Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293296 Inspection date 06 February 2006 Inspector Brenda Joan Flewitt

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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 2004. She lives with her daughter aged 7 years, in Yeovil, Somerset. Minded children have access to most of the house, which includes an open plan lounge-diner and kitchen, and an under-stairs computer room. Toilet facilities are available on the ground floor. The first floor provides sleeping facilities, extra play space and a bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder may care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time. She is currently minding 2 children under the age of 5 years and 2 children aged 6 years, on

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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 a part time basis. The childminder also cares for children over the age of 8 years. There are no children currently being cared for overnight.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean family home where they develop independence in for their own personal hygiene procedures. For example, children can easily access the ground floor cloakroom, where they wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder provides resources which help prevent the spread of infection, such as liquid soap and paper towels. Although there is a written procedure shared with parents about excluding children with infectious illnesses, there are times when children's health is compromised while the childminder cares for children who are unwell. Children's accidents and medication are clearly recorded, however some of the first aid resources are out of date. Children have constant access to drinks. The childminder regularly offers drinks to younger children, whilst older children help themselves to the resources made

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Helping children to be healthy

available in the kitchen. Children make choices from food supplied by parents and are encouraged to help themselves to fruit as a snack. Children get fresh air and exercise on a daily basis as they walk from pre-school, or enjoy bouncing on the trampoline in the garden. Regular visits to the nearby play park allows children to develop physical skills as they climb, swing and slide.

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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 safe and secure home where most hazards have been identified and risks minimised. The good security arrangements mean that children are protected from un-invited visitors and they cannot leave the premises unsupervised. Children move around safely on the ground floor, playing and choosing activities. However, when using the first floor, the banisters are a potential safety hazard as the horizontal bars are climbable. Children use a range of play equipment that is kept in good repair and is appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children are kept safe on outings through the childminder's procedures which include using appropriate car seats, and taking a phone, along with emergency contact numbers. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when crossing roads as the childminder encourages them to hold hands, watch and listen for traffic and use

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

pedestrian crossings properly. Children's welfare and safety are protected through the childminder's adequate understanding of child protection issues. However, there is limited information available regarding the Area Child Protection Committee procedures, for the

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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 childminder to refer to if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and secure in their childminder's care. They develop positive relationships with the childminder and each other. They are confident to make their needs known and chat with the childminder about their family and friends. Children are involved in a suitable variety of activities as they relax after pre-school and school. These include books, dressing up, games, puzzles art and craft, TV and miniature world. For example, a 4 year old enjoys acting out real life situations with toy cars on a road mat and garage. They make choices from a satisfactory range of play equipment, most of which is stored upstairs, so is not always easily accessible. However, there are limited resources available to give children opportunities to build and construct.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals. The childminder gets to know each child well through positive interaction while supporting their activities and effective communication with parents. Children develop an awareness of a diverse society through positive images in their play equipment. Children behave well. They know what is expected through daily routine, such as washing hands and tidying away toys before they leave. They are co-operative and respond favourably to the childminder's good role modelling. Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. Parents are supplied with written information about the setting at the beginning of the arrangement, which includes polices and procedures. The childminder promotes on-going verbal sharing of information with parents to ensure that children's individual needs are met and any additional needs are addressed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her premises and routine appropriately. Children can be active in a generally safe environment, or be quiet and rest as their needs require. They benefit from times spent alone with the childminder as well as playing with other children. Records and documentation are well organised and up to date. Policies and procedures are usually used effectively to promote the welfare, care and development of the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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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 the sickness policy is consistent, to help protect children from the spread of infection • make the banisters on the first floor safe or inaccessible • obtain information on Area Child Protection Committee procedures for reference. • increase resources to provide children with more opportunities to build and construct

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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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