Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271069 Unique Reference Number 23 September 2005 Inspection date Sue Hill 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and one child aged two years in Horfield, Bristol. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder occasionally works with an assistant. She is registered to care for a maximum of three children and there are no children currently on roll. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children on outings. She belongs to the National Childminding Association. The childminder has a BTEC Diploma in Childcare and Education.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is suitably promoted. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is aware of how to manage accidents appropriately. She is aware of the procedures with regard to the administration and recording of medication and of sharing records with parents. Risk of infection is minimised through children being excluded if they are sick and by hygienic daily routines. The environment is warm, clean and welcoming, and children have the opportunity to learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

A varied range of activities are on offer to children, which promotes their physical skills, for example, regular walks and visits to local parks, recreation and play areas, alongside use of her well equipped garden. The childminder demonstrated good awareness of following the dietary wishes of parents. She realises the importance of providing healthy choices for meals and snacks and making sure that drinks are readily available. She sees meal times as a social occasion, where children sit together at the family dining table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder offers a welcoming and secure environment for children, where she has addressed potential hazards within the home to minimise risks. For example, she is aware of the risk posed to younger children in the kitchen or from unguarded heaters. The childminder has arranged and organised the ground floor to meet children's needs. Furniture has been placed to the side of the room to maximise play space.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to self-select resources from the provision on offer, all of which are clean and meet safety standards. Consideration is given to maintaining children's safety outside the home. Their welfare is suitably safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection and the procedures to follow should concerns be noted, in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is aware and has a good understanding of children's developmental needs and the appropriate activities to provide. She is interested, for example, in using the Birth to Three Matters framework to promote learning for younger children. The range of toys and equipment is good. There were no minded children present during the inspection, but the childminder demonstrated an understanding of arranging activities to encourage children to spend their time purposefully, to relate well to each other and to share and take turns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of giving children the time and opportunity to do things for themselves and to offer encouragement so that they become more independent. A varied range of planned activities, adapted as appropriate, are on offer, for example, art and craft, play dough and

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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 opportunities for outings and visits. She is aware of the value of displaying children's work to help inform parents about their child's day and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of the importance of treating all children with respect and equal concern, valuing the individual and meeting their needs. She is able to demonstrate her understanding of teaching children about difference through discussion, looking at books and observation. They are given opportunities to learn about their local community by regular visits to parks and recreation areas and using part of the garden for growing vegetables.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

To date, the childminder has no experience of caring for a child with special needs. However, if asked, would endeavour to meet their needs through discussing carefully with parents and adjusting care and activities accordingly. She displayed an understanding of behaviour management by providing clear boundaries and using distraction and discussion. She believes that good behaviour can be encouraged through the use of positive praise. She is aware of the value of working closely with parents through collecting and giving information. She appreciates the importance of taking note of parents wishes regarding the children's care, and talking to them about their child's achievements. There is a sensitive settling in procedure for new children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is caring and provides a warm, relaxed and homely environment. The setting is organised so that children can move around without being inhibited and confidently help themselves to toys they wish to play with. Activities and toys are well presented, encouraging children to explore and initiate play. The childminder regularly accesses training to support her in her role, for example, craft, managing challenging behaviour and counselling and communication skills.

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Organisation

The childminder has records of attendance times and parents wishes, however, she has a limited understanding of the required parental permissions to protect the children's welfare. She is aware of the need to share information with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities so that children receive continuity of care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 cared for according to parents’ wishes by obtaining written parental permissions as necessary for all minded children

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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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