Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289470 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Mary Daniel

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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 has been registered since August 2004 and lives with her daughter, aged 3 years, in a semi-detached house, situated on the edge of Yeovil. Minded children have use of the main living room, two bedrooms, one of which is used only for sleeping, and an upstairs bathroom. There is an enclosed garden area for outside play which is accessed through the conservatory. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children aged under 8 years at any one time. There are currently 2 children on roll. Overnight care is not included within the registration. The childminder is a member of a local childminding group and

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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 receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's understanding of suitable hygiene routines is satisfactorily supported, for example they wash their hands before eating. They use liquid soap to make bubbles to clean their hands and have separate towels to dry them. This helps in preventing the spread of infection. Children are offered frequent drinks, which helps keep them well hydrated. However, at times children's beakers are left on the floor or on a low table and toddlers sometimes pick up, and drink from the wrong cup. Disposable gloves are not used when changing children's nappies. This means children are not fully protected from cross-contamination. Children have great fun at their 'Teddy Bear's picnic'. They enjoy a snack of fresh fruit and share pieces of apple and banana with their teddies. They are provided with nourishing meals for their tea, such as shepherds pie or home made vegetable soup. They talk about the healthy foods that they see on a shopping trip. This helps to

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Helping children to be healthy

encourage their awareness of foods that are good for them. Children enjoy a visit to a soft play centre where they can run and jump safely. They visit a local nature reserve and a play park where they can walk and climb to use up their energy. Consequently, they have some opportunities to exercise and be out in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is prioritised. They play in a comfortable, clean home where suitable prevention has been effectively implemented to promote their safety. For example, a radiator cover is fitted, fire guards are secured and sleeping babies are regularly monitored. Ladder style banisters are blocked in to prevent children climbing on the stairs. The childminder is aware of the limitations of different age groups and supervises children carefully. The kitchen is kept gated at all times and smoke alarms are checked frequently. Consideration has been given to emergency evacuation procedures and keys for upstairs windows are kept accessible. As a result, children's safety is emphasised and managed very well in practice. Children's wellbeing is appropriately managed through the childminder's awareness of her responsibilities with child protection issues. A policy has been formed, which

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

supports her in practice. This helps to protect children, although full consideration has not been given to managing all possible allegations. Children play with a wide range of bright and colourful toys and resources. These are checked as they are used and show as clean and in good condition. Suitable and age-appropriate equipment is available to meet children's needs. For example, toddlers sit securely in clean, sturdy highchairs. Babies sleep in a comfortable travel cot and children can snuggle up on the large, comfy sofas. Space is managed effectively to enable children to move

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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 around easily. As a result, children play happily and comfortably within the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children respond happily to the childminder's caring and reassuring approach. They go easily to her for cuddles and she is well aware of their individual routines. For example, a tired toddler is taken for a rest and settles easily on hearing some quiet music playing. Children become involved in a variety of exciting play activities. They grow sunflowers for a competition and look forward to visiting the library to hear a special story. They show delight at seeing some baby chickens and eagerly help to collect the hen's eggs. Children examine toads and frogs in the garden and make their own pictures. The childminder extends their interest in nature, through regular use of information books and discussion. Children happily explore the toys put out for them. Babies smile as lights flash and music plays when buttons are pressed on an electronic activity centre. They like to look through the attractive picture books and enjoy watching the older children at

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play. Toddlers join in with some creative activities, but are not always as involved in all the play experiences provided. Children's awareness of number, shape and colour is emphasised through their play, as children help her count the different colour and number bricks. They talk together about the pictures seen in a favourite story book. This helps children in developing their concentration skills and they are willing to join in with the play activities offered. Children enjoy a variety of outings and regularly visit a local toddler group. They have great fun together on a visit to 'Santa's bus' at Christmas time. Consequently, they have many opportunities to develop their socialisation skills and begin to make relationships with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the friendly, relaxed interaction that the childminder forms with their parents. Time is given for parents to settle their child in happily and regular liaison maintained to keep them well informed of everyday activities. Parental involvement is encouraged through the contracts formed and relevant records are used effectively to support children's welfare, for example their registration forms. As a result, children's continuity in care is well promoted in practice. Children are welcomed and valued. The childminder takes time to find out about children's particular individual needs and how she can support them in her care. Children are encouraged very well in learning to share and help others. They have fun joining in with a 'toddle waddle' to raise money for charity and are frequently praised for being kind and helpful, for example in clearing away their toys. This

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Helping children make a positive contribution

effectively promotes children's self-esteem and they relate well to each other. Children develop some awareness of how others live as the childminder gives a positive approach to their world through general discussion. Children enjoy listening to a wide range of stories reflecting positive images of diversity. Overall though,

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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 resources promoting the differences within their world are limited.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children benefit from the daily routines in place. They have an overall balance of quiet and active times during the day. For example, they go out to the library or a local park and have a quiet time watching a favourite television programme. This supports them in feeling secure and relaxed within the home. The childminder takes the children to join in with local childminding events. This helps her update her understanding of childcare issues and provides socialisation opportunities for the children. Children's continuity of care is supported through use of well organised records and documentation. This paperwork is stored securely and used with regard to confidentiality. The organisation of some hygiene practices used does not fully prevent cross-contamination. The childminder has put together a folder of her policies

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Organisation

and procedures. This supports her overall practice and is shared with parents. However, some policies, such as child protection, do not fully cover all aspects of managing any concerns arising.

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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 any complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain some 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):

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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 • ensure suitable procedures are consistently followed to help prevent the spread of infection, with particular regard to nappy changing, and management of children's drinking beakers • develop further awareness of suitable child protection procedures to follow, and develop the policy to ensure all aspects of concern are included, particularly with regard to managing any allegations made against herself.

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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: 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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