Childminder in Bristol

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY298883 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Nigel Lindsay Smith

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and one child aged two in Bedminster, Bristol. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom are used for childminding. The childminder is registered for three children. The childminder is currently minding one child, who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder attends a local toddler group, and takes children to the park and city farms.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through well-established daily routines. Good procedures such as the childminder regularly disinfecting equipment and supplying separate towels for each child sustain high levels of hygiene and help prevent the spread of infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. She is aware of how to manage accidents and the administration of medication, although she has not asked parents to give permission for emergency medical treatment. Children benefit from a healthy diet. Children of all ages enjoy varied, freshly cooked meals, pureed for babies. They are offered drinks regularly. Meals, snacks and drinks comply with any requirements about allergies to ensure that children remain healthy. Children sit together for their meals, which helps develop their social skills. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Babies are helped to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

stand and walk indoors, and older children benefit physically from walking and playing in the park and the outside area of a toddler group located nearby.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as the childminder has a good understanding of risk. Areas accessible to the children have appropriate safety features such as locks on low units so that the children can move around the house safely. Children are able to evacuate the premises through the front and rear of the house and a large opening window upstairs in the event of a fire. Children are protected in relation to child protection concerns as the childminder is appropriately aware of her responsibilities, and will not leave children alone with anyone who has not been vetted. Children are safe when using the toys and equipment as they are carefully chosen and regularly checked by the childminder. They relax and are comfortable in the playroom as it is welcoming, with posters of letters and pictures for children at low level, and equipment accessible for them to select.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies receive cuddles and sit on the childminder's lap, giving them a strong bond with her and increasing their sense of well-being. They enjoy items with a variety of textures and the sounds of interactive toys, which they explore with interest. They actively look at books as the childminder points and reads to them. The childminder

p.3

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 alternates the boxes of equipment available on the floor, so that the children experience a variety of items. Regular visits to a local toddler group extend the childminder's provision, and enable her to provide a varied range of play experiences so that children generally cover most areas of learning each week. She finds out from parents what their children can achieve and reports daily to them about their progress. Older children have opportunities on outings to extend their knowledge of colours and numbers through choosing items in shops.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children access a good variety of resources that positively represent people from the wider community. This helps them to develop a positive attitude to others. The childminder regularly visits a resource library to increase the choice of items available, which sustains the children's interest. She has not had experience of looking after children with special needs, but has given thought to how she would fully involve them in the activities offered. Children benefit from the childminder developing a positive partnership with their parents. She shares information before they start to attend, and encourages introductory sessions, together with the parent, to help their child to settle. Children are well-occupied, and the childminder re-directs them to different activities when their interest flags so that they behave well. She is calm and provides gentle explanations to children from a very early age so that they become familiar with her

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's opportunities are maximised by the childminder's organisational skills. She arranges the environment to provide them with appropriate space in welcoming rooms The equipment is well-organised so that children have free access and benefit from making choices. The childminder protects children by maintaining thorough records and storing them confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

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.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 good. 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): • ensure that parents are asked to give permission for emergency medical treatment.

p.5

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

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.5