Childminder in Bedford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 219601 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Gyatri Rupal

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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 satisfactory. 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 1998. She lives with her two children aged 12 and 15 in Bedford. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house and a bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder uses her car to take and collect children from school. She attends the local parents and toddler group and takes children to the local park . The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment where they can play, rest and sleep according to their needs. They enjoy an appropriate range of indoor and outdoor activities which contributes to their good health. For example, they ride cosy cups in the garden, play with balls, badminton and go for walks to the local park regularly. Children are beginning to learn the importance of simple good hygiene through their daily routines. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating their meals. Children are protected from infection due to the appropriate procedures the childminder has in place. She wears disposable gloves when changing nappies, uses anti-bacteria spray to clean the baby chair and notifies parents of any illness within the family or minded children. Children are beginning to learn about a healthy diet as they bring a healthy packed lunch from home and the childminder provides fresh fruits for snacks. Younger

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Helping children to be healthy

children are offered drinks throughout the day while older children help themselves. Younger children are developing their confidence by feeding themselves. Children’s well-being is generally protected as the childminder has most of the required documentation and policies in place, which promotes children's well-being. For example, she holds a valid first aid certificate so that she can treat minor accidents. However, accidents records are not recoded appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment, where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to explore and express themselves independently and safely due to safety measures such as the safety gate across the stairs and electric covers being in place. Children are able to play with their choice of toys through the childminder’s careful monitoring and supervision, making sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through the childminder's appropriate guidance. The childminder explains the dangers and safety rules in the house to children. Children are learning road safety when going out. However, children are not learning about fire safety as they are not made aware of fire safety. Children do not practise the fire drill which means they may not be able to take immediate action to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuate the house if there is a fire. Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder’s sound knowledge of child protection. She has a clear understanding of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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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 satisfactory. Younger children are settled well at the childminder’s house. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children, experiencing a variety of play opportunities through regular attendance at the local toddlers groups, play group and local childminding group. Children are developing their self-esteem and become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, games and activities which appeal to them. The childminder interacts well with children and she asks appropriate questions to develop their learning. For example, she asks about colour and shapes of the toys with which children are playing. Children are developing their mathematical skills through their daily play. Children’s language is promoted as the childminder encourages them to read a simple picture book with illustrations

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

appropriate to their understanding. Older children enjoy an appropriate range of activities to keep themselves busy. They have access to a range of sports activities such as playing football and badminton. They enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as listening and moving to music.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern, as the childminder has a good understanding of equality issues and meeting individual child's needs. She ensures that all the children’s needs are met well. Children learn about the wider community through planned activities, outings to local places of interest and appropriate play resources. Children behave well. They respond to the childminder’s clear boundaries. They show care and concern for each other and play together in harmony. They know what is expected of them and are confident to ask for what they require. Children’s understanding of right and wrong is increased as they respond to gentle reminders to care for their environment and play resources and each other. The childminder has established a good partnership with the parents which contributes significantly to the children’s well-being in the setting. The childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

has a good system in place to inform parents about their children's work. Each parent has sufficient time to discuss their child’s progress on a daily basis. The childminder ensures parents are well informed about her practice as she provides an information folder which explains her daily routine, activities, policies and procedures. This contributes to building a trusting relationship with parents and children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and well settled due to the childminder's appropriate organisation of space and resources, this has a positive impact on the children's learning and development. There are a number of policies and procedures in place to

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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 ensure children are well cared for, these cover aspects of the childminder's practice and generally these are reviewed and updated, although the complaints procedure is not updated accurately. Children's well-being is promoted as the childminder uses most of the policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure the individual child's needs are met. The childminder shares information with the parents on a daily basis to inform them about their child's health, learning and development. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. overall, children's needs are met .

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made an information folder for parents which includes polices and procedures so that parents are fully informed about childminder's practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised about this child minder not informing Ofsted of a change of premises and some general care issues. These concerns relate to National Standards 6: Safety and 14: Documentation. An unannounced visit was made on 27th July 2004 and as a result a warning letter with 3 actions was issued. The provider remains qualified for registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaint made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaint other than those made to Ofsted.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • practice fire drill with children • ensure a system is in place to keep record of complaints made by parents,

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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 which they can see on request • Improve documentation following accidents.

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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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