Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY333041 Inspection date 10 August 2006 Inspector Gyatri Rupal

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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 February 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and five years in a village near Shefford, Bedfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home except for study room and a bedroom situated on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog. The childminder takes children to the local park. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis.

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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 good health is well promoted as the childminder organises various activities which contribute to their healthy lifestyle. Children have a wide range of physical activities to help them develop control of their bodies. For example, children are involved with gardening, ride bikes, walk to the local park and use a range of outdoor play equipment in the garden which helps them to develop their physical skills. Children benefit from a healthy diet. Their individual dietary needs are discussed with parents and respected. Children have healthy and nutritious home cooked meals at the childminder’s home. They have fresh fruits for their snacks. Older children learn the benefit of healthy food within their daily activities. For example, they are encouraged to be involved in cooking activities. Children talked about the benefit of healthy food as they helped the childminder pick fresh

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Helping children to be healthy

vegetables and fruits from the garden. Children are protected from the risk of infection because the childminder is a good role model to the children on hygiene practices. Older children learn the importance of good hygiene through their daily routine and the childminder’s guidance. For example, children wash their apples before eating and they wash vegetables before cooking. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children’s well-being is boosted as the childminder ensures required documentation such as policies and procedures are in place and work well in practice. She has completed a first-aid course so that she can deal with minor accidents when the need arises.

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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 clean and safe environment, where risks are identified and minimised. They are able to explore their environment independently due to safety measures being in place. The childminder makes sure all resources and equipment are safe and appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through the childminder's appropriate guidance. The childminder gives an explanation to the children of the hazards to which they may be exposed inside and outside the house. For example, children who pick vegetables from the garden are given an explanation of why they have to take safety precautions if they touch the green chillies. Children are learning to cross the road safely as they learn about the Green Cross Code. Children understand what to do if there is a fire as they are regularly reminded of the emergency evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected because the childminder has an understanding of her duty to protect children in her care. However, further information needs to be obtained to ensure that procedures are in line with the current Local Safeguarding Children Boards.

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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. Older children are settled well at the childminder’s house. They are developing their self-esteem and become independent as they choose between a range of suitable activities which appeal to them. For example, children write down their ideas of what they like to do on their holidays and read their favourite books. Children enjoy taking part in activities which contribute to their creativity, such as music, painting, drawing, dressing up and cooking. The childminder interacts well with the children and asks appropriate questions to enhance their learning. Children’s individual needs are met as they receive one to one attention from the childminder. Children's development is supported by the childminder's personal experience. However, the childminder is less confident with planning and providing activities in line with the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework to support children in their earliest years, although no children within that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder is aware that some children may have learning difficulties and is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified. The childminder establishes positive working relationships with parents based on mutual respect and regular communication, which helps to maintain a consistent approach. Parents are relaxed in the setting, they receive written information about most of policies and procedures and verbal feedback each day when they collect their children. However, parents are not informed about the complaints procedure and some written permissions with parents about the services provided is not in place, which can affect the childminder’s partnership with the parents. Children learn about the local community through involvement in the village life. They gain knowledge of the wider world through their project works such as ‘Holidays

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Helping children make a positive contribution

around the world’ where children learn about different countries’ food, costumes and cultures. Children's awareness of diversity is increased because the childminder is confident when talking to children and when answering any questions they may have about people who are different to themselves. Children generally behave well as they understand the clear boundaries, which are in place. Children respond to the childminder's gentle reminders to think of others and to be careful in their play. The childminder takes time to explain to children why certain behaviour is not acceptable and uses various appropriate strategies to manage children's behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and settled due to childminder’s appropriate organisation. They are confident enough to initiate their own play and learning. They independently

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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 select their activities and play resources. Children benefit from the childminder's professional approach. Most policies and procedures are in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of children although the complaints and child protection procedures need updating. The parents are encouraged to be involved in their child's learning. Regular chats with parents contributes to the continuity of care for children. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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 complaint made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaint 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 clear procedures are in place if an allegation is made against you in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board's guidelines • plan and provide activities to help children's development in line with the aspects and approach described in the DfES publication 'Birth to Three Matters' a framework to support children in their earliest years • ensure parents are informed about updated complaint procedure , and that parental permissions are obtained as appropriate.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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