Childminder in Herefordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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223303 Unique Reference Number 31 May 2006 Inspection date Kathryn Mary Harding 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children in North Herefordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and two children over five years. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has several animals, including guinea pigs chickens and ducks, which all live outside.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities. She is a member of the Leominster Childminding Network

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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. The children are cared for in a warm clean setting where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene and personal care through the daily routines. They discuss the importance of hand washing and the effects of germs. Older children remind younger children that they have to wash their hands prior to eating their lunch.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most of the required documentation to support children's good health is in place. However a record of accidents does not contain a parental signature.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides healthy, balanced and nutritious snacks and meals such as fruit and vegetables. She takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to meet their dietary requirements. Sample menus are available for parents to view. Children are offered regular drinks such as diluted squash or water so that they do not become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They learn about healthy living as they talk about healthy food options, the benefits of fresh air and exercise. There are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example swings, a see-saw and footballs. Regular walks improve children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment which is warm and where there is sufficient space for them to play in. In order to help keep children safe the childminder checks the rooms prior to the children arriving. Safety precautions such as a stair gate and fireguard are in place. However there is a large trampoline in the garden. The childminder has not contacted the insurance company to ensure she has adequate cover when children use the trampoline. No written parental consent is in place with regard to the use of the trampoline. Consequently children's safety could be compromised. The childminder supervises the children at all times when using the swimming pool.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards and are regularly checked. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises their choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are encouraged to keep themselves and others safe as they discuss the dangers of getting on and off the swing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and has attended a workshop on child protection matters. She has a leaflet available regarding what to do if there is a child protection concern.

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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 are confident and interested to learn. Close and caring relationships between the childminder and the children have formed, which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. The childminder supports the children well in their play and snuggles younger children in as they have a drink. Written observations on the children link into a written flexible plan of activities ensuring the next steps in children's development and learning are catered for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in a wide range of activities which promote their overall development very well, such as imaginary play, craft activities and construction sets. The childminder ensures that children have good opportunities to develop social skills by taking them to toddler groups to meet other children and to the library. The children develop an awareness of the world around them as they grow kidney beans and visit the local garden centre. Their learning is extended as the childminder encourages the children to think by asking open-ended questions when feeding the chicks. Older children have written positive comments about what they like doing at the childminder's house.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources are stored at child height and are easily accessible for children. They choose and make decisions about their play, encouraging them to be independent learners. The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework and adapts activities to promote younger children’s learning, such as when taking part in a painting activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to choose from the range of toys regardless of gender. Children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is extended as the childminder has a sound range of activities and resources to positively reflect diversity. The childminder ensures that children are treated as individuals and meets their specific needs effectively. The childminder ensures that everyone's opinion is listened to and valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour, as the childminder has clear strategies in place to deal with unwanted behaviour. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased as they are given explanations why the behaviour is not acceptable. They are encouraged to use good manners and are given clear and consistent boundaries so promoting consideration for each other. Lots of praise is used with the children so promoting their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and the childminder keeps parents well informed about how their child has been, what they have been doing and where they are planning on going. The childminder takes lots of photographs, so parents can see what their child has been playing with or where they have been. The childminder uses daily diaries with the parents. This ensures consistency of care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates a high regard for children's well-being and offers them a good level of support. The childminder is keen to enhance her practice and is prepared to attend training and workshops and has obtained a Level III childminding qualification. The children are at home in the well organised environment and are confident to initiate their own play and learning.

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Organisation

The childminder works well to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure that children are cared for consistently. The certificate of registration is displayed so parents are aware of the conditions of registration. Confidentiality is maintained as all paperwork is stored securely.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure cleaning products were inaccessible to children, obtain written agreement from parents regarding responsibility for children arriving by bus and obtain written parental consent in order for an assistant, at agreed times, to be left in sole charge of children. The noxious substances are now stored on a high shelf out of reach. The childminder has obtained written parental permission regarding the children arriving by bus and for the assistant at agreed times to be left in sole charge of the children. This has improved the safety of the children.

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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 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 all necessary permissions are in place to undertake higher risk activities with reference to the trampoline and swimming pool

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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 that the accident record is signed by the parent.

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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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