Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

161614 Unique Reference Number 05 December 2007 Inspection date Charlotte Jenkin 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 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 1999. She lives with her three teenage sons in Lyneham, Wiltshire. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children on outings. The family has a dog and three guinea pigs.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently minding three children under five at various times and four children over five before and after school. The childminder walks/drives to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play and rest in warm, clean premises, where good standards of hygiene are maintained. Children's good health is promoted by a childminder who implements hygienic routines in her daily practice, including food preparation, nappy changing and cleaning toys and equipment regularly. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene through learning about hand

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 washing routines and to cover their mouths when coughing. Hence, the spread of infection is minimised. Children's health is very well protected by a childminder who has an up to date knowledge of first aid, and who is aware of the correct administrative procedures to follow if children have an accident or require medication whilst in her care. The childminder has a sickness policy in place which is formally shared with parents and, therefore, limits children's exposure to unnecessary illnesses.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their awareness of healthy eating through the nutritious snacks and meals they enjoy whilst in the setting. They are encouraged to try various foods through helping to prepare snacks with the childminder. Children were observed washing grapes and cutting up bananas with the childminder's support and encouragement. The childminder has discussions with parents regarding children's dietary needs and preferences. These discussions are recorded and any preferences are catered for. Drinks are readily available to the children, and this ensures they have enough fluids throughout the day. Children's dietary needs are well met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They walk to school daily and frequently visit the local indoor play area, where they have access to a wide range of large apparatus. Children also visit soft play centres and go for walks in the local environment. They attend weekly music and dance sessions and have access to a suitable range of equipment in the garden in better weather. Children have their physical development well promoted.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest in bright, warm and welcoming premises. Children develop a sense of belonging in the childminder's care, as there are displays of the children's art work around, as well as photographs of them engaged in activities. This creates a child friendly environment for the children, where they are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's care. Children have access to wide range of stimulating toys and equipment that supports their development in all areas. These are stored at low level to encourage the children to make choices in their play. Hence, they confidently choose those they wish to play with and develop good levels of independence.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play and rest in safe premises, free from risks, as the childminder prioritises children's safety, has identified potential hazards in her home and minimised these effectively. For example, sockets are covered, safety gates prevent access to the stairs and kitchen and the premises are all secure. Children, therefore, move around the premises with confidence and play in safety. All fire precautions are in place, the evacuation plan is displayed and is practised and monitored for its effectiveness. Children's safety is well promoted when on outings through the childminder's up to date knowledge of regulations for using appropriate car seats, using safety equipment for young children and helping children learn about road safety when out walking. Discussions take place between the childminder and the children regarding how to keep themselves safe, for example, when using knives.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted by a childminder who has an in depth knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. The childminder formally shares her child protection duties with parents and this actively promotes the children's well-being.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care. They confidently talk about their time in her care, and the toys they enjoy playing with. Children demonstrate a secure bond with the childminder, who is extremely warm and caring towards them, showing great interest in them and what they are doing. Children, therefore, readily approach the childminder to support them in their play, which she quickly responds to encouraging their self-confidence and self-esteem. For example, a child asks the childminder to read a story, so they lie down on the floor together, sharing the story and talking about it. She encourages the children's concentration through talking about what is happening in the story and asking children if they can do certain tasks that characters are doing. For example, 'Can you nod your head too?'. The childminder engages the children in high levels of conversation, encouraging them to talk about

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their personal lives to support their confidence and their language development. Children confidently make choices in their play, particularly enjoying playing with the dolls, feeding them and changing their nappies. The childminder supports the children well in their play, ensuring they are able to have any additional resources that they request. For example, a bib for feeding the baby.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a wide range of activities that promote their development in all areas. Children regularly engage in role play, art and craft activities, looking at books and exploring their local environment. They are able to make choices with regard to the toys they wish to play with and confidently initiate their own play. Children also engage in family type activities including cooking, preparing snacks and gardening.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who knows the children in her care extremely well, values and respects them, and encourages their self-esteem. She ensures all children are included in all activities and routines and are able to participate at their own level and pace. Children have access to a range of resources that promote positive images of diversity in their play. They learn to respect the lives of others through talking about differing lifestyles and learning about the celebrations of other cultures. Children with learning disabilities have their development fully supported by the childminder, who works very closely with parents to implement care plans that are consistent with those set up by outside agencies.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the methods to use for managing children's behaviour. She encourages good behaviour daily through praise, encouragement and by offering the children her attention, to ensure they do not become bored or frustrated. The childminder is very aware of the importance of working closely with parents regarding methods to use for managing children's behaviour, in order to promote consistent messages and, hence, promote a happy and secure child.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership with parents as they are cared for in line with parents' wishes and have their routines fully respected. Childcare issues are easily discussed which enables the childminder to offer the children continuity of care. Parents receive detailed information regarding their child's day, including their routines, their general well being and the activities they have participated in. They also receive detailed information regarding the policies and procedures the childminder is required to follow as a registered day care provider.

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 regularly take items home they have made to share with their parents, as well as photographs of them engaged in activities and on outings.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Organisation

Children are cared for by a childminder who is suitable and appropriately qualified. She has supported her professional development through attending various training and development courses, including anti-bullying, child protection and Birth to three matters. This has enabled her to have a greater insight into caring for children and implement new ideas into her daily practice. Hence, children's care and learning opportunities are enhanced. The childminder maintains the required adult to child ratios at all times, and this means children receive excellent adult support, as the childminder spends high quality time playing and interacting with the children. This enables her to support their development well through play and meet their individual needs.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder implements her policies and procedures consistently and this promotes the children's welfare, care and learning. However, she has not ensured her complaints policy includes up to date contact details of the regulator, nor informed parents they are able to view the complaints log upon request. All required consents have been gained from parents regarding their children participating in activities and routines. This protects the children's welfare and ensures they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. All required documentation is stored securely and is readily available for inspection.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to seek training from a medical professional to administer prescribed medication requiring technical/medical knowledge.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has not needed to seek training to administer specific medication requiring specialist knowledge but is aware of the need to do so should a child in her care require this.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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 complaints policy includes up to date details of the regulator and that parents are informed they are able to view the complaints log upon request

p.6

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.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