Childminder in Herefordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290155 Inspection date 23 August 2005 Inspector Deborah Ball

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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 2 children aged 10 and 7 years, close to the centre of Hereford city. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for three children on a part-time basis. The family has pet hamsters.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children participate in a variety of physical activities, which contribute to their good health and provide opportunities to develop and practise physical skills, for example, general garden play and regular visits to the local park. Children benefit from the childminder’s good hygiene practice and she encourages and supports them in developing self-help skills with regard to personal hygiene. Age appropriate explanations and discussion ensure that the children are learning the importance of regular hygiene routines, such as hand washing. The childminder does not presently provide food for the children, however their welfare is safeguarded through her appropriate hygiene procedures when handling the children's packed meals. The children's independence is fostered as they access drinks freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move safely and independently around the setting, which is clean and well maintained. The childminder has a high level of awareness of all risks to children's safety and has taken all necessary steps to keep the physical environment safe and secure. Children are actively learning to keep themselves safe through participation in safety routines, such as fire evacuation drills. Children enjoy free access to an extensive range of safe toys and equipment, which is maintained in a good, clean condition and which promotes learning in all areas. Children benefit from opportunities to explore other environments and the childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place. Children’s protection from abuse and neglect is promoted through the childminder’s detailed knowledge of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a broad range of challenging activities and experiences, which helps them make progress in all areas of development. They are given frequent opportunities to explore and investigate and are learning to make choices as they access toys and equipment freely and independently. The childminder is skilful in using everyday domestic materials and routines as learning opportunities.

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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 Children benefit from some learning and play opportunities outside the home, which further develop their social skills. Their language development is promoted throughout the day as they are given frequent opportunities to respond to questions asked of them by the childminder. Their confidence in their language skills is enhanced by the childminder's positive response to their efforts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's self-esteem is promoted as they are praised frequently for effort and achievement and they enjoy a warm relationship with the childminder. Their sense of security is promoted through consistency of care and positive behaviour management strategies. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals with their particular needs considered and accommodated. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues and children have equal access to resources, however, children do not have many opportunities to explore diversity through the use of resources, as toys which promote positive images are presently limited. Children’s sense of security is fostered through a strong partnership with parents, which promotes continuity of care and regular sharing of information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to confidently explore and investigate as a result of the creative use made of the available space. Their sense of security is fostered through effective adult support and a familiar daily routine. The children's welfare and care is effectively promoted through the well-organised policies and procedures, these are confidentially maintained and meet all relevant standards. Children benefit from the childminder's desire to improve her practice through additional training. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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): • promote the children's understanding of others by extending the range of resources reflecting positive images of gender, disability, ethnicity and culture.

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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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