Childminder in Herefordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY101773 Inspection date 12 September 2005 Inspector Josephine Mary Hammick

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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 has been registered since 2000 and lives with her husband and one child aged six years near the village of Ashperton, close to Ledbury. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a large fully enclosed garden used for outside play. The childminder is actively involved in local pre-school groups and takes the children for walks in the country. The family have one dog, two cats, guinea pigs and chickens. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently

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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 minding five children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has established routines in place to help children's understanding and awareness of health and hygiene, for example, children wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet, therefore ensuring they are made aware of the needs for thorough personal care. Children benefit from a warm, clean and welcoming environment. Toys and equipment are clean and well maintained. The childminder's attention to domestic hygiene means that the children's risk from cross infection is minimised. Sick children are made comfortable. Written procedures included contacting parents to collect their children and excluding those ill or infectious. Children's accident and medication records are kept up to date and in order. Children are offered drinks regularly, for example, fruit juice, milk or water. Special diets are respected with guidance from parents. Children are developing an

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Helping children to be healthy

awareness of a healthy lifestyle as they benefit from healthy and nutritious food choices. Children are able to enjoy physical activities such as daily access to the large garden and country walks for exercise and fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as a result of the childminder's thorough awareness of health and safety. Reasonable steps are taken to eliminate risk of injury or hazard. Children benefit from the childminder's well thought out risk assessments, their safety is given priority, for example, the trampoline in the garden has been dug into the ground so that the risk of children falling off and injuring themselves is reduced. A written emergency plan includes her husband being named as emergency backup. Children are well supervised. There are established procedures for their safe arrival and collection. Children can depart with a named adult only. Good security measures are in place. Children are never left unsupervised. Equipment and resources are very clean and well maintained. They are checked regularly for safety and condition. Children are able to access equipment easily. Resources are of high quality, quantity and play value covering all ages and stages

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of developmental need. Toys and materials are attractive, inviting and stimulating.

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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 There are smoke detectors on both levels of the house. Electrical leads and sockets are covered and in good condition. There is a large garden to the back of the property for outside play. Effective supervision of the children is maintained at all times. Children are well protected. The childminder has received training and is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle into the environment very well and are happy. They are confident to play and learn. They are involved with a varied range of activities which interest them and are fun. Children are able to make choices about their play with help and encouragement from the childminder. The childminder has experience of working with children of all ages and stages of development from babies up to, and including, school age children. Children feel a sense of belonging, the childminder knows them well and respects their individual needs. She encourages them to play harmoniously with others, make choices, make decisions, develop self esteem and respect for others whilst receiving appropriate support. The children are developing positive relationships and developing their listening and communications skills, for example, at snack time the children socialise whilst sitting down at the table. They discuss what they are eating, what sort of day they've had,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

any news they want to share and what they want to do for the rest of the day. The childminder is skilled in gauging what sort of activities to offer the children in her care on any particular day. She knows when to encourage free play, when to encourage rest and when to offer organised tasks. Children are developing their independence, they are able to access resources for themselves. The children respond swell to the childminder's encouragement and praise. They respond well to questions and guidance that support them in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Parents receive good quality information about the provision, they all receive a welcome pack upon their child's admission. They are kept informed about their children's day and achievements both at school (for out of school care) and whilst in her care. Children's details and written agreements are regularly updated and reviewed. Training certificates, public liability and registration certificate are available for inspection at any time. Regular discussion with parents ensure their child's needs are well met. Contact details are provided for parents to make an official complaint should they so wish.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children feel a sense of belonging. The childminder knows them well and respects their individual needs. Children play well, they make their own choices and decisions. They go for regular walks, visit toddler and pre-school groups and are becoming aware of the wider world in which they live. Diversity is acknowledged and respected through everyday activities and experiences in the neighbourhood and through resources in the home, for example children enjoy, dolls, dressing up, books and puzzles promoting positive images of race, ability and gender. Children's behaviour is good and 'rules' are clear. The childminder acts as a positive role model, she listens to them in a calm and polite manner. She does not shout, humiliate or use physical restraint. Strategies to cope with challenging behaviour are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

based upon a child's individual personality, age and stage of development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's organisational skills are good. Adult child ratios are adhered to at all times. The children are supervised very well. The childminder has well thought out and comprehensive written policies in place that are followed through into practice. Her knowledge and understanding of child development together with the fourteen standards for day care is good. Equipment and resources are regularly cleaned, maintained and disposed of to minimise risk of injury or cross infection. Toys and equipment are of excellent quantity, quality and play value. All ages and stages of developmental need are provided for. Children can access toys and equipment easily. Time for regular discussions with parents ensure there are always opportunities to discuss children's care, progress or any concerns. Other information is kept including the certificates of registration, public liability insurance and training. These are

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Organisation

available at all times. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to improve her knowledge and understanding of the local child protection guidelines. She has attended a Safeguarding Children course with the local authority. Children now benefit from her thorough knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and her understanding of local referral procedures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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): • provide a current MOT certificate

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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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