Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317549 Inspection date 01 June 2006 Inspector Shirley Ann Jackson

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband, two adult children and 20 month-old child. The family live in a four bedroom, semi-detached property in the Tuffley area of Gloucester. The whole of the property is used for childminding, at the childminder's discretion. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder collects children from the nearby Harewood Infant and Junior School. The childminder may provide care for five children under eight years of age. There are currently 11 children aged one to 10 years on roll. These children attend

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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 on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play within a warm, homely environment. They are developing an awareness of the importance of good hygiene, for example, washing their hands before they eat. However, the childminder's procedures for nappy changing do not prevent the risk of cross-infection. Children's health is supported as the childminder has clear procedures in place for dealing with accidents and administering medication. Sleeping children are regularly checked to ensure their well-being. However, the equipment used for children to sleep on is not always suitable. Children are offered regular drinks, snacks and meals in adequate quantities for their needs. The childminder takes account of parents wishes and the children's choices to provide nutritious and balanced meals and snacks to meet their dietary needs. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise. For example, they

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Helping children to be healthy

use the childminder's garden with the large trampoline, sand-pit, wheeled toys, swing and slide. These help to develop the children's spatial awareness and improves their physical skills. In addition, children are taken for regular walks to the shops, park and toddler group, which are all nearby.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move safely within the childminder's home as most possible risks have been identified and minimised. They are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder gives clear safety explanations when the childminder feels they may be at risk, for example, when pushing the swing in the garden. Children's safety is promoted when outdoors and on outings through the childminder's use of good safety procedures. For example, children are secured in appropriate car seats when travelling in a vehicle. However, the childminder's rules for using the trampoline are not sufficient to ensure children's safety. Children choose some activities from a range of good quality resources which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of resources to make sure that they are appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder holds a current child protection certificate and has all the required

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures in place to ensure she promotes and safeguards children's welfare. Children's welfare and safety is promoted through the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures.

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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 satisfactory. Children settle and are comfortable in childminder's home. They develop self-esteem and confidence through positive interactions with the childminder, for example, when singing and dancing together. They benefit from routines which are consistent with those followed at home. Children have positive relationships with the childminder and her own children, which promotes their sense of well-being. Their social skills develop during regular visits to toddler groups. Children are beginning to become independent learners as they help themselves to some resources from the range offered. Children's early communication skills are supported through suitable adult-child interactions, as the childminder talks constantly with the children. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities which contribute to their imagination and creativity such as role play, small world play and arts and crafts activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's sense of achievement and independence is promoted through the childminder giving them time to complete tasks, such as, building a sandcastle. Their self-esteem is raised as the childminder uses praise and encouragement, for example, when the children attempt something for themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's care needs are well met as their normal home routine is followed, as discussed with their parents. All children have equal access to toys and resources and their choices are respected building their self-esteem. There is a suitable range of resources which reflect positive images of the wider community. This begins to raise children's awareness of diversity. Children learn about the local community as they visit shops, parks and the toddler group. They are also taken on visits outside the city, for example, the Mohair Centre and Over Farm. Children begin to learn about positive behaviour as the childminder gives clear explanations when behaviour is unacceptable. Children make themselves at home, choosing what to play with from the range offered. The childminder gives children opportunities to choose what they want to do, such as, playing with the small world

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Helping children make a positive contribution

toys or out in the garden, which raises their self-esteem. Children benefit from the positive working partnership between the childminder and parents. The childminder seeks information from parents about their child's needs and routines before care starts. This ensures continuity of care. The childminder chats to parents each day. This keeps parents involved and gives children a sense of belonging and well-being.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children settle well and are comfortable in the childminder's home. They are supported by the childminder in their play and learning as she is on hand to extend their play when needed. Children are confident in their surroundings to initiate some of their own play. All procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of the children. The childminder has all the regulatory paperwork in place and this is well maintained. In addition, the childminder has some written policies, which reflect her working practice. These are shared regularly with parents to keep them informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity of the child's care. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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): • ensure arrangements for children to sleep include suitable equipment • ensure nappy changes limit the risk of cross-infection • make sure that rules for using the trampoline limit the risk to children's safety

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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 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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