Childminder in Bath and North East Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY292898 Inspection date 04 October 2005 Inspector Sue Vernon

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 2004. She lives with her husband, mother and daughter in a mid-terrace house close to the centre of Bath. Minded children have access to a lounge, play room, kitchen and bedroom. The front garden provides an outside play area. The house is within walking distance of Bathwick school, local shops, a park and other amenities. She is registered to mind a maximum of 6 children under 8 years of age, or 7 children when working with an assistant. There are currently 7 children attending on a part-time basis. The family have a pet cat and a rabbit. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they are helped to learn the importance of good hygiene and routines for personal care. For example, children enjoy using their own towels and liquid soap during regular hand washing before food or after touching family pets. The childminder has a clear policy of not taking children who are infectious. This is shared verbally with parents and helps them understand the importance of protecting children from cross-infection. Good records and policies regarding accidents and medication are in place and shared with parents. This ensures close consistency with parents when dealing with children's health needs. The childminder promotes children's health well by providing regular drinks of water and apple juice and by offering healthy snacks and nutritious meals. Children enjoy choosing their own fruit and are encouraged to try new foods by play activities such

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

as cooking omelettes and pizza. The childminder knows each child's individual dietary needs well and works closely with parents to support them. For example, soya lollies are available for a child with a milk allergy. The value of regular outdoor play is well recognised and the childminder plans how children can enjoy an interesting variety of play opportunities to promote their wellbeing. They go to local parks for running and climbing and enjoy picnics and walks to feed the ducks.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a safe and secure home environment where hazards and risks have been identified and effectively minimised. They are able to move safely and freely around the play areas and enjoy a wide range of bright, attractive resources. All toys and play equipment are modern and confirm to safety standards which protects children's safety. Fire safety issues have been addressed and equipment is in place and checked regularly. The home is well planned in order to meet the minded children's play and care needs. For example, travel cots are prepared ready with indivual bedding upstairs which helps children settle quickly. Play areas provide suitable low furniture for younger children to access and enjoy play activities such as puzzles and painting. Older children enjoy the independence of playing safely at the kitchen table for example making models or trying cooking, whilst younger children

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

enjoy safe floor play. The childminder helps children understand how they can contribute to their own safety for example by discussing safe procedures for walking to school and crossing the road. Her sound awareness of the required child protection procedures supports children's safety.

p.3

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. Children are settled and at ease in the home and with both the childminder and assistant. Children play happily around the environment and know the routine. The childminder promotes children's wellbeing and development by offering an interesting range of outings and activities. These include library visits, picnics in the park and soft play. She works closely with babies and toddlers, giving them smiles and encouraging their sounds which effectively promotes their language development. Babies enjoy trying new words and copying what the childminder says to them. She knows each child well and has a good understanding of children's development. This enables her to plan and provide satisfying play opportunities for the children which help them move forward. For example, toddlers are helped to try holding chunky

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

paint brushes and enjoy making marks. The childminder's fun approach helps children to enjoy their play and supports their efforts at concentration, such as toddlers being helped to persist at puzzles. This helps build children's self-esteem well. Children are attracted by the bright and modern range of toys and play resources that make play interesting and enjoyable.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she knows their wishes and the individual needs of their child. She has clear settling-in routines and good policies and records. These enable her to gather good information from parents and supports continuity. She plans carefully how to support any special requirements such as a child with English as a second language. This helps children and their family feel valued. All children are included in the full range of play activities, for example with both boys and girls enjoying cooking play. Some toys and play resources such as dolls and play people offer positive images of equal opportunity issues. This helps children learn the value of diversity, though images in books are limited. The childminder has a positive approach to managing behaviour, using age-appropriate methods such as distraction for younger children and discussion with

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

older ones. Children respond well to her calm, positive approach which helps them feel secure. Parents receive detailed daily feedback which promotes consistency of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Good policies and procedures are written up and shared with parents effectively. These are well displayed to build parent's awareness. All records are kept neatly and are appropriately signed and up-to-date. They are stored with regard for confidentiality. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge through reading and training which supports children's wellbeing. She plans the days well in order to provide an interesting variety of opportunities and uses space in the home effectively to support

p.4

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 children's play and care needs. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted. 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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • extend the range of books and resources that promote diversity.

p.5

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

p.5

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.5