Childminder, Out-of school day care in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

405478 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2007 Inspection date Carol Cox Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and seven in North Newton, Somerset. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden and orchard for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding six children before and after school. The childminder collects children from pre-school and school. The family keep goldfish. The childminder's mother is registered as a co-minder and assistant.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder very effectively promotes children's health through stringent routines. For example, she encourages children to learn good self care skills, thus children know that on

p.2

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 return from school they need to wash their hands before sitting down for snack time. The childminder ensures her paediatric first aid certificate is current so that she can deal with any minor accidents which may occur, these are meticulously recorded in detail and signed by parents.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

There are excellent procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection between children. For example, the childminder does not accept children who are ill. If children need medication whilst in her care there are robust systems in place to record information, consent and guidance from parents to administer medicines to children. These records are carefully documented and shared and signed by parents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular physical exercise and have ample opportunity to enjoy large group games in the orchard and ride bikes in the garden. The childminder walks with children to and from school and pre-school. Children's health is further promoted by the provision of healthy snacks and drinks. The childminder and children have worked together to draw up a rota of favourite snacks. On the day of inspection children enthusiastically munched through cucumber chunks, apples and carrots. The childminder carefully notes any food allergies or particular needs on children's registration forms and makes sure all children's individual needs are met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for and protected from harm by the childminder's high awareness of risk and thorough procedures and practices. For example, children learn about road safety when walking to and from school, the childminder reminds them to walk on the inside of the pavement and to concentrate when negotiating the narrow roads. She ensures children's security by locking both the front and back doors of her house and closing the front gates when children play outside. She is proactive in sharing information with parents, for example, she has printed out information about changes in car safety legislation and has weighed and measured children to make sure their car seats are appropriate.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised and enjoy the freedom to choose and access toys and resources in her child friendly and organised home. There are robust procedures in place to ensure that only people authorised are allowed to collect children, all details are noted and checked by parents.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected from abuse because the childminder has a good knowledge of how to recognise signs and symptoms of different forms of abuse. She has a good knowledge of local procedures and knows she must follow Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance should she have any concerns about children. She shares her child protection policy with parents with whom she maintains excellent relationships.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides a wide range of exciting and very appropriate activities for children who spend short periods of time in her care, either before or after school. Children happily settle quickly in her bright and comfortable home. The childminder and children sit and chat amicably over their snack on return from school and happily discuss the day's events. The childminder sometimes organises a craft activity to help give children a focus, these are often linked to family or local events, such as Mother's Day, but they are free to choose what they

p.3

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 do. For example, some children chose to make bead patterns and one girl decided to make a birthday present for her friend. There are opportunities for children to express themselves imaginatively with a well-stocked dressing up box. The childminder spends time talking and listening to the children and builds good relationships with them, they enjoy her company and some children continue to be cared for long after their eighth birthday. As the childminder also works in the local pre-school she often helps children continue and extend activities which they have started at pre-school.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children demonstrate a good sense of belonging within the household, for example, they take off shoes without prompting as soon as they get into the house on return from school. The childminder values each child and shares news about their families and older siblings. The childminder offers care to children aged over eight as well as younger children, the presence of the older children enhances the experience. The older children show care and consideration for the younger ones who love the extra attention. The childminder promotes an understanding of the needs of others through everyday activities and discussions. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with particular needs. She has a very positive attitude towards identifying needs of children and working in partnership with parents to meet those needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder highly values her partnership with parents and is happy to pass on messages from pre-school and school, for example, asking a grandparent to remind mum to take the bread her young child had made at pre-school out of her bag. She ensures that parents receive a copy of her comprehensive prospectus which includes all her policies. She is flexible and responsive to the changing needs of families and is happy to offer continuing care for children over eight years.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is exceptionally well organised to ensure that the care she offers children is of outstanding quality. She shares her well written and comprehensive policies and procedures with parents and attends regular training to update her practice in all areas. She meticulously maintains and shares all records and documentation in confidence with parents.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder ensures that her home is exceptionally well organised so children can explore meaningful activities appropriate to their ages. Thus, children feel confident, are eager to practise learned skills, and are not afraid to try new activities. The childminder's mother is also police checked and registered as her co-minder/assistant. Parents give written consent for their children to be cared for by the co-minder in event of an emergency. This means that parents can be assured that their children will always be cared for by people known to them and who have been police checked and registered with Ofsted.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to address two recommendations: to complete an appropriate paediatric first aid training course; and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency treatment or advice. The childminder has renewed her first aid

p.4

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 certificate, thus children may be treated appropriately in case of minor injuries. Parents give consent for the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice, therefore children may be treated appropriately in case of serious illness or injury.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

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

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5