Childminder in Bath and North East Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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155688 Unique Reference Number 27 July 2006 Inspection date Beverly Anne Self Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and three years. They live in a semi-detached house in Midsomer Norton, Bath and North East Somerset. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with access to one bedroom and a bathroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years during the day, and five children over five years after school and in the school holidays. All of the children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler and carer group on a regular basis and takes children to the local park. The family have two dogs and two guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 awareness of healthy eating is very well promoted, as they enjoy a range of nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder devises a well balanced daily menu of home cooked foods for them. The children are able to identify healthy foods, for example, when playing with play food they sort the foods into two groups explaining "these are good for you" and "these ones aren't as healthy". They also tell you that "cakes aren't good for you" and that "carrots are good for you they make you see in the dark". This shows they are learning about a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have daily opportunities for physical exercise and fresh air. They play outside in the garden or go to the local park or soft play centre to develop climbing and balancing skills. The children show good co-ordination skills as they skip with a skipping rope, push themselves along on a scooter and kick a football accurately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accident and medication records are appropriately completed, but written consent to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is not obtained. Children are well protected from illnesses and infection through the childminder's clear sickness policy, which is shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn good health and hygiene procedures through daily routine such as, washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. When asked why they wash their hands they tell you "because of the germs". They independently wash their hands using soap and paper towels to help prevent the spread of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable and welcoming home, where they can safely move around all areas of downstairs. There is a good range of bright and colourful toys, which are effectively organised to allow the children independent accessibility. The childminder regularly rotates the toys available to provide different play experiences and prevent repetition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children develop a good understanding of safety for themselves through discussions. They are reminded to put their shoes on to play outside so they don't stand on things to hurt their feet, and know they must wear sun hats in the hot weather to protect them from the sun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe within the childminder's home, as she puts into place safety features appropriate for the ages of children she is caring for. Good levels of supervision both indoors and outdoors, and effective procedures for going on outings further promotes the children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm through the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues. She has completed relevant training and attends refresher courses to keep

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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 her knowledge up to date. Appropriate policies and procedures to follow are in place, if any concerns arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide variety of activities within the childminder's home, and partake in outings in the local area, promoting the children's learning and interest in their surroundings. The children initiate conversations with the childminder and others talking confidently about what they are doing and how they are going to do it. They sit on the floor making key rings and tell you "I'm making a dog", asking "can you take the back off the sticky eye please", when they need help. The children are very sociable and chatty, talking about their family and home life. This interaction helps develop their language and listening skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children show good imaginations in role play and delight in dressing-up. One child has fun playing in the play house, calling out to the others "anybody want a cup of tea?", he proceeds to bring out cups then asks, "anybody want some food?". He brings out a box of food and identifies each of the items as he hands them out. The children thrive on the childminder's responses to their games and have fun continuing the role play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children all play well together and involve each other in play. One of the older children re-creates the scenario of the inspector carrying out the inspection, and gives all the other children a relevant role to engage them in the game. This shows how the children have built relationships, and enjoy each others company. Children benefit from a wide range of activities and toys which supports their development. They show interest in what they do, ask questions and are enthusiastic in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident and relaxed with the childminder. They help themselves to toys and make their own decisions about what they want to play with and do. The children play well together, taking turns and helping each other for example, the older children help the younger ones to use a badge maker and show them how it works. They enjoy each others and the childminder's company, showing a good sense of belonging. The childminder has developed close relationships with all the children, which in turn helps to build their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well due to good strategies which are in place to manage behaviour. The children follow basic rules such as, saying please and thank you, being kind and helping each other. Their achievements and attempts are valued and appreciated by the childminder, with lots of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met as the childminder seeks information from parents, and then uses this to provide appropriate care. The childminder has devised a portfolio which includes general information about her childminding, her qualifications and many written policies and procedures. This ensures parents receive good information about the provision and the care of their children, although a complaints record is not in place at this time.

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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 The children play with resources which reflect diversity such as, dressing-up, books, dolls and figurines. The childminder has also attended a training course on celebratory festivals, and uses this knowledge to plan some activities to help the children learn about the cultures of others and the world around them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are provided with good quality care in a well organised and child friendly environment. Space and resources are effectively used to provide stimulating and fun play opportunities. The childminder organises the day to provide flexible routines to meet the children's individual needs. Most required records and documentation is in place, reviewed regularly and made available to parents, positively promoting the children's welfare, care and development.

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Organisation

The childminder shows commitment in her role, and the development of her practice. She has completed a City and guilds 324.1 in childcare and the Take Ten for Play course. The childminder continues to attend training courses and workshops whenever possible to further improve her knowledge of childcare and development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection it was recommended that the childminder keep an accurate record of children's attendance and improve her knowledge of child protection procedures. It was also recommended that resources to reflect positive images of gender and disability were made available and to make sure that bedroom windows did not pose a hazard to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A daily register of children's attendance is now maintained and the childminder has attended a child protection training course. Toys and books that show diversity are provided for the children and the bedroom windows have suitable locks. As a result, children's safety and learning opportunities have been improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of any complaints made by parents, which they can see or request. The complaints record may contain some complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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): • obtain written consent from parents for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice • maintain a record of complaints made by parents

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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