Childminder in Bedford

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 219622 Inspection date 05 April 2006 Inspector Susan Marriott

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in April 1999 and holds a professional teaching qualification. She lives with her husband and three children aged 9, 7, and 5 years. They live in a property in the Castle Road area of Bedford. The childminder is registered to provide care for 4 children under 8 years and currently cares for 5 children on a flexible basis. She is not currently working with an assistant. The kitchen breakfast room and playroom are used for childminding and the front living room is available for children to have undisturbed rest. The toilet is also located on the ground floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The local schools and shops are within walking distance and there is a park nearby. The family have no

p.2

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 pets.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy an extensive range of activities that actively contribute to their good health. Children have the opportunity to play every day in the garden which has a well-equipped children's area. They walk everywhere with the childminder, as she delivers and collects children to and from schools and pre-schools. They enjoy regular visits to local parks, toddler groups and playgrounds. This supports the development and improvement of children’s physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children learn to keep themselves healthy as they blow their own noses and discard tissues appropriately. Young children are able to sleep according to their needs in a suitable quiet area of the house. The childminder has a clear informal hygiene policy which

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

she implements consistently to prevent the spread of infection when dealing with bodily fluids and changing nappies. Sound procedures are in place for children who are unwell and the childminder always acts in the best interests of the child concerned. She maintains an accident book in accordance with requirements and keeps her first aid certificate up to date. This ensures that children receive appropriate treatment in case of a medical emergency. Appropriate parental permissions are in place to safeguard children's welfare. The childminder ensures that fresh fruit, salad and vegetables are available for children. They begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they enjoy home cooked food prepared from fresh ingredients. The children sit at the table to eat and learn good manners and social rules. The childminder meets the children's specific dietary needs within the varied menu available to the children. Children have access

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for within a very spacious, safe and secure home environment. The childminder makes excellent use of space to provide many purposeful activities and opportunities for children. Children independently select activities from a broad range of resources, efficiently stored in open shelving units in the playroom. Toys and equipment are in a good state of repair and are age appropriate. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys, to ensure they are suitably challenging for their age and stage of development. The childminder has identified and minimised all risks, ensuring children are able to

p.3

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 move around and play safely, freely and independently. Appropriate safety measures are in place. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, and has clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety outside the home. For example, she ensures that children hold onto the buggy when walking down a busy road, but allows them to run ahead to the next tree when walking along a road with wide grassy verges. The childminder practices the evacuation plan with older children so as not to worry younger, anxious children. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has informal policies and required documents in place. However, she has not yet devised a clear procedure to follow in the event of a child not being collected. Children are safe with the childminder, who

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has a secure understanding of child protection in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy themselves in this home from home environment and make good progress in learning, leisure and personal development. Children are familiar with the daily routine which makes them feel secure and fosters a sense of belonging. For example, they know to hang their coat on Mr Lion and place their shoes in the shoe space when they arrive. Children develop confidence as they test their physical skills on the fixed equipment in the garden. They develop self-esteem as they pour their own drinks from the fruit juice cartons at the garden table. Their achievements are promptly and heartily acknowledged by the childminder, through lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder is very attentive to the needs of the children and ensures they have a balanced and stimulating programme of activities throughout the day. Each child is able to have individual attention whilst one is resting, at school or

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

not attending. Children make independent choices in their play and are able to choose from a wide variety of toys and equipment, which are stored within easy reach. The childminder is highly skilled at developing the children's knowledge and understanding through discussions and their play. During the inspection, children rolled out prepared pizza dough and added their own choice of topping in readiness for their tea. The childminder respected the children's decisions and choices, accepting the way in which each child interpreted the activity. She supported the children by helping them to use the rolling pins when asked and encouraging the children to talk about their likes and dislikes. The childminder does not yet use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to support her work with children under three-years-old.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Anti-discriminatory practice is supported by this childminder who has a carefully considered approach to equal opportunities which is discussed with all parents. The childminder provides an effective range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and

p.4

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 their understanding of others. For example, dolls which represent different cultures and books about other countries. Children learn about their local community as they visit the toddler group, pre-school and local parks. Children show care and concern for each other and they behave very well in response to the childminder's consistent boundaries and high expectations. Children play together cooperatively sharing and taking turns. They prepare to become independent learners by making choices and taking decisions in their play. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder gives lots of praise for their achievements and meets their needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder ensures that daily discussion about the service provided

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

keeps parents informed about their child's activities. She provides parents with ample opportunities to discuss any aspect of their children's welfare and respects their wishes about the care of their children. Parents state that they have never found any fault with the childminder's care and that they feel comfortable in bringing up any concerns they might have.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are genuinely happy in the well-organised care of this flexible and caring childminder, who successfully reconciles the service with the needs of her own family. She combines this conscientious approach with her maternal experience to promote very good outcomes for children. Children are well protected and cared for by this childminder with a professional knowledge and understanding of child development. Children feel part of an extended family and are gently nurtured in the interesting and stimulating environment. The childminder is highly professional in delivering all aspects of her service and uses her informal procedures and routines to effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of all the children. The childminder up-dates her knowledge through reading relevant literature, seeking to further enhance her good practice. All written parental permissions are in place and the

p.5

Organisation

childminder effectively meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

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.

p.5

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 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.6

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): • improve further, the provision for children under 3, through the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

p.6

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: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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

p.6