Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299320 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Sue Hill

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 5 and 2 years in Longhope, Gloucestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children and is currently minding 4 children under 5 part-time during the day and 1child over five after school. She drives to the local school to collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children on outings. The family has a dog and a cat.

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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 She belongs to the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Physical play opportunities are available outdoors to help them develop control of their bodies. Through the use of large and small equipment all ages are able to benefit from outdoor activities. The childminder is beginning to make use of the Birth to Three Matters framework, and her good understanding of appropriate activities and levels of support gives the younger children confidence to try new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. Children explore, test and develop physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor experiences. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene and personal care, and are protected from infection through the childminder's clear sickness policy. The management of pets and regular cleaning routines ensures that children play in a hygienic environment which

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Helping children to be healthy

minimises risk of infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. She appropriately manages accidents and the administration of medication, and shares the records with parents. Children know the routines such as taking shoes off to go in the house and hand washing after using the toilet or before eating food. Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating through her provision of meals and snacks, but there could be more opportunities given for children to learn the importance of making healthy choices. Drinks are readily available throughout the day, and the childminder follows parent’s wishes for the types of food given to their child. She is happy to discuss diet with parents, particularly where this would introduce new foods or textures, for example through starting younger children chewing harder foods.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around freely as they are cared for in a spacious, well maintained home where risks have been identified and minimised. There is a strong child focus in the play room, where many of the clean and safe resources are kept in boxes and on low level shelving, so that children are able to help themselves from a good range of safe and interesting toys and equipment. Children's interest is sustained by regularly providing new resources which take into consideration each child's stage of development and how this can be extended further. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are able to access a good, safe range of outdoor equipment, for example swings and slides. The equipment is suitable for all ages and children are kept safe

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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 by the careful supervision of the childminder. The childminder is aware of potential hazards outside the home and puts appropriate measures in place so that children are safe. Children learn to protect themselves as they are taught road safety and not to talk to strangers. There are appropriate fire safety measures, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket, in place, and a clear evacuation procedure, however this has not been practised. Children are protected by clear and well-detailed accident and medication records and the childminder's knowledge of first aid procedures. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised through the childminder's use of effective safety measures. She expertly helps children understand why safety is important both in and out of the home. For instance, tidying

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

up small pieces to prevent young children from choking. The childminder has all the required documents in place to ensure that the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, for example her good understanding of the contents of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are well settled in the childminder's house, they make themselves at home. They have fun, are confident and enjoy the activities available to them. They are happily and actively occupied. Children's interest is sustained as the childminder actively participates in games, resulting in children wanting to learn and to try new things. They learn to socialise through regular attendance at local toddler groups. The children are imaginative during free play, for example playing shops and the older children preparing their tractor for a race. Children make sound and steady progress. They develop independently as they choose their own activities from a very good range of resources. The childminder is aware of each child’s individual stage of development. She gives them the time and opportunity to do things for themselves and offers encouragement so that they become more independent.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder promotes the language development well through her constant interaction and conversation with the children. The childminder extends their conversational skills by asking pertinent questions. The different ages play well together, are able to share and take turns, with older children offering assistance to younger ones.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, enabling children to value differences. She has dolls, books, puzzles and games depicting positive images of difference. These are readily available to the children, and are used regularly to support the children in learning respect for individuality. Children develop an awareness of their own environment

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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 through local visits, for example, to the library and local shops. The childminder makes very good use of her garden to promote an interest in nature through having a wild area for the children to explore. Older children are able to develop independence by exploring the garden alone, while being carefully observed by the childminder. The children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They behave very well, encouraged by the childminder's use of positive praise. Children respond well with spoken words and gestures to what they see, hear taste and feel. They develop as individuals as they are given opportunities to play alone or together, and are able to choose their own activities. Children benefit from the relationship the childminder builds with parents who are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

made to feel welcome. The childminder ensures that she meets individual children's needs by getting to know them, and their family. She works closely with parents, and a common strategy is adopted so that children do not receive mixed messages, for example while potty training. Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress through a daily diary for younger children, and a diary made by the older children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children make good progress as the childminder is very well organised. She provides an inviting environment so that children move around without being inhibited and confidently help themselves to toys they wish to play with. Good routine enables the childminder to provide a high level of support and to maximise the time she spends playing with the children. Children's well-being is promoted through up to date documentation being confidentially maintained and where appropriate shared with parents. The required parental permissions to protect the children's welfare are in place for all of the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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 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): • further improve safety by practising the fire evacuation procedure

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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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