Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221483 Unique Reference Number 25 May 2006 Inspection date Flo Griffin-Taylor 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 November 2001. She lives with her partner and three children aged 14, 11 and nine years, in a three bedroom house in the village of Pill, North Somerset. The premises are situated in a quiet cul-de-sac away from the main road.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes, which includes the living room, dining room, back play room, kitchen/diner and shower room, which has toilet facilities. Children do not have access to the first floor and the rear garden is not registered for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding four children, three of whom attend on a part time basis. All are under the age of five years.

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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 The childminder lives within easy distance of community facilities and main travel routes. Local and nearby amenities that are used include parks, recreational play areas, soft play provision and toddler/pre-school activity groups. She owns a vehicle and uses her car to take children out on regular trips and outings to places of interest around the surrounding areas. She also takes children to the local nursery.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have three household pets, one cat and two dogs, and some fish in an aquarium in the dining room.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is effectively promoted through well established daily routines and good practice. The childminder ensures that kitchen surfaces and other washable areas in the home are cleaned regularly, including all play items and equipment. Nappies are changed and disposed of hygienically. The changing mat is disinfected after each use. Towels are changed daily. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and manages accidents and the administration of medication well. All records are shared with parents. Risk of infection is further minimised through children being excluded if they are sick. A written sickness policy is in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good attention is given to the children's personal hygiene. The childminder helps young children to develop a positive understanding of health issues. She talks about the reason for washing hands and the importance of preventing germs from spreading. Children know the routines and are encouraged to adopt good practices, such as washing hands before eating, after messy play and outdoor activities, using the toilet and stroking the household pets. Children also demonstrate a good understanding of their bodily functions and specific toileting needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are involved in a broad range of enjoyable activities which contribute to their all round health and assists them in gaining good physical skills. Their fitness levels are maintained through daily exercise, which includes walking, using age appropriate climbing equipment, rides on wheeled toys, visiting parks, playgrounds and recreational play areas, attendance at toddler and pre-school activity groups, soft play provision and swimming. All are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating through encouragement given by the childminder. Drinks are frequently on offer and fresh fruit is provided daily. The childminder takes full account of the wishes of parents and of children's individual preferences and choices. She ensures that dietary needs are met and that children eat healthily. Meal times are enjoyable social occasions, with children sitting down together at the family dining table. They are able to discuss and explore different food textures in a relaxed and unhurried way. They use good manners and are encouraged to be independent.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed and greeted into a safe, inviting and well organised environment. The ground floor is arranged and set up to meet children's needs. Furniture has been placed, as appropriate, to the sides of rooms to maximise the space available for play. There is a very strong child-centred focus in the back room, which has been especially set up as the main play area, with the addition of some low comfortable seating. Children move around freely and independently. They are encouraged to self select play materials and resources from the good range of provision on offer, all of which are clean and meet safety standards. Many items are stored in easily accessible boxes, low cupboards, shelves and a bookcase, so as children are able to readily and enthusiastically help themselves. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choices, ensuring that play items are appropriate to each child's stage of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

development. She gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to ensuring their personal safety, both inside and outside the home. She talks about the dangers of traffic and being alert to potential hazards. Older children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures. They also know that when out in the community, and on visits and outings, they must stay close together and within near view at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and their welfare safeguarded and promoted. There is suitable and appropriate safety equipment in place, for example, a stair gate, smoke detectors and a fire blanket. The childminder has identified potential hazards within the home and minimised risks. Children's freedom is maximised. The childminder has a good awareness and understanding of child protection issues. Children are closely supervised at all times and are never left in the care of other adults who are not vetted. She is clear as to the procedures to follow should concerns be noted, and shares this information with parents. A written statement on child protection is in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and enjoy their time at the childminder's house. They have a strong sense of belonging and are happily and actively occupied. They enter confidently, are relaxed and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at various community groups, such as toddler/pre-school activity sessions, soft play and swimming. Outings are also arranged and photographs taken of children engaged in activities. This promotes discussion and helps children to recall past events.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make good progress because the childminder has a clear understanding of each child's individual stage of development. She knows them well, including their specific interests, and plans effectively to support them in their learning, adapting activities to further challenge and extend their skills. She gives them time to do things for themselves, to find out, experiment, and offers constant encouragement so that they become more independent. For example, making flapjack biscuits, completing a puzzle, identifying and comparing different objects and using small cooking moulds to carefully form different figures and shapes. Children are enthusiastic, self assured and their interest is well sustained. They choose with confidence from

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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 the good range of toys, books and play resources available, that are either set out in readiness prior to their arrival, or easily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy the varied creative activities on offer to them and eagerly participate. They listen and respond to tapes of rhymes and songs and dance to classical ballet music. They enjoy the sensory experience of sand, water, clay and play dough. They keenly explore the texture of paint, glue and craft materials, to create their own imaginative models and artistic pictures, producing colourful patterns, designs, collages and greeting cards. As they look at books and listen to stories they snuggle up to the childminder, who promotes and extends their conversational skills by asking relevant questions. Children confidently use their language skills to communicate their thoughts and feelings to each other and the childminder. Children are proud of their achievements and the pieces of work they produce. These are much valued and discussed with parents, with many placed on display.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. From the start, the childminder works very closely with the children and parents to make sure that their interests, abilities and requirements are taken fully into account. She has a clear understanding of their needs and offers each child a high level of support. All are included so that no child feels isolated and activities are adapted as appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world and the diverse society in which we live through observation, looking at books and general discussion. However, there are only a few toys and resources on offer included in everyday play to further promote positive images of culture, race, gender and disability. Children learn about the living world and of their local and surrounding environment as they visit places of interest such as Noah's Ark, Windmill Hill City Farm, the zoo, as well as regular trips to parks, recreational play areas and feeding the ducks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are effective arrangements in place to care for children with learning disabilities. The childminder sensitively and carefully discusses children's individual needs and routines with parents, to ensure that she provides the necessary support to enable them to participate fully. Older children respect and understand that some children need extra assistance and willingly support those who do. This contributes to children's overall well-being and understanding of other's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides calm, clear and consistent boundaries, with lots of praise and positive encouragement. Confidence and self-esteem is promoted and children respond well. Children are polite, well behaved, play co-operatively together and show concern for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and secure. There is a strong, close and effective partnership between the childminder and parents, based on mutual trust and respect. Parents are warmly greeted and welcomed into the home. Regular and ongoing two-way discussions take place, so that both parties are aware of what is happening in a child's life, and of all progress and achievements. Daily diaries are also completed, and art work is kept, together with photographs of activities

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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 undertaken, for parents to take home. Any specific concerns relating to the children are discussed confidentially, and an agreed strategy plan adopted, with continuity of approach.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children make good progress and are at ease in the inviting, stimulating, homely and well organised environment that the childminder provides. They move happily and freely around, without being inhibited, and confidently help themselves to toys they wish to play with. Independence is encouraged. The childminder is caring and conscientious, with well established routines in place that enable her to provide a high level of support. It also ensures that maximum quality time is spent playing with the children.

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Organisation

Children's welfare is promoted through the required documentation in place, the sharing of records and the maintaining of confidentiality. All the necessary parental permissions have been obtained and paperwork is routinely reviewed and updated. However, records are not systematically arranged or filed appropriately. Daily verbal and written communication takes place with parents to keep them well informed about all aspects of their children's care, progress and the activities undertaken. This all contributes to the children's well-being and continuity of care. The childminder also takes opportunities, as appropriate, to attend some training sessions to increase her knowledge and skills. This demonstrates her commitment to providing good quality care to the children she minds. She is also a member of a local childminder support group, which meets regularly to discuss practice and provision.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in April 2003 the childminder was requested to obtain written parental permission for emergency medical treatment and for the administration of medication, to extend resources to promote equal opportunities, to gain further knowledge on the action to take with regard to any allegations of abuse made and to ensure that confidential records are stored securely.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has addressed the recommendations made and carried out improvements which promote children's welfare and well-being. Written parental permission has been obtained for emergency medical treatment and before the administration of medication. A few resources reflecting diversity have been purchased, and the childminder has joined a toy library to extend the range. The childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding of child protection and is clear as to the procedures to follow if an allegation of abuse was made against her. All records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • extend resources to provide positive images that further children's understanding of diversity. • ensure that all documentation is systemically maintained and filed appropriately, to further promote children's welfare and well-being.

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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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