Childminder in Herefordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 223376 Inspection date 16 May 2005 Inspector Susan Irene Tyler

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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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and three teenage children in the city of Hereford. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding six children under five who all attend on a part-time basis and at different times. The childminder walks to local pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local toddler groups. The family has two rabbits

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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 four guinea pigs that live in hutches outside. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is currently taking part in a quality assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and warm environment. The home is spacious, uncluttered and well organised, allowing children freedom to move freely and to play games such as rolling balls across the floor to each other. Good procedures ensure that children who are sick are well cared for. Children are offered drinks regularly throughout the day. The drinks vary according to parents wishes and children’s tastes. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are varied and enjoyed by the children. Children’s physical development is encouraged and promoted through a variety of activities, for example, playing in the garden on trikes or with hoops, skipping ropes, footballs, playing in the paddling pool (in summer), in the sand or going on walks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as a result of the childminder's very good awareness of health and safety and all reasonable steps are taken to reduce risks. For example, children are strapped into highchairs and pushchairs. All equipment is safety checked as it is used and good attention is given to all aspects of safety inside and outside the home. The childminder safeguards children’s welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and has a detailed written policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are involved in a very good range of activities which support all areas of development. There is an excellent range of toys available to children. The childminder knows the children very well and provides activities that she knows they will enjoy. The individual needs of all children are met, for example, the childminder sits a very young child on her lap to enable her to take part in a mark making activity with another child. Children are settled and relate well to each other and the childminder. They are confident to ask the childminder for anything they want. She in turns responds to their requests. Children are given constant supervision and the childminder interacts appropriately, helping when needed but allowing children to take time at their chosen activity. Children's learning and experiences are broadened

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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 as they go for daily walks in the local community and join in with a variety of activities when they visit a local pre-school provision on a regular basis. These activities are continued at the childminder's home, allowing children time to talk about what they have seen and practise newly learnt skills. The childminder is able to borrow equipment and toys from the pre-school resulting in children having access to an excellent range of resources that enhance their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children have access to appropriate toys and equipment that are age appropriate. A large selection is available. Activities are varied and increase children's awareness of diversity. Children learn about their local community as they go for walks and visit local parks. Children’s individual needs are well met as they are allowed to choose toys and activities of their choice. The childminder ensures that favourite toys are available on children's arrival. Good use is made of links with other pre-school provision to provide a broad range of activities for children to choose from. They play happily together and are well behaved. Rules are clear and good use is made of praise to encourage good behaviour. Attractive, clear and detailed information is provided to parents about the childminding practice and service. Good partnerships with parents mean that children are well settled and separate happily from their

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Attractive, clear and detailed information is provided to parents about the childminding practice and service provided. All required documentation is well maintained, although the daily register is not always completed as soon as children arrive or depart. Good adult to child ratios are maintained to allow flexibility of care. Space and resources are well organised and a good selection of activities is provided each day. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to further her knowledge about child protection and emergency evacuation procedures. Good progress has been made since the last inspection. The written policy for child protection now includes information about what to do in the event of an allegation being made against her or her family. The childminder has attended training in emergency evacuation and has a clearly written plan. These improvements in procedures provide children with greater protection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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): • ensure the register accurately reflects who is present at any time.

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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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