Childminder in North Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321415 Inspection date 28 June 2006 Inspector Elaine Douglas

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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 2006. She lives with her husband in a ground floor flat in Weston-Super-Mare. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed area for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding eight children under five part time, and two children over five before and after school. The childminder also cares for two children over eight years. She travels by car to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog.

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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 a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a level three qualification in child care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn very good hygiene practices through their daily routines. They wash their hands prior to eating and after using the toilet. They demonstrate a very good understanding of the reason for washing their hands. For example, one child asks if he should wash his hands after touching a caterpillar, to get rid of the germs. Good nappy changing procedures, and the supply of liquid soap and paper towels, helps to prevent cross contamination. Children's health is protected by the good procedures followed by the childminder. The premises are clean, well heated and ventilated. The hygienic management of the pet dog and the clear, well documented sick child policy protects children from illness. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and a good supply of first aid equipment, to enable her to deal with accidents effectively. However, children's health is compromised as the childminder has not sought

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Helping children to be healthy

parental consent to enable her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children receive good, nutritional snacks and meals. The childminder plans a weekly menu of a variety of freshly cooked meals. Children choose which fruits to have for their snack and older children pour their own juice or water. Drinks are offered throughout the day and when more children arrive, they too are offered drinks. Children's health is promoted through daily opportunities to play outside, go to the park and go for walks. They use large equipment such as slides, swings, and scooters, to support their physical development. Children sleep and rest, according to their own individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe through very good supervision. The childminder has carried out good risk assessments on her premises and installed appropriate equipment to minimise risks. For example, a stairgate is used to prevent children accessing the kitchen unsupervised. Children play in very well maintained premises, they can easily and safely reach a good range of developmentally appropriate toys and resources. Children use child sized tables and chairs, for their activities and meals. They have very good space to play, and the older and more able children can independently use the toilet. Children learn about their own safety as they take part in practising the emergency evacuation procedures. The smoke alarms are regularly tested, however, the fire blanket has not been secured to the wall to ensure easy access. The childminder has several written safety policies which are shared with parents, such as the procedures

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to be followed in the event of a child being uncollected. Children are kept safe on

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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 outings, they wear wrist straps providing emergency information and travel safely in appropriate car seats; parents give their consent for children to be transported. Children's welfare is protected by the childminder's good knowledge of child protection issues. She has clear, written, child protection procedures and good documentation, displayed for further guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are engrossed in their play and benefit significantly from a wide range of well-planned activities both inside and outside. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum, to plan an excellent range of appropriate activities. She observes children's achievements and uses this to plan for their development. Children's ideas are valued, and so they become animated and make further suggestions, such as planting the seeds from their apple. Children's knowledge is significantly enhanced by the highly effective interaction they receive from the childminder. They speak clearly and eagerly answer good open ended questions, which extends their learning. The childminder skilfully incorporates everyday routines into fun activities and learning experiences, such as helping with snack time and cleaning out the goldfish. The childminder has an excellent

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

knowledge of the children's abilities and uses this very effectively to build on their learning and promote their all-round development. Children explore and investigate their own environment. They look closely at the caterpillars and snails they have collected that morning, and talk about the process of them turning into a butterfly. Children are able to independently select from a good range of books. Their creative development is promoted through activities such as cooking, playdough, and art and craft, as well as music and role-play. Older children relate well to the younger children and involve them in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident in the childminder's home. They settle very quickly and are happy to make their needs known. Children's contributions are valued. Older children are consulted about any issues concerning them. For example, the childminder asks one child what he would like her to get from the toy library. Children's self-esteem is promoted through constant praise and encouragement, consequently, they are well-behaved, play well together, and help each other. Children are confident to help themselves to resources and to ask for others. Children learn about people's differences through a good range of books and toys. They are able to access all resources. They benefit from the childminder organising her time well to ensure they all receive some individual attention. The childminder has not cared for children with special educational needs or disabilities, but has a

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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 good understanding of what to consider when to provide appropriate support. Children benefit from the good partnership with parents. Parents are provided with written information on the daily routines, the weekly menu, and how to contact Ofsted. Many policies and procedures are in writing, and parents have daily opportunities to discuss their child's development and see their written records. Children's individual needs are met, as the childminder seeks good information from parents and uses this effectively to ensure that each child receives appropriate care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the good organisation of the premises. A dedicated playroom, provides good storage for toys and resources. The lounge and dining room are used for additional play space and creative activities, as well as meals. A flexible routine ensures children spend their time productively and their individual needs are met. Children receive good quality care, as the childminder has a good understanding of child development and continues to update her knowledge. For example, children's health has been enhanced by the childminder recently attending a conference on 'The happy healthy child'. Children's care and welfare is supported by well organised, accurate documentation. However, the childminder has not devised a system to keep a record in the event of a complaint. Contracts and children's details are regularly reviewed, to ensure they remain relevant. Children are protected by the childminder keeping Ofsted informed

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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 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • seek parental consent to seek emergency advice or treatment • ensure the fire blanket is securely mounted for easier access • devise a system to keep a record in the event of a complaint

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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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