Childminder in Bath and North East Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY256516 Inspection date 30 March 2006 Inspector Sue Vernon

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 2003. She lives with her partner and 6-year-old son in Midsomer Norton, near Bath. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, as well as the bathroom and bedrooms upstairs. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. She is registered to care for 5 children under 8 years of age at any one time, and 1 child for overnight care. She is currently minding 8 children, most of whom attend on a part-time basis. She occasionally works with an assistant. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and attends local

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 toddler groups and soft play facilities.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's well-being is supported effectively. Children enjoy regular drinks using their own cups. The childminder encourages awareness of healthy eating through discussions with parents, posters of fruit and vegetables and sticker charts. The childminder knows children's dietary needs well. She works closely with parents and supports any special requirements, such as monitoring a child with a nut allergy. This ensures children feel secure. Children develop good awareness of personal hygiene within the daily routine. They wash their hands regularly using their own personal flannels whilst the childminder explains why they need clean hands before eating. Older children are reminded about the reasons for hand washing through posters on the bathroom door. The childminder has a clear written policy of not taking infectious children which is carefully shared with parents. This helps protect all children from

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

possible infections. Medication records and permissions are kept and shared with parents appropriately. This ensures consistency of care. Children enjoy regular opportunities for physical play. The childminder plans regular visits to local toddler groups and soft play facilities, as well as walks and visits to local parks. Children explore the enclosed garden, enjoying the slide, swing and sandpit in good weather.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a bright, well maintained home which is welcoming for both children and parents alike. Rooms are well prepared with toys and equipment suitable for the different ages attending. This enables children to move smoothly into play when separating from their carers. Information and displays welcome parents, giving them information about routines and practices. An extensive range of toys and play resources, supplemented by toy libraries is used effectively to ensure children enjoy their play. Comprehensive assessments of risks both within and outside the home are in place. The childminder uses these very effectively to ensure all safety issues have been addressed in order to provide a safe environment. Children learn the importance of keeping safe, for example, a toddler learning to move toys so they are not a hazard for a younger baby. The childminder consistently discusses road

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety with all children during car use, walks and outings. To promote their understanding, she borrowed road safety equipment including traffic lights from the local council. Children enjoyed setting out and practising safe crossing in the garden. The childminder has secure knowledge of child protection issues and the required procedure to be followed if any concerns arise. This supports children's safety.

p.3

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 provision is good. Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their development. They enjoy planned visits to a variety of local facilities including soft play areas, toddler groups with simple craft work and a toy library. The childminder plans home play to offer a good range of imaginative play, such as children making their own scrap books and creative play with play dough, water or paints. She spends time helping the different ages play constructively together, for example, helping a nearly three-year-old enjoy 'cooking a meal' with play food whilst a younger child learns to push buttons on musical toys. This helps children achieve and develop confidence. Children enjoy developing their independence through choosing puzzles and books from storage units, though book access is sometimes limited for younger

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children. Children's self-esteem is built effectively by the childminder consistently using praise and encouragement. She spends time encouraging children to develop their language skills through repeating their words and sounds and asking them questions during play. The children are relaxed and at ease with the childminder, sharing fun in learning through play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that she is very aware of each child's individual needs and routines. She has extensive settling-in procedures for new parents and spends time gathering information on each child's particular needs. She plans effectively how to support them, for example, knowing a child's medical requirements, which ensures children feel secure. Any special needs are respected and children are encouraged to try all play opportunities offered. For example, all children enjoy cooking and dressing up, regardless of gender. An interesting range of books and play resources help children learn the value of diversity. The childminder consistently uses positive methods to manage good behaviour including frequent praise, distraction and discussion. Children discuss together their own ideas of good behaviour. This helps build respect for each other. Consistency of care for the children is built through close relationships with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Comprehensive information on policies and routines is shared with all parents. Good feedback is offered both verbally and in written daily diaries in order to promote consistency of care and to ensure parents feel involved in their child's day.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures use of the registered areas is well planned in order to meet the play and care needs of the children attending. For example, toys are set out at different heights for the baby and toddler to enjoy. This ensures that each child has safe access to suitable play opportunities. The childminder enthusiastically pursues further training in order to continue

p.4

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 developing her skills. She attends workshops, for example, Healthy Eating and Spring Festivals as well as established early years training courses. She evaluates her work through a quality assessment scheme. Policies and procedures are in place and used well to promote the care and welfare of children. Records are shared regularly with parents which keeps them appropriately informed. Documentation and policies are well organised and stored appropriately. This promotes confidentiality. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to fully record attendance details. She now keeps a register noting times of arrival and departure of all children.

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 records may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

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.5

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 all ages have free access to books

p.5

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.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

p.5