Treen, Mandy Karen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 506047 Inspection date 15 March 2006 Inspector Karen Louise Prager

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2001. She lives with her partner and two children aged twelve and thirteen years in the Middleleaze area of Swindon, Wiltshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is available for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all of whom attend part time. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the toddler group. The family has a dog, a rabbit and guinea pigs.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-organised routines and activities to help prevent the spread of infection. For example, the children know they need to clean their hands after using the toilet. There are effective procedures in place for the care of children who are ill which enables suitable care for all children. Children are cared for appropriately if they have an accident. The childminder has kept her first aid training up to date. She has the appropriate records to record accidents and medication is stored out of children's reach. Children enjoy regular fresh air through trips to the park and walks in the locality. Physical well-being is also developed through vigorous activities at the local toddler group. Children benefit from healthy snacks supplied by the childminder. Children confidently ask for a drink when they are thirsty and regular snack-times and prompts

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Helping children to be healthy

throughout the day ensure that drinks are freely available to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Well maintained toys are accessed from toy boxes arranged on the floor and chosen with the attending children in mind. This enables independent access. Risk of accidental injury is reduced because the childminder implements effective safety and security measures to safeguard and promote children's welfare. For example, she has placed a gate to prevent children accessing the kitchen and staircase However one aspect of children's safety has been overlooked as the smoke alarms are not tested. The childminder has a clear knowledge of the local child protection guidance. She is aware of her responsibility to protect children and promote their welfare and discusses this with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the enjoyment of worthwhile play opportunities at the provider's home, supplemented by regular visits to local playgroups and toddlers. They benefit

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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 from effective routines and activities which are arranged round the children's needs and are in line with the Birth to three matters framework. The children can make independent choices because the childminder has placed toys in containers on the floor where they can reach them easily. Children play happily with a broad selection of suitable toys. They improve their imagination through role play. They were observed playing hairdressers with the childminder and reading books. They also have opportunities to play with puzzles and draw pictures and build with construction toys. Children's speech and language is developing well because the childminder talks with the children freely as they play. Children are eager and enthusiastic to learn and are confident in their relationship with each other and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued as individuals. The childminder takes time to get to know the children and their families and seeks to meet their different and developing needs. Children become accustomed to meeting broad range of people when out of the home. They are also able to play with books and toys that reflect different people. Children benefit from a positive partnership with parents and the childminder. Parents are well-informed about the care their children receive through initial meetings, the sharing of policies and signed agreements. Information is shared about the ongoing care provided through regular conversations. This helps children settle well and ensures that their ongoing care needs are met. Children behave well and benefit from a consistent, calm and positive approach to manage their behaviour. The childminder gives high priority to ensure children are happy through continual praise and encouragement, consequently children are

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Members of the family have been checked for suitability and the childminder is aware of the need to inform Ofsted of any significant changes. The children are settled and confident in the childminder's care because she organises the day to meet their needs and follows a weekly routine. Children's individual routines are followed which enables their needs to be met. The childminder has arranged her home and resources to allow space for the children to play in comfort. Steps have been taken to keep children safe and secure in the home. The childminder has an active approach to attending further training which enables her to keep abreast of developments in childcare. The majority of documents and

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 records are kept correctly and this contributes to the safe and effective management of children's care. However, the registration certificate is not currently displayed in a place accessible to parents. 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 previous inspection it was recommended that the childminder improve resources for children by providing a wider selection of toys that reflect gender balance. This has been effectively carried out and children's choices have been increased further promoting their development. It was also recommended that the childminder extend her knowledge of the local child protection guidance. The appropriate documents have been obtained and read and suitably assimilated in to practice, enhancing children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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 smoke alarms are kept in working order through regular testing • ensure the registration certificate is on display.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website:

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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 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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