Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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161832 Unique Reference Number 20 December 2006 Inspection date Susan, Esther Harvey 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 1980. She shares a home with her mother in Corsham, Wiltshire. Two rooms on the ground floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding and 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, and seven children over five, part-time, before and after school. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The childminder 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn very effective hygiene routines and personal care. This contributes to their good health through the diligent management of their personal hygiene by the childminder. For example, children are provided with individual towels, and the childminder discusses the implications of preventing the spread of infection through good personal care, with the older children. As a result, children are fully informed of the need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a recent first aid certificate which ensures appropriate action would be taken in the event of an accident. Parents are made fully aware of the childminder's written sick children's policy, and written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a good healthy lifestyle. They have daily exercise as part of the childminder's planned routine of the day. This includes walking to and from school, visiting local parks and soft play centre for younger children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from eating healthy and nutritious snacks. They discuss the importance of a healthy diet with the childminder. A menu is provided for parents to look at, which includes children's preferences and dietary requirements. As a result, children are being helped to make healthy choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a child-centred, stimulating and vibrant environment. They are able to access toys for themselves from the good quality range of resources which are readily available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's painting and drawings are professionally displayed to respect their achievements. Young children are provided with their own bedding and a safe place to sleep undisturbed and in comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe home where all the risks have been identified and minimised. For example, stair-gates are used to prevent children accessing the kitchen. Children learn in a practical way about fire safety as they are fully involved in regular emergency evacuation procedures. Children benefit from learning good road safety routines from the example set by the childminder and her discussion with the older children, to stop, look and listen. Written permission is provided by parents in order for children to enjoy a variety of outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very good understanding and knowledge of the recording and reporting procedures concerning safe guarding children. She is fully aware of her personal responsibility to share any concerns with the appropriate authority. Therefore, children remain well protected while in her care.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have excellent care. They are settled in the childminder's company and have high regard in her ability to provide quality care, and comment that, 'she does her job well'. Children develop their self-esteem through the active role they play in making decisions for themselves. For example, children choose to play board games, make surprise gifts for parents, or create an inclusive poster to display in their play room.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children have the opportunity to build positive relationships through the childminder's experience and knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework. Every opportunity is made to encourage their development through planned activities and child observations. As a result, young children are becoming playfully engaged and involved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are highly valued as individuals. The childminder is attentive to the children and interested in what they have to say, and the opinions they have. Children learn to have positive feelings about themselves and the effect their behaviour has on others through the careful management of the childminder. They have an excellent range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, disability and gender, through books and small world figures and dolls. Children are well integrated into the setting through the childminder's well organised routine.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the excellent relationship between parents and the childminder. She has a professional approach in keeping parents informed of her service and the time spent with the children. The link between school, childminder and parent is good. Parents of young children are given a full account of what the children have been doing during the day and the visits they have made with the childminder. New parents are provided with a selection of written information including policies and procedures. All parents are informed of the detailed complaints procedure and log record the childminder will use if needed. There is a good partnership and sound link between home and the childminder which ensures that children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. Children are warmly welcomed into a family environment where the space available gives them many opportunities to freely select toys and resources. These are well organised in the rooms accessible to the children. The childminder is exceptionally well organised in all areas of her time spent in the company of children. The daily register accurately records children's time of arrival and departure; but there is no record of who is caring for the children. Policies and procedures are maintained to a high standard in order to promote the care, welfare and learning of children. Children positively benefit from the childminder's commitment in furthering her professional development by attending courses, and keeping up-to-date with all aspects of child care.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain knowledge of notifiable infectious diseases in order to report effectively to Ofsted. The childminder has obtained a list to refer to if it is necessary to report to Ofsted. This has improved the childminder's record keeping.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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): • ensure the register confirms the name of the person caring for the children

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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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