Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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161828 Unique Reference Number 28 January 2008 Inspection date Charlotte Jenkin Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 has been registered since 1995.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband and three children in a house in Wootton Bassett, within walking distance of local shops, park and school. All areas of the property are used for childminding, except the main bedroom and the utility room. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight years. She currently cares for six children on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group for minded children/ attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a network childminder. The childminder is currently studying for an Early Years Foundation degree.

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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 outstanding. Children play and rest in warm, clean premises. Children's health is promoted in the setting by a childminder who realises the importance of ensuring the home is clean and that good standards of hygiene are maintained. Children are actively encouraged to learn good hygiene routines, with pictorial guides for hand washing and songs to encourage them to do this independently. Hence, the spread if infection is minimised. The childminder gives parents an informative leaflet regarding her sickness policy and exclusion periods for infectious illnesses. This ensures sick children are not cared for and minimises children's exposure to illness within the setting. Children's health is well protected by a childminder who has an up to date knowledge of first aid, and is aware of the correct administrative procedures to follow if children have an accident or require medication whilst in her care. She has attended specialist training to enable her to

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Helping children to be healthy

care for children with specific medical needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards healthy eating as they are provided with nutritious snacks and meals whilst in the childminder's care. They also participate in activities that help them learn about the importance of eating a balanced diet, using pictures to discuss foods they like, those that are good for them and those they have not tried. Food tasting activities are then offered and children encouraged to try foods they have not tasted before. The childminder has developed a healthy eating leaflet that she shares with parents. This details how to promote healthy eating with children and gives ideas on how to make changes in their diets. The childminder liaises with parents regarding children's dietary needs and preferences and any requirements are catered for. Hence, children's dietary needs are exceptionally well met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily access to fresh air and exercise. They walk to school and frequently visit local parks, where they play on the large apparatus. They are able to play in the garden and in the cul-de-sac under supervision where there is a wide range of physical equipment for them, including balls, bicycles and scooters. Children regularly go for walks in the local environment to feed the ducks and to attend local groups. Younger children have their physical skills well supported and are fully encouraged to develop skills appropriate to their age of development, for example, walking and crawling.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in welcoming, child friendly premises where there are displays of the children's work around and posters that make the environment attractive for them. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that help promote their development in all areas. Children are able to choose those they wish to play with and also to access a well stocked toy cupboard. The childminder has made a pictorial guide of all the toys she has so children are able to ask for those, or point to those they wish to play with if they are not freely accessible in the cupboard. The childminder is very aware of her responsibility regarding the maintenance of toys and in ensuring children have access to those that are safe, suitable and age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play and rest in safe premises free from risks as the childminder has completed a full risk assessment of her property. She has identified potential hazards to the children and minimised these effectively to promote safety and prevent accidents in the home and outside.

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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 For example, cleaning materials are in locked cupboards, safety gates prevent access to the stairs and the premises are secure. Hence, children move around the premises freely and play in safety. All fire precautions are in place, records kept of smoke alarm testing and the evacuation plan is regularly practised with the children. These drills are made fun, with the childminder having a pretend fire painted on a shoe box, which she places in one part of the house to represent where the fire is. Children, therefore, learn how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire occurring. On outings, the childminder and children wear high visibility jackets to ensure they can all be seen and accounted for at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by a childminder who is very aware of her child protection duties and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. She shares her child protection duties with parents and this actively promotes the children's well being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care. They confidently explore the toys on offer and are keen to learn and develop new skills. The childminder interacts very well with the children, helping them become positive in learning new skills. She promotes their self-esteem well, clapping and cheering when they acquire new skills. For example, walking a few steps and banging the drum to make the lights come on. Children form a secure bond with the childminder, readily approaching her for comfort or for her to assist them with their play. For example, one child offered the childminder a whistle and she demonstrated how to blow it for them. The childminder ensures children are interested in the activities she provides and has recently made a treasure basket for the younger children, to encourage their curiosity. They enjoyed putting objects in a tin, shaking and throwing it, showing delight at the sounds

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder organises a wide range of activities for the children in her care. They are able to make lots of choices with regard to the toys they wish to play with, and have regular opportunities to engage in pretend play, singing, arts and crafts, as well as trips out in the local environment. Children attend local toddler groups, the library, shops, parks and have also been fruit picking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for by a childminder who respects and values the children in her care. She is committed to ensuring all children are treated with equal respect and have their individual needs met to encourage them to reach their full potential. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that promote positive images of diversity. There are posters on display that reflect the diverse society in which we live, and children learn to develop respect for the lives of others, through celebrating the festivals of other cultures. Children with learning disabilities have their development well supported by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a considerable knowledge of how to manage children's behaviour in a positive manner. She is committed to ensuring children have clear boundaries and that they learn to share, take turns and learn right from wrong. She works closely with parents to manage unwanted behaviour and this helps children receive consistent messages both in the home and whilst in her care. Detailed information is shared with parents regarding behavioural expectations, and how to use positive methods with young children. She has posters available

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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 that demonstrate acts of kindness for the children to view, for example, 'Teeth are for smiling'. Hence, children's behaviour is very good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the pro-active partnership with parents as they have their routines respected and catered for and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. The childminder has regular discussions with parents regarding children's progress and also maintains a written diary of children's routines. Childcare issues are frequently discussed and this enables the childminder to offer the children continuity of care. Parents receive detailed information regarding the childminder's policies and the procedures she is required to follow as a registered childcare provider. Children regularly take home items they have made to share with their families and this helps them become involved with their child's care and learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a suitable and well qualified childminder who has attended plenty of additional training to support her professional development and is currently studying for an early years degree. She has reflected on her practice and implemented new ideas, which offers the children new and enhanced care and learning experiences. The childminder is very aware of her responsibilities regarding adults having access to children, and she has ensured regular visitors to the house have undergone vetting procedures and keeps records of these in her file. The register is accurate and all up to date and shows a true record of when the children are in the childminder's care. The childminder maintains the required adult to child ratios at all times. This ensures children receive good adult support as the childminder is able to spend quality time with them, playing, interacting and meeting their individual needs.

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Organisation

All required consents have been gained form parents regarding their child participating in activities and routines. This ensures they are cared for in line with parental wishes and promotes the well being. All policies and procedures are implemented in a way that promotes the children's welfare, care and learning consistently. All required documentation is stored securely, although not all original documentation is available for inspection.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure that the required ratios are met, or permission is sought to change them.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider is now aware that she has to seek permission in order to make a variation on her conditions of registration. She does not currently require permission for this as she is maintaining the required adult to child ratios.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 no complaints have been made to Ofsted that has 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.

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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): • ensure all original documentation is available for inspection

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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

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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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