Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289941 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Susan, Esther Harvey

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seventeen months and four in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five and two children over five. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family have no pets.

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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 clean child-centred environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene routines. Children learn how to prevent the spread of infection through the provision of individual hand towels made accessible by the childminder. Young children enjoy a close relationship with the childminder, and they are comfortable in her company. They are aware of their bodies and are able to gain physical control by developing their large muscles using safe indoor and outdoor equipment. This includes a trampoline and climbing frame. The childminder has a good understanding of home cooked meals and snacks which enables the children to learn the benefits of a healthy diet. Children gain a sound understanding of their own needs and know when they need food or drink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children remain safe by the clear safety awareness of the childminder and her ability to minimise risks. An example of this is the extended stair gate across the kitchen dining room. This protects children from entering the area during the time meals are cooked. The more able children understand about fire safety as the childminder explains safe practices. An example of this is how to leave the premises safely in an emergency. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare, she has most of the procedures and documents in place. However the daily record of attendance is not accurately recorded. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues, which ensures the protection of children in her care. For example, the childminder gave a statement of duty to parents with regard to the child protection reporting procedures. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and well stocked first aid box. All the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

documents are in place to ensure that the welfare of children is promoted and appropriate action is taken if an accident should occur. Children are able to select independently from a good range of quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. The childminder chooses the toys carefully ensuring that they are appropriate for the age and development of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children engage in concentrated imaginative play. An example of this is the

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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 way the childminder encourages the children to dress-up. She provides a good selection of clothes from which children can choose. An example of this is a pirate outfit with parrot, and decorated wooden Dutch clogs that allow the children to experience different textured footwear. Young children are able to choose from a variety of books. Their concentration skills develop as they listen intently to stories read by the childminder. The childminder gives the children the opportunity to hear and play music. They have access to a good range of instruments and experience the pleasure of making their own. An example of this is a plastic bottle filled with rice and pasta to create an individual sound. The childminder encourages the children to learn about the natural world. They spend time planting pumpkin seeds and taking responsibility for watering them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a cooking activity of making cakes. They experience the pleasure of icing the cakes and decorating them for parents. The childminder provides a range of activities that include a variety of themes. One topic enables children to learn about their own bodies. Regular visits to the music and toddler groups help young children develop the skill of sharing and socialising while making positive relationships in a comfortable environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder manages the children's behaviour appropriately and makes them feel welcome. Young children learn to share and take turns. They move freely and confidently around the room choosing resources and tidying away toys. The childminder helps children to associate their sense of belonging as they recall past events. An example of this is children's recollection of how to make cakes and fill the paper cases. Parents enjoy a good relationship with the childminder; she shares information about the children to ensure that links with home remain secure. Children benefit from the childminder's sound understanding of their individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder maintains the children's safety appropriately and organises the home facilities well. The space provided gives the children the opportunity to choose resources from low-level shelves where they are welcomed into a family environment. The childminder keeps parents fully informed about the service she provides. Policies and procedures effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She maintains most of these documents to a high standard. This contributes to the continuity of care for the children. Overall, the setting meets the needs of range of children attending.

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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

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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 daily record of attendance is accurate and kept up to date.

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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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