Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY239399 Unique Reference Number 01 June 2006 Inspection date Paul Martin Kitchen 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 10 in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. The whole 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 is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have a rabbit.

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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 understand simple health and hygiene practices, as they are encouraged to wash their hands at regular intervals, such as before eating and after the toilet. Individual colour coded hand drying towels are provided for children to use independently. They learn why it is necessary to wash their hands to remove germs that could cause them harm. Nappies are changed following current health and environmental guidelines , such as the correct way to dispose of the nappy. Children are protected from the effects of potential cross infections as all food preparation surfaces, nappy changing areas and toilets are kept hygienic. The care of the children is well supported by clear documentation of children's health needs. These records include details of dietary needs, allergies, accidents and any medication required. Children rest or sleep according to their needs. They play and exercise in the garden where they stretch their limbs and enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

fresh air. The Birth to three matters framework is used effectively to improve the experience for the children

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met by being provided with nutritious foods. Parents supply daily lunch boxes and the childminder provides snacks and drinks. Snacks include fresh fruit and the occasional cereal bar. Children are provided with drinking cups filled with fresh drinking water. They can access their own bottles freely which is situated adjacent to the play area. Babies are provided with milk according to their needs and in consultation with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, warm and secure environment. Rooms are child friendly, decorated with primary colours and children's art work. All indoors areas are suitable. There is reasonable space and resources for children to rest and play. This includes a full range of facilities designed to meet the needs of children mostly up to the age of five years. There is a pleasing range of toys and equipment both indoors and outdoors. These include construction toys, craft materials, and paint. In the garden there are swings, slides, a play house, and a planting area. There is an appropriate range of safety measures in place designed to keep children free from accidents. Children are supervised in the garden at all times as the cover on the small pond is not secure and is a hazard to children. All outdoor play equipment is regularly checked. Children learn about road safety when on outings, learning the safe way to cross

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

roads. Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put the appropriate procedures into practice. Parents are informed in writing of the childminder's legal duty to protect children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of play and learning activities. They show confidence in their relationships with the childminder and her children. They select for themselves from attractive boxes of toys laid out on the floor, so that children can access them easily. Children involve

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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 childminder inviting her to play with the toys with them. They also play independently selecting and co-operating with each other. They select books for her to read to them and ask when they will start the cooking they have planned for later in the day. They visit the park to see the ducks and learn about nature. Children enjoy regular visits to the local library where they hear stories, sing rhymes and take out their own books. They attend the local toddler group where they learn to share and play with other children. Children benefit from free play on the slides and swings in the garden and develop their creative interests and imagination in the play house playing families. They acquire new knowledge and skills as the childminder encourages creative craft work from an inventive supply of raw materials. Older children learn

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

independent skills, going to the toilet unaided, serving themselves drinks, and sitting correctly to eat. The childminder helps children to develop their early learning skills. They learn about shapes, puzzles and colours and play co-operatively with enthusiasm. Children have their individual development needs met. They are happy and content and clearly have a close relationship with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging as they are welcomed into the childminder's extended family. They relate well to the childminder's own children and all play harmoniously. Children benefit from a good range of resources that reflect diversity. They are helped to be aware of wider society from an inventive scrap book. This book displays themed collections of peoples of the world cut out by the children from catalogues. The childminder is positive about caring for children with a learning difficulty or disability. Although she has little experience of this type of care, she is aware of the need to work with parents to provide for the children individually. Children receive expert support in the way their behaviour is managed. The childminder uses frequent praise and encouragement. Children respond by behaving well and being kind and considerate towards each other. The childminder is proficient in her working relationship with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. She keeps them informed through daily feedback of their child's activities, including essential information which is exchanged. The complaints policy is used knowledgeably and parents informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and are welcomed within a family environment. The home and facilities are well organised to meet the needs of the children. The childminder, her partner and other persons in the household are all suitable. Children are protected from visitors to the house as they are not left unsupervised. The childminder has a high regard for children's welfare and a good knowledge of child development. She organises space and resources so children have all the facilities they need to enjoy the experience of care and learning. Children benefit from effective ratios of adults to children ensuring they receive individual attention and their needs met. Records policies and procedures are all correct for the safe and efficient management of the provision. All records are stored confidentially for the correct period. The childminder does not hold a current qualification in first aid although she has arranged to attend a refresher

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Organisation

course in the near future. She is aware from her previous training of the procedures to follow

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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 should the need arise. 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 the childminder was asked to improve her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. In addition she was asked to improve the positive images of cultures, gender roles, and disability, in the play materials for children. The childminder has now improved her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. This ensures children are kept safe in her care. She has a wide range of equal opportunities images in her play materials that represent positive examples to children and help to make them aware of diversity.

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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

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 the garden pond is made safe • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and 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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