Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319521 Inspection date 21 June 2006 Inspector Beverley Blackburn

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children under five. The family live in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Her husband is registered as her assistant with written permission from parents for sole charge of children. The family home is a three bedroom, house within walking distance of the local school, playgroup and local amenities. The minded children have access to all areas of the house with supervision. For outdoor play there is access to an enclosed garden. The family have two pet cats.

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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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for two children part-time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They have access to the local park and play on outdoor toys such as bikes. Children learn to listen to their bodies and can rest and be active according to their needs. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene practices. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet. The childminder supports toilet routines by allowing children to go unaccompanied when they are ready; this helps them to develop a sense of independence. The required documents such as medication, accidents and a current first aid certificate are in place. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and they are provided with healthy choices such as cheese, tomatoes and fruits, there is also access to regular drinks. They are able to develop their social skills through eating snacks and lunches

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Helping children to be healthy

together. The childminder takes account of the wishes of the parents and the children's choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure environment where they are supported appropriately. Children can move around safely as there is sufficient space for them to access the available resources independently. Children are helped to develop a sense of coordination as they climb onto suitable equipment in the play area under the careful supervision of the childminder. Children benefit from a suitable range of safety measures such as a suitable fire blanket in place. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping safe when out and about. The childminder encourages children to stop, look and listen out for on coming vehicles. The younger children are securely strapped into their pushchair. The childminder helps the children to be safe and aware of their environment when outside of the home. The children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's secure understanding of child protection issues.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to develop a good relationship with the childminder, she interacts well with them and helps to build their confidence. Children can independently select toys from a range of resources. The children benefit from physical experiences such as walks to the local park and playing in the garden. Children are at ease with the childminder; and are settled. They have access to a range of activities, which contribute to their development and learning. However, there is a lack of creative activities included in the daily routine. There is flexibility in the availability of activities, but these are not sufficiently planned to effectively stimulate and meet the needs of the children. The childminder has not as yet actively incorporated the Birth to three matters framework into her practice in order to support

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children confidently choose from a range of toys. They develop a sense of belonging as they move freely around the room to make their selection. There is a sufficiently balanced range of toys for both boys and girls. Children begin to learn about the local community as the childminder takes them to the local park and toddlers group. Children show care and concern for each other and are beginning to play together well. Children learn to understand right and wrong. The childminder uses appropriate strategies for managing behaviour, to encourage positive behaviour in children, such as using distraction, praise and encouragement. Children begin to understand the need to share toys appropriately. The childminder encourages them to take turns and share. Children benefit from an effective partnership between the childminder and parents. The parents are suitably informed on regular basis about their child's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled in a suitably secure environment. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. They benefit from sufficient space that meets their needs effectively. Children are supported appropriately and are confident with the childminder. They benefit from the childminder maintaining a suitable child to adult ratio. Most of the required documents are in place; however, the childminder does not have a system in place to record complaints. The childminder provides a suitable setting that promotes the welfare of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop a suitable range of activities for the younger children as explained in the Birth to three matters framework • ensure there is a system in place to record complaints • make sure children spend their time purposely exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity

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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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