Childminder in Herefordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY305859 Inspection date 30 September 2005 Inspector Janette Elizabeth Owen

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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 2005. She lives with her partner and one child aged one year in How Caple in Herefordshire. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed front garden for outside play and children are taken on walks and outings. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five and one child before and after school. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools.

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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. Healthy eating is promoted well; children are encouraged to eat a healthy diet and to try new foods. They help to prepare snacks such as fruit salad as they are introduced to fruits such as melon, bananas and apples. The childminder discusses with parents the dietary requirements of the children and works with them to ensure children receive a healthy diet. Children are encouraged to sit together at the table for snacks and mealtimes and learn social skills and table manners. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own personal hygiene as they become independent in toileting and washing their own hands. Arrangements for administering medication and managing accidents are in place, the childminder has systems for recording details correctly and she holds a current first aid certificate. Opportunities for children to be active and benefit from physical exercise are regularly

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Helping children to be healthy

provided. Children can run and play in the secure garden using a variety of outdoor equipment to develop their muscles and coordination skills. Walks in the surrounding countryside allows children to develop their stamina as they enjoy exploring the world around them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are provided with safe places to play, both indoors and outside. The indoor play space is warm and secure and children have space to play, rest and eat. A varied range of age appropriate resources have been provided which are bright, stimulating and maintained in a safe, clean condition. Safety equipment is fitted to ensure that any risks to children are minimised. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of keeping children safe and they are directly supervised at all times. Fire safety equipment is in place and a written fire evacuation procedure has been devised. Children will be involved in practising fire drills on a regular basis to ensure they understand how to evacuate the building safely. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection and has written information available for parents outlining the procedure she will follow in line with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Area Child Protection Committee procedures in order to safeguard children's welfare.

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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 The provision is good. The childminder is well qualified and experienced and has a good knowledge of how children learn and in providing good opportunities for children to make good developmental progress. Activities and daily routines are used effectively to enable children to become independent as they help with tasks such as tidying away toys and preparing snacks. They are developing their coordination and control as they cut up fruit for snack time and manipulate small world toys. There are good opportunities for children to learn social skills through visits and outings to the library and activity sessions where they can mix with other children. The childminder uses questions well to help children explore new words and ideas. Regular walks in the surrounding countryside allows children to explore the natural world around them. Resources are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

used well to help children to extend their ideas and imagination and extend the learning opportunities. The childminder has assessed the needs of children in order to further develop her range of resources and to provide activities which the children will find stimulating and appropriate for their developing needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs and routines are respected. There are good arrangements in place to settle children in and for obtaining information from parents on children's individual needs. The childminder understands how to support children with special needs and the importance of working in partnership with parents to meet the needs of all children. Effective use is made of resources as a way of raising children's understanding of other cultures and beliefs. They are beginning to develop their understanding of diversity through talking with the childminder and activities such as cooking, music and stories. Children respond well to the consistent approach to managing behaviour used by the childminder, they are learning to be helpful and considerate as they help with routine tasks. They receive praise and encouragement for their helpfulness. Parents are kept informed of the methods used to manage behaviour through written policies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good arrangements in place for settling children in, allowing the childminder and children to get to know each other before minding commences. Regular discussions with parents ensure that information is exchanged and details recorded where necessary to ensure the welfare of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is experienced and qualified and has a good understanding of child development and in providing suitable learning opportunities for the children. She is very well organised, policies and information packs are being developed which will be used to keep parents informed and demonstrate how the childminder will provide for the safety, wellbeing and developmental needs of the children. The good organisation of play and learning experiences means that children are becoming

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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 confident and independent as they settle happily with the childminder. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • further develop resources which promote children's imaginative play and understanding of positive images including disability • develop procedures for managing complaints.

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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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