Carter, Abigail

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY287185 Inspection date 10 November 2005 Inspector Sue Vernon

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and 3 year old daughter in a 3 bedroomed modern house in Peasedown-St-John, between Bath and Radstock. The house is within walking distance of local shops, parks and schools. The minded children have access to all areas of the ground floor with bathroom and with 2 bedrooms upstairs for rest. There is an enclosed garden and patio area for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children and currently has 3 children attending on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National

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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 Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and wellbeing is promoted effectively. Children enjoy regular drinks of water and healthy snacks such as grapes and strawberries. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she is aware of any special dietary requirements, such as helping a baby being weaned. Any children with particular diets are supported well, such as planning meals for a vegetarian. Good hygiene practices are in place, with children having separate towels and flannels for washing and drying their hands before food. Children are well protected from the possibility of cross-infection by the childminder's written policy about sickness. She shares information on infections with parents to promote their understanding. Records are used effectively to ensure consistency when administering medication. Children enjoy the benefit of regular outdoor exercise with daily walks to local parks where they can run and climb with

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Helping children to be healthy

outdoor play in the garden when weather permits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works to promote children's safety in the home. Risks have been addressed and minimised in all the play areas. This enables children to move freely and safely around during their play. There is a good range of toys and play resources which are safe, bright and modern. Children are attracted to them and the safe storage in baskets on the floor enables children to make their own choices. The childminder has planned the storage of toys well so that she can rotate activities for the different ages quickly. This helps children remain interested in their play. Fire safety issues have been addressed effectively and the childminder checks the safe environment regularly. She has a sound awareness of her role in protecting children by knowing the signs of child abuse. However some detail of the required procedure to be followed in the event of concerns is lacking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's home due to her forward planning. Attractive, suitable toys are set out ready and this promotes a smooth transition to the childminder's care. The childminder spends time playing and talking to the children. She encourages language development with babies by repeating their sounds and encouraging their babble. Older children are helped to extend their play by the childminder's use of open questions, such as asking about their pictures and drawings. Children are happily involved in creative activities such as play dough and

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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 craft work at the kitchen table, with the childminder giving consistent praise and encouragement. This builds children's self-esteem and helps their concentration skills. Children enjoy a good balance of quiet activities such as story time with the childminder and active play in the garden or enjoying musical instruments. Children's individual play and rest needs are met which promotes their wellbeing and helps them feel settled and at home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that she knows the children's individual needs and routines well. She plans how to support children's routines for rest and meals within the daily activities. This helps children feel secure and at ease. The childminder encourages all children to benefit from the range of play opportunities offered which helps them feel included. She promotes the values of diversity using some play resources but the range is limited. Children receive positive encouragement to behave well. The childminder gives smiles and praise and is a good role model. This helps children learn how to respect each other and play well together, such as young children sharing toys. Age-appropriate methods, such as distraction are used for managing behaviour. This builds children's self-esteem. A good partnership with parents is build through established settling-in routines and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

clear records which enables the childminder to get to know each child's individual needs well. She gives good feedback to parents on a daily basis. This is both in written and verbal form which ensures consistency of care between the childminder and all parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Good planning ensures that the registered areas are well prepared for the ages of children attending. Suitable toys are to hand as well as the travel cot ready for baby's rest times. Ratios are met and training such as first aid is in place which supports children's wellbeing. Appropriate records are kept in order to gather information on the needs of the children. These are well ordered and kept up-to-date which ensures all information is shared with parents. Records are carefully stored with regard for confidentiality. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • extend awareness of the required child protection procedure. • ensure children have access to a good range of resources, particularly books that promote the value of diversity.

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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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