Home Childcarer in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294703 Inspection date 13 June 2005 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

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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 2005. She lives in a house in Ripley close to Woking and Send. Local amenities such as parks are within close walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is mainly used for play, plus there are two bedrooms available for the children upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are two guinea pigs and this is a non-smoking household. The childminder takes children to facilities such as toddler groups, farms and indoor

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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 play parks. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular physical play activities, such as playing in the garden, walks through the nearby forest and visiting the local park. Children enjoy the fresh air and the freedom of extending their physical skills by using such resources as tunnels for crawling, hoops, balls and wheeled toys. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and very well-maintained home, providing them with a safe and hygienic environment. Children like the home cooked healthy meals and snacks which the childminder provides, she encourages children to try different fruits and they particularly like fresh vegetables. Children help themselves to drinks when they are thirsty as the childminder ensures that they have a cup with refreshment easily accessible. Children recognise the reasons for washing their hands as the childminder explains to them the reasons when they go to the toilet or handle the guinea pigs. Children's medical needs are met as the childminder follows

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Helping children to be healthy

clear procedures when children are unwell. She ensures that children's good health and welfare takes priority when they are in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a spacious and well-organised rooms. They are permitted to have access to most parts of the home which has been suitably equipped with safe toys and resources which were all new at registration and conform to BSEN safety standards. Safety features such as stair gates, smoke alarms and fireguards safeguard the children. Upstairs however have parallel bar banisters which restricts children's freedom of movement in this area. Children access most of their toys in the lounge downstairs where they have a large hamper with plenty of age appropriate activities. Children sleep peacefully either on the downstairs sofa or upstairs in the cot where there is a baby monitor installed. Children are well protected. The childminder has a very clear knowledge of child protection issues and has procedures in place if she has any concerns about the safety of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A bright welcoming home with plenty of activities and resources greet the children each day. They look forward to taking part in different activities such as making a tractor out of silver paper, doing art work as well as listening and dancing to music. Children have varied outings to farms, parks where they collect items of nature such as pine cones to take home. They also take part in everyday activities such as going

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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 to the bank and shops where the childminder uses this as a learning opportunity. Children feel very independent when they are involved in filling in bank forms with the childminder. Children feel special as the childminder takes a genuine interest in things that are happening in their home life. The child likes to talk about his new baby sister. Children show affection for the childminder and are very settled and happy in the homely environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become very involved in the plans for the day. The childminder has clear daily routines although children are consulted about what they would like to do and where they like to go for outings. They have complete freedom of choice when it comes to choosing their toys and the childminder takes their lead in how they like to play with resources. Both child and childminder make a jumping game with a skipping rope on the floor. Children enjoy a very diverse range of toys and resources. The childminder has given careful thought to the toys provided and activities provided. Children are introduced to different themes such as Chinese or Asian day where they have varied foods from the respected countries. Books also provide children with a wealth of information about how other children live. Children benefit from the strong relationships the childminder builds with parents. Information regarding children's achievements and personal needs is exchanged on

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Helping children make a positive contribution

a daily basis with the help of a very clear diary which is passed from childminder to parents. Children behave very well. The childminder has clear codes of behaviour which the children understand and respect. They respond well to her requests and encouraging praises.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and make progress because of the dedication of the childminder to her work. She has daily routines which are flexible, depending upon the needs of the children in her care. She allows children plenty of time to play, have their meals and rest. Children have a warm, child-friendly environment that this well organised with a good range of accessible toys and resources to meet their needs. Consequently the needs of the range of children being minded are fully met. The childminder has a positive attitude towards her work and future training. She was well prepared prior to starting her childminding and is continually seeking ways to improve her service and skills. All the required regulatory documentation is in place and the childminder has a good awareness of the National Standards. She currently uses most of the prepared documentation issued by the National Childminding

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Organisation

Association although she is slowly developing her own individual documents. This has been done with the daily register although noted times of arrival and leaving are not clear. Her system for keeping parents informed is effective through her clear recording methods in the children's daily diaries. Parents and childminder therefore

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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 develop a good two way flow of information and create a solid partnership which provides children with consistency of care.

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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 times of arriving and leaving are clearly noted in the register • ensure that the parallel bar banisters do not present a hazard when children are playing upstairs

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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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