Childminder in Bristol

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY297623 Inspection date 17 August 2005 Inspector Kay Roberts

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder first registered in 2004 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives with her family in a 3 bedroom semi-detached house in Bedminster Down which is near to shops, playgroups, library and park. There are two adult children in the family. The family have a boarder collie and a tortoise. The whole of the property except the two smaller bedrooms on the first floor is used for childminding. The small area of back garden closest to the house is suitable for

p.2

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 outdoor play. Children attend local playgroups. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years and currently has 1 child under 5 years on roll.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from infection through the provision of a clean environment, hygienic routines and the exclusion of children who are ill. When children are ready to be toilet trained the childminder talks with parents. She gives gentle reminders and offers praise when children successfully use the potty. Children know the hand washing routine and have their own flannel and towel. The provision of healthy light mid-day meals and snacks of fruit or toast develops some understanding of healthy eating, although this is not emphasised through discussion or fun activities. Accidents are appropriately managed, but children's welfare may not always be protected as the childminder has not obtained written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's large muscle skills are developed through daily exercise, when the childminder ensures children are appropriately clad for the weather. They visit

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

different parks to see the ducks and go on nature walks over the local fields. On occasions the dog also accompanies the childminder and children on walks. Children enjoy holding the lead and throwing sticks for the dog. Children do not become over tired as the childminder has a travel cot which is suitable for babies and young children are made comfortable on the sofa.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's home as she takes their coat and gives them a cuddle. The large white bear in the corner of the lounge/diner, which is the main focus for childminding activities, is particularly inviting for children. Organisation of the furniture to the side of the room creates a large space for play and allows children to move around with confidence and ease. Prior to children arriving, the childminder reaches out each child's favourite toy or activity and checks the environment is safe. The childminder takes into consideration children's individuality when considering safety. There is sufficient equipment in place, such as safety gates and fire guards to meet the needs of current minded children. However, children may not always be protected in the event of a fire. There is no smoke alarm at ground floor level, the emergency evacuation procedure is not fully detailed and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has not been practised. The childminder has some understanding of child protection, but children may not always be protected as concerns are not always discussed with parents or details recorded.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have fun and are happy with the childminder as she plays games with them pretending to be a chasing tiger or moving one from a large selection of dinosaurs across the grass and rocks. As she does so she talks to children about footprints, colours and asks if they can remember the name of the red feature. She reminds them it is a volcano with fire. As they complete the tiger puzzle she sits with them and suggests where the next piece may fit, offers praise and encouragement saying "it's nearly done". Mathematical development is promoted by counting the number of tigers on the box once the puzzle is complete. They enjoy singing rhymes such as 'If you're happy and you know it' and beat the rhythm on a bucket. As children look at a book with the childminder they snuggle up on her lap. Children learn to make decisions as they are asked what they wish to play with next. The childminder then

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

reaches out the requested toy from the cupboard. Learning is extended as the childminder is aware of each child's stage of development and interests. She organises visits to places such as Cardiff on the train to see the castle and carnival. Each morning there are planned outings to parks and playgroups which provide an opportunity for minded children to socialise. However within the home resources are limited and activities not planned. Consequently the childminder may not always extend children's learning so they achieve their full potential.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle quickly through one-to-one support from the childminder. She seeks information from parents about children's interests and favourite activities in order to meet their individual needs. Parents are updated both verbally and via a diary about their child's day and practices within the setting. Completion of the diary at weekends enables all parties to provide consistency of care and should a child talk about something which has happened during the day, the parents will know what they are referring to. Children learn to be polite and say "thank you" for an ice pop. As the childminder provides children with clear expectations of behaviour and keeps them occupied they respond by being well behaved. Children learn about nature on walks across fields, when they study insects and pick up leaves. Minded children say they enjoy seeing the horses in the fields. They learn about the local community as they visit parks and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

playgroups. Knowledge of diversity is limited, for although the childminder has a few books reflecting positive images of race, culture and disability, she does not have a proactive approach or plan exciting activities to extend children's awareness of the cultures of others.

p.4

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 The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. She is appropriately qualified and is experienced in caring for children. She offers children a high level of support, by limiting the number of children to whom care is provided and by organising the home in advance of children's arrival. Documentation is organised, confidentially maintained, regularly reviewed and where appropriate shared with parents. However consent to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment has not been obtained and pre-existing injuries and child protection concerns are not recorded.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 parents' written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • develop a fuller understanding of child protection and ensure any concerns are recorded • improve fire safety by fitting a smoke alarm complying at ground floor level which conforms to BS EN safety standard, further developing and practising emergency evacuation procedures • provide further opportunities for children to develop in all areas of learning by planning appropriate, exciting activities for time spent at home and extending resources, including those which reflect positive images of our diverse society

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6