Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298891 Inspection date 06 July 2005 Inspector Jo Blackman

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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 satisfactory. 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 two children aged four and fifteen months in the village of Shefford. The whole of the ground floor excluding the study and the children's bedrooms on the first floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five on a part time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children and she

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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 attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has two cats. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and she is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health, for example, music and movement. Outdoor activities are regularly offered to help them develop control of their bodies which include riding on wheeled toys and climbing on apparatus. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating their meals reduces the spread of infection. Children are provided with a healthy diet of nutritious and well balanced food therefore the children stay healthy. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and children's choices, enabling her to meet children's individual dietary needs. The childminder has a good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support, giving children confidence to try

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently because the childminder identifies and reduces risks to children in the home by carrying out regular risk assessments. Children have knowledge of keeping themselves safe because the childminder gives priority to maintaining their safety, however children do have access to some glass panels in a unit which is in an area of the home where they play. Children have access to a range of toys and equipment which are accessible and appropriate for their age and stage of development. They are encouraged to self-select from the clearly labelled toy boxes , promoting their independence and reading skills. The childminder safeguards and promotes the children's welfare. She has all of the required procedures and documents in place, for example, she holds a current first aid certificate and a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and interaction with other

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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 children is promoted through regular attendance at local groups. Children's independence is promoted fully. They are encouraged to self-select accessible and clearly labelled toys and resources. The childminder has awareness of the Birth to Three Matters Framework and is keen to promote it within her setting by organising activities for children under three using the framework as a guide. Children listen and respond well to the childminder. She develops their learning abilities through conversation and explanation. Children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as moving to music, playing instruments and making play dough. Children can fully participate because activities are adapted by the childminder to suit their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of activities and resources which promote a positive view of the wider world. They learn about cultures and festivals because the childminder includes these in her planning of activities. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the needs of children well, they follow their normal daily routines which are discussed with their parents. Children behave well because the childminder leads by example in presenting herself as a good role model. Children have clear and consistent boundaries which they are encouraged to follow, ensuring that they share, take turns and respect each other. The childminder promotes good relationships with parents therefore the children feel secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the well organised environment. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's welfare, care and learning are met because the childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures that she has developed to promote these. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about her service and their children's activities. This contributes to continuity of the children's care. Children's attendance is not always recorded consistently and therefore their safety could be jeopardised in the event of a accident. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved children's safety. She has removed the potentially hazardous items from the bathroom and she has fitted safety film to the glass panels in the TV unit. However, children have access to further glass panels in an area where they play. The childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures is now improved and she is able to

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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 safeguard children's welfare.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • make glass panels safe or inaccessible to children • ensure that children's attendance is recorded consistently

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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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