Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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506676 Unique Reference Number 06 August 2007 Inspection date Bridgette Williams 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 lives with her husband and two young children. They live in a three-bedroom, detached house in Wymans Brook on the outskirts of Cheltenham. The whole of the house and garden is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two pet cats and a dog. Local amenities include shops, school, parent-and-toddler groups, playgroups and a local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Care is provided on a full or part-time basis with before and after school care available for children attending Swindon Village School. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the childminders network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Regular access to fresh air helps keep children healthy, they enjoy visits to the local parks, practising their ball skills at a local 'get active' group, going for walks and using the garden to

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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 develop their physical skills. Children benefit from being able to choose when they would like to play outside. They are beginning to gain an understanding of their personal needs as they made sure that they had their sun hats on. One little girl found her baby doll a sun hat then proudly stated,' my baby in a hat'.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder effectively encourages children to develop their personal hygiene skills. The young children clearly understand the importance of keeping their hands clean as they automatically clean their hands after touching the pets, going to the toilet and before eating their food. They understand why they are washing their hand when asked, 'why do we wash our hands?' one child enthusiastically said ' to get rid of the germs'. Pets are regularly taken to the vets for their routine appointments to receive their vaccinations.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they freely ask for drinks and make independent choices from healthy snacks. Children develop their social skills through eating snacks and meals together.

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Helping children to be healthy

The well stocked first aid box which is available in the house and on outings means that the children receive prompt attention following an accident. The childminder records all accidents and shares this information with parents to ensure continuity of care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a clean, welcoming and bright environment. They use an extremely wide range of good quality toys and resources, appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children enjoy having free access to the toys which are stored in draws, on shelves and are accessible in the play room. The childminder helps children learn about keeping safe as they discuss safety rules. For example, explaining to the children about the importance of not walking around with scissors. They enjoy playing in the secure enclosed garden where the gates are bolted. Children sleep according to parents wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder checks the smoke detectors, has a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher in place, regular fire drills help children become familiar with evacuation procedures, to ensure they leave the premises quickly and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse which means she is able to identify any concerns. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to refer any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder uses the Birth to three framework and the Foundation Stage effectively to plan her activities to the children's stages of development. The childminder plans a variety of activities that are child initiated, she purposefully seeks ideas from the children about what activities they would enjoy to be engaged in. She makes observations of individual children and uses these in her planning. She considers the children's interests, their stage of development and ensures that she sets realistic goals for the children to successfully achieve, thus developing their self esteem. Children thoroughly enjoy themselves actively engaging in activities organised by the childminder and playing independently with the vast range of resources, happily choosing what they would like to play with from the toys, books, puzzles, which are accessibly stored on

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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 shelves and clearly labelled draws. Group activities provide excellent opportunities for differentiation for example, all children thoroughly enjoy making a large picture through drawing , cutting and sticking with a variety of materials. Making the picture sees children working co-operatively together to achieve the finished product. Confidence flares through the children, and under close supervision they choose the materials they require, and use scissors with good precision. During making the picture, the childminder offers help where needed to execute the skill of cutting successfully.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thrive from being involved in a vast range of activities such as, using clay, paint, threading, sand and water play, creative movement, role play, planting and growing in their designated garden, visiting local groups to develop their social skills and actively caring for the family's pets. After visiting the vets the children love bandaging all the teddy bears and soft toys to make them feel better in their pretend surgery. The childminder enthusiastically uses as many opportunities as possible to enhance the children's learning, such as, counting the toy cars as they tidy them away, encouraging discussions about the colour of the clouds resulting in the children predicting the weather. In contrast she allows time to observe the children while involved in an activity or when eating lunch to allow the children to develop their social skills and provide time for them to think independently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident, polite, settled, well supported and know the routines well. Subsequently, children behave well, play co operatively and feel a sense of belonging. Behaviour management is consistent and children understand the rules for acceptable behaviour. The childminder encourages good behaviour by being a positive role model who gives explanations and deals calmly with situations. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise, for example, when the children successfully tidy away the toys the childminder states 'fantastic, well done' this leads to the young children trying to find more toys to tidy away to help. The childminder provides resources to demonstrate different cultures and there are equal opportunities for boys and girls to access all toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares her policies and additional information with parents and offers daily verbal feedback. A monthly news letter informs parents what activities the children have been involved in and informs parents of forthcoming events. The childminder has a complaints procedure in place, however the address to send complaints is incorrect.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is highly committed, enthusiastic and provides good quality care. She has a strong focus on the enjoyment and development of the children, she has a good knowledge of the children's individual needs and is continually assessing their development. She is highly motivated to attend training, to enhance children's development.

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Organisation

All paper work is confidentially stored, however, this leads to the childminder not always signing in the children at the time of arrival. Legally required documentation which contributes to the children's health, safety and well being is in place. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her knowledge of the appropriate action to take should a child protection concern be raised. The childminder has attended a child protection course, she has a written policy and has a good understanding of safeguarding children. This recommendation has been addressed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted that required the provider to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 the children's attendance register records accurately times of arrival • ensure written policy are kept updated.

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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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