Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

162038 Unique Reference Number 05 April 2007 Inspection date Michelle Tuck Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 11 years of age. The family live in a terraced house in Street in Somerset not far from the town centre. Minded children mainly have access to the lounge, play room and kitchen. Toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight, of whom three may be under five, including one under one. There are currently ten children on roll.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s good health is supported by the childminder who has a sound knowledge and understanding of ways to minimise the spread of infection. The premises, toys and equipment are clean and hygienic. She takes effective hygiene precautions, for example, she excludes children who are ill or infectious, and there is a suitable nappy changing procedure. The

p.2

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 childminder does not provides individual towels for hand drying and therefore the children are at risk from cross infection, however the hand towel is changed daily. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a suitable first aid kit readily available.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a suitable healthy diet. The parents provide packed lunches for their child, which are stored appropriately and the childminder provides extra suitable snacks for the children, which include fresh fruit. She takes care to respect any specific dietary requirements and the parents’ wishes for their child. Children have drinks available to take when they are thirsty. They start to learn about the importance of a healthy diet through discussions with the childminder who encourages them to sample a range of foods.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities for exercise. They play in the childminder’s garden where there is suitable equipment including space hoppers and a skate board. They regularly visit local parks where they use a range of more challenging equipment. This helps them to develop their physical skills and control and coordination of their movements.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel secure and settle quickly with the childminder because she creates a welcoming environment for them using examples of the children’s artwork in the playroom. Toys and resources are stored in boxes and low cupboards so they are readily available for the children to see and select independently. This allows them to make choices about their play. The childminder makes good use of the space in her home to meet children’s needs. For example, she has a designated playroom and she uses a first floor bedroom so children can sleep undisturbed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good range of furniture, toys and equipment to support children’s developmental needs. Toys and resources are of good quality and are safe and suitable for children to use. The childminder checks these regularly and keeps small items out of the reach of young children to whom they may pose a hazard.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are tidy, secure and well maintained and have clear space for the children to play and move around freely. The risk of accidental injury to the children is minimised by the childminder who has a good understanding of safety issues. She has appropriate equipment in place to reduce risks to their safety. For example, she has stair gates, cupboard locks and socket covers to prevent children accessing hazardous areas. There are some sharp knives at the back of a kitchen drawer, however, young children are supervised in this area. The children are well supervised at all times by the childminder who ensures children can always be seen or heard. Children’s safety is protected when out because the childminder uses appropriate car seats and ensures they stay close to her on walks. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe by talking with her about road safety and the fire evacuation procedure.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is well supported because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and understands the action she should take if she concerned about the welfare of a child in her care.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled, and have a relaxed relationship with the childminder. There is plenty of conversation between them and this supports the children’s language development well. The childminder becomes involved with children’s play and is interested in what they have to say. She supports their learning, helping them develop independence. For example, she helps a young child use a stapler to put handles on the Easter basket he is making. There is a wide range of toys and activities to keep the children well occupied. They are interested in the resources and enjoy what they are doing. Children often show good concentration and persistence with the activities, for example, when playing a game of hunt the Easter eggs, where they have to collect halves of cardboard Easter eggs and then match the halves to get points. This was played a couple of times and adapted to ensure all the children that want to

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop a good self-esteem and the confidence to attempt new tasks because they receive praise and encouragement from the childminder. Older children are given the opportunity to relax after a busy day at school. Activities are provided for the children that wish to be more active and time allowed for children that wish to complete homework.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well and play cooperatively together. The childminder has a good understanding of positive ways to manage the children’s behaviour and gives them gentle reminders and explanations so they understand what she expects of them. They receive praise and encouragement for good behaviour and this helps them know when they have done well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a range of toys, including dolls, small figures and dressing up clothes, which reflect positive images of diversity and are readily available for the children to use during their play. This familiarity helps the children learn about others and to develop an accepting attitude towards others in society.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective partnership between their parents and the childminder. She is flexible where possible to meet parents’ work patterns, so there is continuity in the child’s care. There is a suitable settling in procedure for new children. The childminder gives parents information about the service she provides, including a policy about the care, learning and play provided and gathers information about the child so that she can follow their usual routines. Children’s individual needs continue to be met because the childminder shares information with their parents about their care and development both verbally and written.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder’s makes good use of her premises and plans and provides activities to support the children’s development well. She maintains all the necessary records and written parental consents required to support the children’s care and learning. She has written policy and procedure documents about her childminding service, and every parent receives a copy of these so they understand what is provided for their child. These include a complaints procedure in line with current legislation. Children's general health and well being is promoted well, although they do not have individual towels to dry their hands.

p.4

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 The childminder keeps to the required ratios so that children receive suitable levels of attention and support. She ensures that children are not unsupervised with persons who have not been vetted. Children play in a safe and secure environment where most hazards have been recognised and addressed appropriately. She attends training to extend her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make sure the premises are secure and that children are unable to leave them unsupervised. All entrances and exits are fully secured so children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

She also agreed to make sure that written permission is obtained from parents before administering medication and that records kept are accurate. All necessary records are in place and accurate.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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 any dangerous items, such as kitchen knives, are inaccessible to children • consider ways in which the prevention of cross infection through hand washing routines can be promoted further.

p.5

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

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