Childminder in Bath and North East Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296765 Inspection date 29 June 2005 Inspector Yvonne Campbell

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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 partner and their 21 month old son in Kingswood, Bristol close to the Hanham/Kingswood border. 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 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to the Park School to collect children. She attends Mangotsfield and Kingswood toddler group. The family does not have any pets.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has the National Nursery Exam Board Diploma at level 3.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy an energetic range of activities which promotes their good health. They exercise daily in the spacious garden. The childminder provides challenging outdoor equipment such as balls, nets and small climbing frames to support play. Children enjoy getting out into the fresh air and young children communicate their feelings to the childminder by collecting their outdoor shoes to signal that they are ready to go outdoors. Children also have trips to the park and regular visits to toddler groups which offer further opportunity for play in safe surroundings with mobile toys such as tricycle and bikes. They are developing awareness of different parts of their bodies, it's capabilities and limitations. The childminder provides music and movement activities where children are encourage to bend, stretch and coordinate their arms and legs. Children have nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. The childminder has a

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Helping children to be healthy

thorough understanding of healthy eating. Meals are made with fresh ingredients and are attractively presented on novelty plates and eating utensils chosen by children. Older children are involved in the choosing and preparation of meals. Children under two years have a colourful selection of bite size "finger food" including carrots, cherry tomatoes and cheese. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment. The childminder has cleaning and disinfecting practices which are carried out before children arrive. She also has very good procedures to prevent the spread of infection. For example, the use of a clean changing mat for each child; gloves during nappy changes and disposing of nappies in special "soiled nappy" container. The garden is carefully checked for animal contamination before outdoor play. Children have some understanding of harm caused by germs. The childminder encourages them to wash

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Helping children to be healthy

their hand before meals and after using the toilet. Children are appropriately excluded from childminding when they are unwell and they do not pass infectious illness on to other children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in bright, spacious and secure areas. They are warmly welcomed by the childminder each day and have a special place for their outdoor shoes and coats. The childminder enables children to have a sense of belonging by displaying a selection of their art work completed during activities. A wide range of safe toys are accessible to children. They are age-appropriate and meet safety standards for the designated age groups. The childminder makes sure

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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 that babies and toddler children do not play with small toys which would be hazardous if put into their mouths. The childminder makes ongoing risk assessments in order to maintain a safe environment for children. Several safety measures are in place indoors to reduce the risk of harm such as: inaccessible stairs, secure kitchen cupboards and an inaccessible fireplace. The garden is a generally safe for play. However, a significant amount of rubble is present in one area and small pebbles which fall from a pebble-dashed wall are hazardous to small children who pick them up. Children are protected from abuse. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection and related issues. She makes sure that children are closely supervised at all times and never leaves them in the care of others. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knows the Area Child Protection Committee procedures well. She also knows how to obtain help from the appropriate authority if there is evidence that children have suffered significant harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and receive a high level of adult attention. They show signs of affection and fondness for the childminder going to her often for comfort and reassurance. The childminder has a very good understanding of child development. She provides a variety of age-appropriate activities to promote children's social and intellectual development and she makes observations to monitor and assess their progress. Children have stimulating and challenging home-based activities, including those where they explore the properties of natural substances such as sand and water. The childminder promotes curiosity by adding solutions to the water to bring about changes like lather. Children enjoy blowing bubbles and learn coordination skills as they fill and empty containers. They also learn about different kinds of material which sink or float in water. Younger children's sense of touch and texture is stimulated

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

through activities using substances like jelly, spaghetti and corn-flour mixture. Children are making noticeable progress in the development of speech. The childminder talks to toddlers and encourages them to respond using communication sounds. She knows various methods of assisting language development and she sings instructions to children during one to one interaction. Talk is further extended during story time. Children are developing independence and awareness of their own needs. They make good attempts to carry out self-care procedures such as putting on a jumper or outdoor shoes. The childminder gives them praise, encouraging their efforts. Further opportunities for play and social activities are provided for children through visits to toddler groups. They enjoy and look forward to the routine of preparation and travel to the groups where they learn to negotiate and work with their peers.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met well. The childminder has regular discussions with parents in order to provide continuity of care. She has clear a understanding of individual needs and she is flexible, making adjustments in the day's routine when necessary. Parent's instructions about children's meals and sleep times are fully complied with. The childminder also develops her own insight into individual needs through observation and interaction with each child. Children have an increasing awareness of the different people in our society. They see positive images of culture displayed on the welcome poster in the hall. The childminder is proactive in arranging interesting activities which coincide with celebrations such as Christmas and Chinese New Year. She also provides useful resources such as books and skin coloured crayons. Minor conflicts between children are managed competently. The childminder is very

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Helping children make a positive contribution

calm and gives explanations which helps young children to understand why certain types of behaviour are unacceptable. Children are distracted or offered alternatives which help them to choose to cease poor behaviour. Older children are involved in creating their own boundaries for behaviour. They have discussions with the childminder and agree about positive behaviour which is required for their age group. This is creatively represented in children's art work of the house rules displayed on the notice board. The care children need is provided by the childminder working closely together with parents. She acquires the relevant information from home and makes sure that parents are fully aware of progress or concerns. Regular information is shared through methods such as: daily feed-back, the home/childminding communication book and children's observation records. Parents are satisfied with the service provided and state that their children are happy and contented during childminding.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met and they are making good progress as the childminder is well organised. The childminder is highly qualified and experienced in childcare. She uses this knowledge well to provide a good standard of care for children. She has also completed several additional short courses to improve her practice. There is good use of space in the through lounge. Furniture is arranged to create clear areas for play and activities. A selection of play material are set out before children arrive and other resources are accessible to them in storage boxes or low cupboards. Children have a high level of adult supervision. The childminder cares for

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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 no more than three children at any one time allowing her to give sufficient time and support to individual children during play. Records about children and their parents are clear, accurate and up-to-date. They are kept in individual folders. Confidentiality is maintained at all times as parents only have access to information about their own children. All personal information is stored in a secure place when not in use. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it 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

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): • assess the risk to children in relation to the garden rubble and small pebbles and take action to minimise these

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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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