Childminder in SomersetOfsted inspection, 20 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299572 Inspection date 20 October 2005 Inspector Susan June Stone

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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 has been registered since January 2005. She lives with her husband and their three daughters, in Frome, Somerset. Minded children have access to the ground floor which offers lounge room, kitchen diner and toilet facilities. Sleeping facilities are available on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for three children under 8 years at any one time, and at present is caring for six children on a part-time basis. There are no family 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean family home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They learn about the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene through daily routines. The children are familiar with the routines for hand washing. They know they must wash them before and after meals and snacks, and after using the toilet, and know this helps prevent the spread of germs. Separate paper towels are provided by the childminder for hand drying. The childminder sets good examples for hygiene in her behaviour. For example, wearing disposable gloves for nappy changes and using anti-bacterial wipes to wipe surfaces. She ensures the toys and equipment are clean and safe before being used. The childminder organises time each day to allow the children to benefit from regular exercise and outdoor play, either in the garden or at the local play park. This ensures

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Helping children to be healthy

that the children have the opportunity to benefit from the fresh air, and helps them to develop and improve their physical skills. The childminder ensures the children have balanced, nutritious meals and snacks each day. She provides meals for the children, which takes account of any special dietary requirements. This helps the children to develop an understanding of the importance of eating a balanced, healthy diet. The childminder also provides activities related to topics and themes like healthy eating. This helps to reinforce the children's understanding of healthy eating and maintaining a balanced nutritious diet. Drinks are readily available to the children throughout the day. The childminder has a clear exclusion policy for sick children, which is shared with parents. This helps to ensure that the children are protected from illness and infection. She has a current first aid certificate and a good understanding of caring for

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Helping children to be healthy

children in an emergency. This means that children's needs in an emergency can be effectively dealt with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure family home in which high standards of safety are evident. Through her risk assessment, the childminder ensures that hazards to children, both inside and outside the home, are minimised and addressed. This helps to ensure the children remain free from harm when attending the provision. The fire-blanket however, is not easily accessible in the kitchen to use in an emergency situation. The childminders home is child orientated and well organised. This allows the children to move around with confidence and ease, choosing toys and resources that are arranged attractively, and stored at an appropriate level. The children use a wide range of toys and resources, which are in good repair and conform to safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises the toys that the children play with to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of

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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 development. This helps the children to learn new skills and make progress in all areas of development. The childminder provides a range of safe and well maintained furniture and equipment which means that the varying needs of the children can be met, therefore promoting their welfare and development. The childminder helps the children to understand how they can contribute to their own safety. She explains why toys should be tidied away after use. She organises games and activities which encourage children to think about possible risks and dangers within the setting. This helps the children to become more aware and take some responsibility for their own safety. The childminder has procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with 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 have developed good relationships with the childminder and her family, and they are confident and settled within the setting. Children's individual care routines are known and respected; for example, recognising and accommodating sleep routines and rest requirements. The childminder is developing her knowledge of promoting younger children's learning and involvement in activities. She makes effective use of the Birth to Three Matters guidance to evaluate her own practice and has made changes to benefit the children. The childminder has a good understanding of the development of children of differing ages. She knows the children in her care well. She completes activity plans relating to topics or themes, which include ideas to aid development for each child. The activities provided are evaluated and the children's development monitored. This allows individual development goals to be identified and activities to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

be planned accordingly, thus allowing children to move to the next stage in their development, to achieve and to make progress. The childminder encourages the children to work together, share and take turns, like sharing the paints and glitter. This helps the children to learn to respect and to co-operate with others. Children are able to concentrate on their chosen activity, they choose from the range of toys and activities that are available each day and play happily together. This helps develop children’s confidence and self-esteem and helps to build their personal independence. Children are learning and developing naturally through their play. The childminder provides opportunities for the children to explore and investigate, using their senses as appropriate. For example, collecting leaves while out walking in the woods, then using them for art activities like leaf painting and collage. The childminder is involved in the activities at an appropriate level. She

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interacts with the children with enthusiasm and enjoyment, and is encouraging and reassuring. She talks with the children, asking questions to make them think, which helps to build on their natural curiosity as learners.

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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 are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder is very aware of the children's particular requirements and meets these well. She plans activities to suit individual needs and to move the children to the next stage in their development. All children are included in the activities as the childminder effectively adapts the experiences she provides to suit each child's age and level of understanding. The childminder interacts well with the children, and encourages them to feel valued and included, all children are respected as individuals. She provides a variety of toys and activities which portray positive images of diversity. Small world toys provide children with positive images of disability. This helps children to develop a respect of and have positive attitudes to others. Children have opportunities to learn about the world around them through first hand experiences, creative activities and books. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

enjoy regular visits to the library, local toddler groups, parks and other local amenities. This helps them to learn about their surroundings and how they fit into the community. Children behave well and respond well to the consistent boundaries set by the childminder. The childminder has a calm approach and uses positive, sound methods for managing behaviour which makes the children feel valued. The childminder sets very good examples in her behaviour. The children are learning what is right from wrong, and manners are encouraged by the childminder. The childminder uses appropriate explanations and guidance to the children when behaviour is not as expected; for example, encouraging the children to be fair and share the toys. This helps the children to understand how their behaviour and actions can affect others. The children respond well to the childminder's positive guidance and praise. Star charts and sticker rewards are used to acknowledge and promote acceptable

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour and achievements. This helps to build children's confidence and self esteem. Children benefit from the childminder's friendly, yet professional relationship with parents. A written document folder is available for parents to inform them of the care offered. The childminder and parents work together to meet the children’s needs. Time is allowed daily to talk and share any necessary information concerning the children. This ensures that information can be exchanged and recorded, and allows for the children’s individual needs to be identified and addressed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well ordered, structured environment where their individual needs are identified and appropriately addressed. The childminder organises time well to meet the needs of the children attending. She provides a variety of activities and experiences which offer appropriate challenge to the children. Children feel comfortable and safe within the setting, which means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to further developing her role as a childminder. She does this by

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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 studying and attending training courses to update and develop her knowledge and understanding of various aspects of caring for children. All documentation with regards to the childminding and care offered are in place and well maintained. Policies and procedures are used well to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared with parents to keep them informed of the care offered and the children's activities. Parent's thoughts and contributions are valued and acknowledged. This helps the continuity of care and the meeting of individual needs. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 that the fire blanket is suitably placed in the kitchen and available to use in an emergency

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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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