Childminder in BristolOfsted inspection, 9 Jun 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293814 Inspection date 09 June 2005 Inspector Christine Mary Burridge

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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 husband and 3 children aged 18 months, 9 and 16, in St. Agnes, Bristol. The whole of the ground floor and a first floor bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five. The childminder regularly attends a local crèche. The family have a fish tank. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse (NNEB) and she 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment which contributes to their well-being. Children's health is promoted as there are clear procedures for excluding sick children and they are beginning to learn about personal hygiene and general cleanliness. However routines such as hand washing and nappy changing are not sufficiently consistent to minimise the risk of cross infection. The arrangements for the administration of medication pose a potential risk as written consent to administer non-prescribed medication is not sought for each occasion. Children's physical needs are well met. The three visits a week to a local crèche, together with play in the garden and the park means that children regularly participate in activities that help develop their physical skills. They enjoy exercise and fresh air, running around the garden, using the sand pit and playing in the ball pool.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of healthy eating. She has well organised routines; preparing food before children arrive. This ensures that children enjoy a good variety of freshly cooked food that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables. They are encouraged to drink regularly and meal time routines of sitting together help children learn from each other.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected and safe as the childminder minimises risks enabling children to move safely around her home. For example, a safety gate prevents free access to the kitchen which is only used under close supervision. The childminder is aware of potential risks outside her home. She introduces children to road safety and appropriate measures are in place to ensure their safety on daily walks. For instance, she encourages children to hold onto the buggy and remain close. Fire safety arrangements are not sufficiently well promoted as the arrangements for evacuating the house are not clear nor have they been practised; this may compromise children's safety should there be a fire. Children show independence as they use child-height furniture and access toys from a range of safe play equipment stored in containers. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choices ensuring that they are safe and developmentally

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate. She is aware of child protection issues and has information about local procedures, so that she is able to protect children and keep them safe. She has effective procedures in place for recording accidents and sharing this information with parents but they are not made aware of the child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are settled and happy and they benefit from established daily routines that include activities both in and out of the childminder's home. The childminder's effective settling-in procedures contribute to children feeling comfortable and at home and it helps her get to know the children and understand their needs. The children relate well to each other as they play contentedly and they are learning to socialise through regular attendance at a local crèche. Children are gaining independence and developing communication skills as they each choose and look at books with the childminder. She sits and plays with the children helping them to learn by talking with them and for example by engaging them in pretend telephone conversations. She helps the children to learn to count

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and encourages them to identify familiar objects and colours as they play. Although the childminder has a satisfactory awareness of how young children develop she does not always use her knowledge effectively to plan activities for children under three in order to help them progress. Children have limited opportunities to explore and experiment, such as using natural materials and being creative.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Young children enjoy a lively relationship with each other and the childminder which enables them to form bonds and develop their confidence. Their individual needs are met as the childminder uses the information gained from discussion with parents to follow routines. The childminder supports emotional development through consistent praise and encouragement particularly when children have been helpful, for instance wiping the table after lunch. Children learn about diversity as they socialise with other children and adults from different ethnic backgrounds. They are introduced to, and enjoy a range of Caribbean foods cooked by the childminder. Children's self image is not extensively promoted as they have access to few resources that show positive images of their individual ethnic backgrounds. Children are beginning to understand the boundaries for behaviour. The childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

acts as a good role model treating the children with respect, such as saying thank you for helping to put the toys away. She encourages children to share and take turns and they understand when to say sorry by giving each other a cuddle. They eagerly participate in routines, such as, fetching a chair to sit on at snack time without being prompted. Children's interest is not always sufficiently well retained. As a result they are sometimes restless and bored until activities are changed. Children benefit from the childminder's warm relationship with parents. She has established settling- in procedures and parents are made to feel welcome as the childminder ensures there is time for discussion at the end of the day.

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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 Children are happy and settled because the childminder organises her day by following established routines that fit around the children's needs. Her time is organised so that children are supported by having some individual attention as well as group activities. Some activities and toys are readily available enabling children to explore independently and initiate their own learning through play. Appropriate child ratios are maintained but attendance times are not always completed on the day. Most necessary documentation is in place, however, information and consent forms for one child are not in place. The provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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 that hygiene procedures, such as hand washing and nappy changing minimise the risk of cross infection • devise and practise a procedure for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire • further develop and extend the range of activities for children under three, for example by using the Birth to Three Matters framework

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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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