Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY374138 Unique Reference Number 08 August 2008 Inspection date Carol Cox 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 2008. She lives with her husband and three children aged two, three and six years in Knowle, Bristol. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed decked area for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for one child under five. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the library, park and on various outings. The family has a cat. The childminder intends to become a member of a childminder support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a warm and friendly home. They begin to learn self care skills through daily routines. For example, toddlers feed themselves and enjoy sitting at the big table with other children. Children are reminded to wash their hands after stroking the family cat.

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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 There is a system in place to record all medications administered to children; records also include parental guidance and consent. The childminder has a system to record any accidents. These records have not yet been used. Although the childminder has some training in and knowledge of first aid, she does not currently hold a paediatric first aid qualification. There is a sensible exclusion policy in place to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise when playing in the garden and on visits to nearby parks. The childminder discusses children sleep needs with parents and provides individual bedding for children. Children are enjoying healthy and nutritious snacks and drinks. Their individual dietary needs are discussed with parents and noted. The childminder is happy to meet any specific dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder makes regular checks of her home and garden to ensure that children are safe at all times. For example, cupboards in the kitchen are kept locked to prevent accidents. Children freely access a wide range of toys and resources appropriate to their ages and stages of development. When travelling in the car children are safeguarded because the childminder ensures they use safety seats suitable for their ages. Although the childminder has written an emergency evacuation procedure she has not yet practised this when caring for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She follows guidance from the Local Safeguarding Children Board and shares her procedure with parents. She is vigilant in ensuring that only authorised people are allowed to collect children from her care, thus children are further safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder helps children learn and develop through a choice of activities appropriate to their ages. She helps children settle and builds warm relationships with them; children are friendly and confident in her care. She makes informal observations of children's progress and exchanges information about their activities with parents and other carers. Children benefit from regular visits in the local community and attendance at a local toddler group where they learn to socialise with others and enjoy a wider range of toys and resources. The childminder is aware of the need to further develop knowledge and understanding of how to observe and assess children and plan for their future progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works in close partnership with parents to identify the needs of their children. Children learn about the lives and needs of others through interesting resources and discussions about their activities and visits. Children generally behave well in her care. She has a positive and consistent approach to behaviour management and is sensitive to the reasons and causes of behavioural change. For example, with young babies and toddlers she uses distraction but with older children she discusses the effects their behaviour might have on others. The childminder tries hard to balance the needs of all the children in her care.

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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 The childminder gives parents clear and well-written information about the provision. Parents give written consent where appropriate and share information about children's home routines with the childminder. There is a clear complaints procedure in place with information about how to contact Ofsted. However, there is no clear provision to share the complaints record with parents. Children show a sense of belonging in the household and enjoy displaying their paintings and drawings.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder offers homely and well organised care for children. She recognises the need for continuing training and is looking forward to implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage. She works closely with parents to identify and meet children's needs. There are clear and well written policies and procedures in place which she shares with parents. All necessary records and documentation are maintained and shared with parents who sign to verify accuracy. 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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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): • obtain a paediatric first aid qualification • develop a knowledge and understanding of how to help children learn and develop and keep up to date with changes in childcare • make the complaints record available to parents on request • practise the emergency evacuation procedure when children are present

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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 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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