sheets and the childminder follows good practice, such as wearing latex gloves when changing nappies. There is a written sickness policy given to parents explaining why infectious children cannot be accepted. These measures help prevent possible cross-infection and promote children's well-being. Suitable records are in

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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 place for medication and accident issues and these are shared appropriately with parents which builds consistency. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification and has obtained the required permissions from parents for emergency treatment which builds sound relationships.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to gather information on any special dietary requirements and plans well how to support them. This makes parents feel secure. A range of healthy snacks, such as fruit and breadsticks, is offered and children enjoy regular drinks. They benefit from good opportunities to enjoy physical play both in the enclosed garden and by visiting play equipment in local parks and toddler groups where they develop their muscles by pedalling wheeled toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe environment where risks have been effectively assessed and minimised. Suitable safety features are in place, such as safety gates, which enables children to move around freely and safely as they play. Fire safety issues have been considered well with a written evacuation plan in place. The necessary equipment, such as smoke detectors, is in place and tested frequently which promotes a safe environment for children. Car safety has been considered effectively. Appropriate insurance and permissions are in place for car use, with suitable seats and straps for different ages which supports children's safety. The childminder helps children learn about their own safety awareness within the daily routine, such as holding the stair rail carefully as they move up and down stairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a good range of safe, modern play resources. They are attracted to the good selection of age-appropriate toys which include construction sets, puzzles and small world play sets, such as dolls' houses. Toys are set out well in baskets and open storage units which enable children to see them and make choices safely. Good storage also enables the childminder to quickly change play opportunities such as putting away small world play to put out floor mats for drawing. This helps play flow smoothly and keeps the children involved.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's secure knowledge of child protection issues and the required procedures to be followed if any concerns arise helps safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of play opportunities which the childminder plans in advance. She offers a good balance of home play experiences and also plans visits to nearby facilities. These include visits to a garden centre to look at plants and fish and local toddler groups where children extend their play with borrowed toy bags. The childminder helps children to enjoy art and craft activities, such as making birthday cards, painting and exploring play dough, using tools which are easily accessible from a nearby storage cart. The childminder ensures she offers both planned play and free choice for the children. They can choose their own toys from baskets in open storage units which builds their self-confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder builds good relationships with the children in her care through listening and getting closely involved in their play. She gives the children good support and encouragement which helps them persist in their play. Children are happy and settled in her care. They enjoy sharing play with her such as making birthday invitations together. The childminder prompts children's thinking as she asks open questions and helps them to develop their language skills

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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 well. They enjoy looking at books together as she repeats their words and encourages them to try new ways to describe the story.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she is aware of each child's individual needs. She plans well how to support them, such as supporting a child who needs special skin cream. This ensures that parents feel respected and supported. The childminder ensures that all children are included in the play opportunities. For example, all children enjoy dressing up and construction games. Children learn about differences and the value of diversity through a good range of play resources, such as a variety of small world play figures and a good range of books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses a very positive approach to managing behaviour. She consistently gives praise and encouragement and uses appropriate methods, such as a distraction for younger children. She has drawn up guidelines of good behaviour which she discusses with the children. This helps children learn the boundaries of good behaviour. She ensures she is a good role model for behaviour by being polite, calm, friendly and consistent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships are built with parents. The childminder offers settling-in visits which enable her to find out about each child's individual needs and routines. Written policies are given to parents which helps them learn about the childminder's procedures and routines. However, some details in the complaints policy are not in place. Good daily feedback is given to parents in the form of a written daily diary as well as time for verbal discussions. This builds good consistency of care for the child and helps parents feel involved in their child's experience.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The use of the registered areas is well organised in order to meet the care and play needs of the children attending. For instance, a cot is ready upstairs and a selection of toys for floor play are set out in the living room. This helps children separate from their parents/carers well and move into play activities smoothly on arrival. The childminder meets the required ratios and the low number of children attending allow children to receive close attention.

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Organisation

She completes appropriate records, such as contracts and parental permissions, which are stored well and with regard for confidentiality. Good policies and procedures are drawn up and shared with all parents which builds their knowledge well. She holds a current first aid certificate as required and continues to develop her skills through attending further training. 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

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 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 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 complaints policy contains full details such as providing an open summary for parents.

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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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