Childminder in North Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY330479 Inspection date 05 June 2006 Inspector Deborah Jane Starr

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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 child aged two in Clevedon, North Somerset. Designated areas on both the ground floor and first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for one child under five on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to and collects from local schools. She attends local toddler groups and takes children to local parks and places of interest. 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's heath is actively promoted. Children from a young age learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. Children's hands are washed prior to snacks and meals, after play in the garden and after use of the toilet. Policies and procedures that minimise the spread of illness and risk of infection are in place, for example, the exclusion of children when unwell, thorough nappy changing procedures and frequent cleaning of toys and surfaces. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate. Accidents and the administering of medication are managed appropriately. Children benefit from a range of regular physical activities that contribute to their physical health and development. They enjoy varied experiences that promote control and co-ordination. Young babies' emerging mobility is well supported through the childminder's clear understanding of activities to promote young children's muscle

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Helping children to be healthy

development. Young children are given space and suitable surfaces on which to crawl both inside and outside. Interesting objects are placed out of reach to encourage forward movement and children are securely supported when standing on their feet. Play equipment such as slides and push-along-cars help develop balance. Frequent use of the back garden and regular walks to local parks provide plenty of fresh air. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Children develop an understanding of a healthy, nutritious, well balanced diet through snacks of fruit and freshly prepared meals offering fish and a varied range of vegetables. Parents are able to provide their own child's food. Children's dietary needs are discussed with parents and taken account of, for instance, the introduction of solid foods. Drinks are offered regularly throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move safely around the well maintained home where hazards are clearly identified, minimised and regularly checked, for instance, low glass, plug sockets, smoke detectors and stair gates. Children play with and use a good range of high quality toys and equipment that is age appropriate and meets their individual developmental needs, for example, a cot, high chair and car seats. Children's personal safety is promoted within the home; large cushions are placed behind babies when seated on the floor and monitors are used when young children are sleeping. The childminder has all required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and protected, this includes the safe collection of children. The childminders good understanding of child protection issues and local procedures to be followed protects children from harm.

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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 happy and settled within the childminder's home. Young children receive lots of cuddles which promotes their sense of well-being. The positive relationship between the childminder and children promotes their self confidence and enables them to begin to explore the world around them and develop relationships with others. Babies smile frequently at unfamiliar adults such as the visiting inspector and watch older children intently when placing shapes into a sorter. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child development that is enhanced by the use of the Birth to three matters framework. Young children respond with interest to musical objects around them, pressing buttons to repeat the sounds. They are intrigued by the feel of sand on their hands and persevere at pressing down pop-up toys. Planned messy play activities using paint, play doh and gloop offer young children a wider range of experiences to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

explore their sense of touch further. Young children are encouraged to become aware of themselves; they are fascinated at their own reflection in a large mirror that is thoughtfully placed at floor level. Young children enjoy exploring sound through listening to songs and using instruments including home-made shakers. Close attention by the childminder to the children and repetition of words promotes their developing language. Visits to local places of interest such as the zoo and Noah's Ark Farm extend children's understanding of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are clearly identified and met. This is achieved through regular discussion with parents and the adaptation of activities that enable all children to be involved. To date the childminder has not minded a child with special educational needs. She has, however, a positive attitude and if asked would discuss each child's individual requirements with parents. Children's well-being and sense of security is supported through good settling-in procedures and the use of comforters when sleeping. Displays of children's own work promotes their sense of belonging. Children gain an awareness of people who are different from themselves through a varied range of resources such as books, dolls and small world figures that reflect positive images. However, meaningful experiences that help children gain an awareness of the diversity of wider world are not offered. The childminders calm, clear, consistent and respectful approach to behaviour

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Helping children make a positive contribution

management helps children understand what is expected of them. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder's frequent use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem. Young children beam with delight and gurgle when praised by the childminder. Children benefit from the positive relationship between parents and the childminder. Parents are welcomed into the home. They are well informed of the childminder's policies and procedures and their child's daily experiences through some written

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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 policies, daily discussion, photographs and a daily diary.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease within the well organised home. The lay out of the play areas gives children of all ages space to move safely and independently. Young children easily access and self select toys that are placed either at floor level or from well organised low level shelving and storage boxes that are regularly rotated. Low level surfaces and child-sized furniture provides children with space to investigate toys. Flexible planning of the day supports children's developmental needs and ensures their individual needs are met, for example, a baby's need for sleep and rest. The childminder balances her time well, ensuring each child in her care is given appropriate attention. The childminder minimises the disruption to children at holiday times by identifying alternative carers known to them. Children's well-being is promoted through appropriate, well-organised documentation

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Organisation

that is stored confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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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 • offer a range of meaningful experiences that develop children's awareness of the wider world.

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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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