Childminder in SomersetOfsted inspection, 2 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY231217 Inspection date 02 August 2005 Inspector Claire Sheldrake

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 good. 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged six, seven and fourteen years. They live in a semi detached house in Bridgwater. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day. The childminder walks/drives to the local pre- school to take and collect a child. The family has two dogs ands a cat.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of activities contributing to healthy growth and development. Each day they are involved in outdoor play. They go on walks and often go to the local park, where they can run around and climb, enjoying the fresh air and let off steam, thus extending their physical development. Children are offered a nutritious snack during the morning, the baby concentrates hard on picking up each cheddar biscuit and feeding himself, helping him develop his hand eye co-ordination and his independence. Throughout the day the children have drinks in suitable cups and are confident to ask for more, helping them to recognise their own needs. The three year old asks if she could have one of the cakes they had made the day before. The children enjoy sitting together and enjoy mealtimes as a social occasion, chatting and smiling, whilst they eat their chocolate cake. The baby sits in his highchair up at

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

the table so that he feels part of the family. The children's independence is encouraged as they are introduced to toilet training and personal hygiene. The three year old recognises that she needs the toilet and takes herself. The childminder reminds her to wash her hands afterwards, and assists her at the sink. The children are protected from any health risk the family pets may pose. The dogs are kept separate in the garden, whilst children play indoors, and these areas are cleared before children are able to use the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment, where any risks to them are identified and minimised. They are able to move around the downstairs of the house independently, safely and freely, and the family dogs are kept in a separate area. Children are kept safe from hazards in the home, with the use of safety features such as gates, preventing children’s access to the kitchen and the stairs. The children have easy access to suitable hand washing and toilet facilities. The three year old feels confident to take herself to the bathroom and can do so safely with out direct supervision. The toys and equipment that the children play with, appear to be in good condition, and to conform to safety standards. There is a high chair for the baby which has a moveable tray to allow him to sit up safely and not lean or fall out.

p.3

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 A verbal agreement is set up with parents to give consent for children to go on outings and in the car safely. However there is currently no paperwork to support this.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children have a variety of activities to choose from and each child is helped to join in and feel involved. They talk about the shapes they are making out of play dough as they roll it out, stretch it and pull it apart. The older child uses cutters, small knives and scissors encouraging her small motor skills. She is thrilled by creating figures and dinosaurs and the baby enjoys the sensation of squeezing play dough through his hands and then trying to eat it. Both children are allowed to experiment using materials such as pencils, paints, glue and collage materials. They play with toys which are age appropriate and stimulating and some games develop from every day items. The baby concentrates for a long time taking pencils out of the pencil case and then putting them all back in, whilst sat in his high chair. Through her painting activities, the older child is able to talk about what she has

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

created, and links this with recalling a favourite story. She delights in her painting being of sleeping beauty, hiding in her castle and that she is asleep. She talks about the colour of the paint that she has chosen. She listens and watches another child when she mixes the colours, and adds water, introducing her to early maths and science skills. The baby enjoys the close contact with the childminder. He is developing his early communication skills and tries to respond to and repeat, words that he hears The older child talks happily and clearly about what she is doing. Her language is extended through questioning and appropriate answers are given to her by the childminder. Both children's self confidence is promoted, due to the constant praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern; they play well together, take turns, share their toys and are learning about living as a family group. They appear confident and are happy to talk about what they are doing and clearly recall the excitement of the cooking activity the day before. The childminder interacts well with the children, encouraging them to feel valued and included. The baby feels safe and secure as he is cuddled and carried about. He also enjoys sitting up at the table to join in with the other children.

p.4

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 have the opportunity to learn about their community, how others live and about the wider world around them. They are beginning to develop an awareness of themselves, through conversation with the childminder and access to appropriate resources. The childminder makes herself a good role model for the children, by being involved. The children behave well for her and she praises their efforts. The children are aware of the rules and boundaries that have been set and feel secure within them. The children are encouraged to use good manners, and are quietly prompted if they forget.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space to take part in all activities and to follow the daily routines of playing, eating and having fun together. There is a relaxed feel to the day, and the adult: child ratio's are met to ensure children are safe and well supported. The childminder plans her day around the children she cares for, thus allowing their individual needs to be met. A variety of activities and ideas provide children with an opportunity to play indoors, in the garden and out on walks. A record of children's attendance is available but needs to be kept current and further documentation needs to be reviewed to ensure that children's safety and well being is fostered. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children whom she cares for.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous care inspection, it was recommended that the childminder extend her resources to support children's awareness of other cultures and lifestyles. The childminder has now purchased a variety of multi cultural toys and has access to information from the library and pre-school. As a result of this, children now have more opportunity to learn about the world around them.

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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

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 all records relating to childminding activities are current and available for inspection at all times. • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and for transporting children in the car.

p.6

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

p.6

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.6