Jolly, Claire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 161561 Inspection date 15 February 2006 Inspector Nikki Whinton

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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 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 2000. She lives with her 3 children aged 17, 7 and 4 years in Ludgershall, near Andover. The whole of the property, except for the third bedroom, is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and preschools to take and collect children. The family has a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children develop their awareness of health options through the varied menu of balanced, nutritious snacks and hot meals they enjoy whilst in the childminder's care. Allergies and parent's wishes are discussed prior to a child commencing in the setting, recorded and accommodated. Children have their own named drinks cups and are able to access fluids in sufficient quantities to meet their individual requirements. Children's differing dietary needs are successfully met. Children gain an awareness of good hygiene practices as part of the daily routine. They are learning the need to wash their hands, for example after toileting and before meals. They benefit from the childminder's good role modelling, her understanding of first aid and an awareness of the correct administrative procedures to be followed if accidents occur or children require medication. Children lead a healthy lifestyle. They have daily chances for fresh air and exercise

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Helping children to be healthy

when walking to and from school or preschool. In addition, they have the opportunity to develop their large muscle skills whilst visiting soft play centres or local playgrounds.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and relax within premises that are warm, clean and suitably maintained. Children are able to develop their self-care skills through practical opportunities, such as self-toileting and helping themselves to drinks. Children are starting to share responsibility for their own safety through practical activities including, tidying away toys to reduce trip hazards. Many good safety measures have been put in place to promote children's safety and prevent accidents, both within the home and when on outings. For example, hazardous materials are inaccessible to children, the premises are kept secure and socket covers are fitted to exposed electric points. However, the smoke alarm on the first floor is not working and a first aid kit is not taken on outings. As a result, children are potentially at risk. Children are able to self-select freely from an appropriate range of clean, well

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

maintained resources. They benefit from the childminder's good understanding of safety issues regarding the purchase and maintenance of equipment. Children are able to play with toys that are safe and suitable. Children's welfare is supported by a childminder that has a secure understanding of child protection issues. There are very effective procedures in place for advising parents of her responsibilities prior to a child commencing in the setting. Children's wellbeing is actively promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very quickly into the provision. They confidently make themselves at home and are independent as they make decisions for themselves regarding the activities and resources they wish to explore. For example, one child decides to play on the computer whilst another decides to complete a puzzle. Children's enjoyment is enhanced by the active involvement of the childminder, such as when playing 'snap' or when engaged in a colouring activity. The children have a warm, positive relationship with the childminder, which helps their developing confidence and self-esteem. They undertake a variety of age appropriate outings such bus rides to nearby villages and walks around the locality, which help them to gain an awareness of the area in which they live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and acknowledged as individuals, which has a positive impact on their confidence and sense of belonging. The childminder knows her minded children well and is aware of their differing needs. Children have access to a limited range of resources to help them gain an awareness of diversity. Children benefit from the relationship that exists between the childminder and the parents. They are provided with valuable information about the provision before commencing in the setting. Daily diaries and activity sheets are in place as an aid to communication. In addition, there are frequent informal opportunities to discuss children's progress and achievements. This contributes significantly to a continuity of approach to children's care. Children behave well as appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are supported by a childminder who uses effective strategies to promote children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positive behaviour. Children are starting to gain an awareness of right and wrong whilst in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care and development is supported by an experienced childminder that has undertaken required training. Policies and procedures are used appropriately to promote children's welfare, care and development. All legally required documentation is carefully maintained and securely stored. This helps to ensure accurate personal records are easily accessible to support children's care, such as in an emergency. However, the daily register of children's attendance is not up to date, resulting in the lack of a permanent true record of when a child is actually being cared for by the childminder. In addition, the current vehicle insurance is not appropriate when transporting minded children.

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the last inspection, the childminder was given two recommendations to help improve the quality of the provision. These referred to ensuring exposed electric points are made safe or inaccessible to children and that children are able to play with resources reflecting positive images of diversity. Exposed electric points have now been made safe. This has had a positive impact on the quality of care offered to the children. However, children have access to a limited range of resources to help them gain an awareness of diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • ensure the daily register of children attendance is kept up to date. Make sure appropriate vehicle insurance is maintained • ensure smoke detectors are maintained in working order on every level of the premises and children's safety is actively promoted when on outings • ensure children have access to a suitable range of resources reflecting positive images of diversity

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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