Childminder in Bristol

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY266840 Inspection date 14 December 2005 Inspector Flo Griffin-Taylor

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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 registered in September 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, aged five years and eighteen months, in a three bedroom, semi-detached house in the Shirehampton area of the city of Bristol. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, which includes the lounge, conservatory and cloakroom. The main bedroom on the first floor is used for cot sleeping purposes and the back bedroom for nappy changing facilities. The family bathroom is nearby. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time,

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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 and is currently minding one child under the age of five years. The childminder lives within very easy distance of community facilities and is close to main travel routes. Local and nearby amenities that are used include parks, recreation/play areas, soft play provision and toddler activity groups. She owns a vehicle, and uses her car to take the children out on occasional trips to places of interest around the surrounding area. The family have one pet rabbit, which is kept in a secure hutch in the garden. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children's health is effectively promoted through well established daily routines and good practice. The childminder ensures that kitchen surfaces and other washable areas in the home are cleaned regularly, including all play items and equipment. Nappies are changed and disposed of hygienically. The Children use individual flannels and towels, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and manages minor accidents well. However, children may not be fully protected in the event of a more serious accident, as parents have not given written consent for emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder is aware of the procedures with regard to the administration of medication and of sharing records with parents. Risk of infection is further minimised through children being excluded if they are sick. A written sickness policy is in place. Good attention is given to the children's personal hygiene. The childminder helps

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Helping children to be healthy

young children to develop a positive understanding of health issues. She talks about the reason for washing hands, and how important it is to 'stop germs spreading'. The children are encouraged to adopt good practices, such as washing hands before eating and using the toilet. They also demonstrate an understanding of their bodily functions and toileting needs. The children are involved in varied range of enjoyable activities which contribute to their all round health and assists them in gaining good physical skills. Their fitness levels are maintained through daily exercise, which includes walking, using age appropriate climbing equipment, rides on wheeled toys, visiting parks, recreation areas, soft play provision and attendance at toddler activity groups. The children also enjoy regular access to the garden. All the children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. The childminder's good understanding about the appropriate types of activities to offer

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Helping children to be healthy

and levels of support, gives young children the confidence to try out new skills. Learning to roll, crawl, stand and walk indoors for example.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 children are developing an understanding of healthy eating. The drinks are readily on offer and fresh fruit provided daily. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and of children's preferences, she ensures that dietary needs are met and that children eat healthily. Lunch time is a social occasion, the children eat together at the family dining table. Babies are able to explore tasting and handling food in a relaxed and unhurried manner, making meals and snack times enjoyable learning experiences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are safe in the warm, welcoming and inviting environment, which is creatively arranged and organised to meet the children's needs. Furniture is placed to the sides of the rooms to maximise the space available for play. There is a strong child centred focus in the lounge, which has been especially set up as the main play area. The children move around freely and independently, older children are encouraged to self select play materials and resources from the good range of provision on offer, all of which are clean and meet safety standards. Many items are stored in easily accessible boxes, tubs and low cupboard and shelf units, so that the children are able to readily help themselves. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys, to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. She gives high

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

priority to helping the children understand how to keep themselves safe and to ensuring their personal safety both inside and outside the home. The children are well protected and their welfare is safeguarded and promoted. There is suitable and appropriate safety equipment in place, such as stair gates, fireguard, smoke detectors and a fire blanket. As the childminder has identified potential hazards within the home and minimised risks, children's freedom is maximised. The older children are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedures and a written fire escape plan is in place. They also know that when out in the community, and on visits and outings, they must remain close together and within near view. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. The children are closely supervised at all times and are never left in the care of other adults who are not vetted. She is clear of the procedures to follow should concerns be noted, and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are well settled, enjoy their time at the childminder's house and have a strong sense of belonging. They are happily and actively occupied. They relate well to others and socialise with other children through regular attendance at various community groups, such as toddler and soft play provisions. Occasional outings are also arranged and photographs taken of children engaged in activities, which helps them to recall and promote discussion.

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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 The children make good progress because the childminder has a clear understanding of each child's individual stage of development. She knows them well and plans effectively to support them in their learning. She is able to observe and record their progress and adapt activities that further challenge and sustain their interest. She gives the children time to do things for themselves, to find out, experiment, and offers much encouragement so that they become increasingly more independent. Babies have a close relationship with the childminder, who is gentle and caring. She gives lots of cuddles and reassurance as they sit on her lap, giving them a strong bond with her and increasing their sense of well being. They enjoy play materials with a variety of textures and the sounds of interactive toys, which they explore with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enthusiasm and interest. She assists them in gaining new skills, for example, matching shapes, building blocks and identifying simple sounds. The children listen and respond to tapes of rhymes and songs. They enjoy the sensory experience of sand, water, paint and play dough. As they look at books and listen to stories they snuggle up closely to the childminder, who promotes their language skills by asking relevant questions. The children spend their time purposely, they enjoy exploring a broad range of interesting activities which contribute to their overall development and encourages creativity. Listening and moving to music, playing instruments, painting, baking and making patterns for example.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs met well. This is achieved through close detailed discussion with parents, together with the childminder's good understanding of the children in her care and of their particular stage of development. She offers each child a high level of support and ensures that all the children are included, adapting activities as appropriate. The children learn about the diverse society in which we live through observation, books, discussion and resources reflecting positive images of culture, race, gender and disability being included in everyday play. They learn about their local and surrounding community as they visit places of interest such as Blaise Castle and Canford Park, as well as regular trips to local parks, play areas, shops, library and other community resources. To date the childminder has not cared for any minded child with special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

However, if asked she would endeavour to meet needs through discussing carefully with parents, and adjusting care and activities accordingly. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. The children are provided with clear boundaries and positive behaviour is encouraged with lots of praise. The children respond well, with self esteem and confidence promoted. The children are co-operative and well behaved. There is a strong, close and effective partnership between the childminder and parents, based on mutual trust and respect. The parents are warmly greeted and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 welcomed into the home, which enables the children to feel happy and secure in the setting. Regular and ongoing two-way discussions take place, so that both parties know what is happening in a child's life, and of all progress and achievements. Daily diaries are also completed, and art/craft work is kept, together with photographs of activities undertaken, for parents to take home. Any specific concerns relating to the children are discussed confidentially and an agreed strategy plan adopted, with continuity of approach.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's individual needs are well addressed and they make good progress. The childminder is caring, conscientious and well organised. She provides a relaxed and homely environment into which the children are warmly welcomed. They move happily around, with ease and spontaneity, confidently helping themselves to the toys and play resources on offer. Independence is encouraged. Well established routines enables the childminder to provide a high level of support, and also ensures that maximum quality time is spent playing with the children. The children's welfare is promoted through the current and well presented documentation in place. This includes a written profile on the services and activities on offer, with the addition of some policies and statements. Most of the necessary parental permissions have been obtained, with the exception of written consent for emergency medical advice or treatment. Paperwork is regularly reviewed and

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Organisation

updated. Daily verbal and written communication takes place with parents to keep them well informed about all aspects of their children's care, progress and activities undertaken. This all contributes to the children's well being and continuity of care. The childminder also takes opportunities to attend training sessions to improve her practice and provision. She is a member of a local childminder's group and has recently commenced a quality assurance programme, in which she will assess and monitor her provision. This demonstrates her commitment to providing good quality care to the children she minds. The childminder 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 registration visit. 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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Complaints 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

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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): • request written permission from parents and carers for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, so that children are protected should they have an accident.

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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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