Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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219833 Unique Reference Number 11 April 2007 Inspection date Anne Schurek Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 was registered in 2000. She lives in the village of Henlow in Bedfordshire with her mother, who is also her assistant, and her brother. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and one bedroom for sleeping is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children under eight years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home. The spread of infection is minimised as there are good daily hygiene practices, including the provision of separate hand towels for each child. Children are learning about the importance of personal hygiene, such as why it is necessary to wash their hands before meals and snacks, as the childminder frequently

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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 introduces discussion about germs. Children's good health is promoted. The childminder ensures that she seeks clear information about children's health needs, dietary requirements and any allergies before they are left by their parents. She is able to respond to accidents quickly because she has the necessary knowledge and equipment in place to do so.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual needs are mostly safeguarded through effective information sharing with parents. Although some accident records share information with parents about children other than their own, therefore not maintaining confidentiality.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy snacks and drinks which are taken within the daily routine. The childminder takes account of parents' and children's wishes and provides snacks that are nutritious and appealing in line with any dietary requirements. For example, various fresh fruit and bread sticks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in daily physical activity. They have access to the garden which is equipped with an extensive range of resources including sit-and-ride toys, swing, see-saw, slide, climbing frame, sand and water play which enables them to develop increased control and coordination. Babies and young children have space to crawl and move around. The childminder ensures that there is always an interesting range of stimulating, age-appropriate toys and resources which are easily accessible, encouraging babies to explore their environment and promoting their physical and intellectual development.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure environment where all necessary safety precautions are in place. For example, appropriately placed smoke alarms and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Children's awareness of fire safety is promoted effectively by the childminder. An emergency escape plan is in place and is regularly practised by the children developing their understanding of personal safety. The childminder engages the children in open discussion about road safety when out and about on walks and about how to keep themselves safe when away from the childminder's home. They use appropriate procedures to ensure they cross the road correctly and stay alert as they cross.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have independent access to an extensive range of good quality equipment and toys. Space and resources are organised so children are able to explore and take risks in a safe, controlled environment. Children's safety is well promoted by the childminder carrying out regular checks on toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well protected because the childminder has a sound knowledge of her responsibilities regarding safeguarding children, ensuring that she has all the relevant documentation to enable her to quickly follow up any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled, comfortable in their environment and make themselves at home. They have a good relationship with the childminder who shows them that she enjoys their company, joining in with their play and conversations and helping them feel welcome and valued. They approach her for physical comfort and reassurance which contributes to their

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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 sense of belonging. The childminder shows genuine interest in the children and their lives outside the setting and works very hard to ensure children feel secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engrossed in their play and are content to play with the childminder, independently or with each other, happily organising games and activities. An example of this is children using various play tools independently selected from the play house to mend the fence, chatting excitedly with the childminder whilst doing this. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework however, she does not use it to challenge and extend learning for the younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are offered a variety of activities which promote their learning and holistic development. These include play dough, water play, imaginative play, cooking and outdoor activities and outings. They are offered excellent opportunities to socialise with others as they enjoy trips in the local community. Children have daily trips to the park and the local countryside where they benefit from new experiences and can explore areas of interest, particularly extending their physical capabilities and discovering nature.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that appropriate care plans are adhered to. Children's developmental needs are systematically met with stimulating activities that challenge their learning and development. For example, books positively reflect a multicultural society and are used to encourage children's awareness of the wider world. Particular toys such as the child figure and a wheelchair help children understand disabilities through imaginative play. This increases children's awareness of diversity and the understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are effectively beginning to learn right from wrong through positive interaction from the childminder. The childminder knows the children very well and is responsive to their needs. For example, if a child needs a cuddle this is happily provided and children respond positively, knowing they can approach the childminder at any time for a cuddle. Children are set consistent boundaries and are given clear explanations by the childminder, enabling them to make informed decisions and begin to take responsibility for their own actions. The childminder acts as a good role model remaining calm and polite at all times, creating a calm relaxed atmosphere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an excellent relationship with the parents, which contributes significantly to the children's holistic development. Parents are given clear information, are encouraged to discuss any issues or concerns as they arise and are fully aware of the complaints procedure. They are kept well informed of their child's progress and activities through regular discussions with the childminder and the use of daily diaries.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, children's needs are met. The children are relaxed and comfortable in a well-organised environment. They are confident to initiate their own play and learning, are fully engaged in activities and receive appropriate help and support from the childminder.

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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 The children benefit from well-organised resources, adults and space in the setting. Activities are sensitively supported and children have a designated space for messy activities and a quiet area for stories or sleep.

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Organisation

The childminder effectively uses her unwritten procedures and routines to successfully promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. All written parental permissions are in place. Most documentation is compliant with registration requirements and is stored securely.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted have received one complaint. The complaint related to National Standard 6: Safety, regarding how the childminder supervises children whilst on outdoor trips. As a result Ofsted set one action under Standard 6: Safety. The provider responded by improving procedures ensuring that children are appropriately supervised at all times. Ofsted was satisfied that by taking this step the provider remained qualified for registration at the time. The investigation was closed.

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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.

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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 all accidents and incidents that are shared with parents remain confidential • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters' framework

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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

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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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