Childminder in Bedford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 219377 Inspection date 08 November 2005 Inspector Diane Mary O'Neill

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 21, 19 and 16 years old, in Kempston, Bedfordshire. The whole of the downstairs accommodation is used and upstairs is used for sleep purposes only for minded children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on various days. She also cares for one child before and after school and during school holidays. The childminder is close to the local park, toddler groups, pre-school and school. The

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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 family has a pet rabbit. The childminder has support from Bedfordshire Early Years Partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well maintained home. Their health is well promoted due to the childminder’s effective knowledge and understanding of good hygiene practices and procedures, such as encouraging regular hand washing before and after meals and after using the toilet. She also discusses with the children the importance of good hygiene practice to keep ourselves well. When on outings the childminder ensures that the children can still maintain good hygiene practice and procedures, for example using disposable wipes for their hands. Children’s health and well-being is extremely well maintained by the childminder as she ensures meals are eaten at set times within the daily routine. The childminder takes account of parents’ wishes and provides meals and snacks that are nutritious and appealing to children, taking account of preferences and dietary requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s taste experiences are being developed through the introduction of a variety of foods. For example, cucumber and pear . The children have good opportunities to participate in a range of physical activities, contributing to the promotion of their good health. Children are provided with daily opportunities for outdoor activities, such as playing in the garden and walks to the local parks. This encourages them to develop and explore their physical skills and gain control of their bodies. She provides good play opportunities that support children well so they gain confidence to try new experiences. The childminder has completed a recognised first aid course and has sound knowledge to support any practices she may undertake in the care and welfare of the children. The childminder has thorough documentation in place to ensure children’s health and well-being is maintained.

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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 and safe environment. The childminder has effectively identified and minimised the risk to children by regularly checking equipment, toys and premises. However, she does not practice an emergency escape plan in order to fully protect children in her care. Children have good access to all areas within the premises enabling them to have a variety of stimulating play experiences. For example free play, messy play and outdoor activities. All of the areas used by the children are effectively monitored by the childminder to ensure the children have fun and are cared for in a safe

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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 environment. Children’s safety and well-being is further protected by the childminder carrying out checks when using the local recreational facilities. Children have free access to equipment stored in low level storage units. This enables children’s independence and choice. Very young children have suitable age-appropriate toys placed at their own level. This helps them to develop their learning about making independent choices. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect children in her care and has some relevant documents and guidance in place to ensure children’s safety. However, further updating of her knowledge and understanding along with her documentation, may help her to continue safeguarding children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very settled and happy in the childminder’s home. There is a good use of communication and effective interaction between the children and the childminder. For example, when the children were talking about the train track and whether it was straight or curved, she is introducing early maths to the children. They also talked about different colours of the train track as they matched pieces together. The children then got out the trains and placed them on the track and made them move along it. There are good opportunities using everyday objects to help with the development of children’s language, communication and concentration skills and general learning and understanding. Children have good opportunities to make choices as they easily access the toys within the childminders home. For example, helping themselves to books from the book box, and then sitting with the childminder to look at them. The toys help to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

support children’s learning and development. They have good opportunities to extend their play through trips within the local area such as going to the park and the local toddler groups. These give the children chance to mix and socialise with others as well as experiencing different play opportunities. Where possible the childminder tries to plan her day. This helps her organise suitable activities for the children that challenge and develop their learning through stimulating play experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals because the childminder makes sure that she is aware of their individual needs and is able to meet these. For example, there is a daily routine which allows time for them to play, rest and interact. The children’s behaviour is acceptable and they are learning to play together, sharing and taking turns. Children have consistent boundaries so they know what is expected of them. The childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour management and

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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 uses age-appropriate strategies. Children’s awareness of society and the world around them is promoted through the childminder’s understanding of providing a range of positive images and resources. For example, books, dressing up clothes and dolls. The childminder has added to her resources; however further development of resources will help to extend children’s learning opportunities. Children go on visits in the community, such as to the park and local toddler group. This enables them to gain an appreciation of the neighbourhood and the wider community. Children’s care is enhanced through the childminder’s positive working partnership with parents. This impacts on the confidence and security of each child. Each parent has sufficient time to discuss their child’s progress on a daily basis, which help to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

keep them informed about their child’s day. The childminder has some understating of recording any complaints raised by a parent, this is however an area for development in line with updated procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises all aspects of her work effectively, this contributes positively in helping children to feel comfortable and relaxed in her home. Children’s welfare is safeguarded and their independence and confidence is well promoted enabling them to develop in all areas of their learning. There are well organised documented procedures, polices and general information that are openly shared with parents, which fully informs them about the care of their children. The children’s emotional and physical development is effectively promoted through the childminder’s planned activities within her daily routine. The childminder is keen to develop her own knowledge and understanding by reading information to help with her practices. For example, 'Birth to three matters' to help her further understand and develop the care needed to challenge and promote children’s learning and well-being. Overall, the needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made for the childminder to persist with current efforts to acquire toys that reflect disabilities. The childminder has acquired some toys to help enhance children’s care and learning.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints recorded 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 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): • ensure children develop an understanding of emergency evacuation procedures • obtain the Department of Health booklet What To Do If You're Worried a Child is Beginning Abused- Summary • develop a procedure for recording of any complaints raised by parents • further develop play provision in the area of equal opportunities.

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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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