Childminder in Bath and North East Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300964 Inspection date 02 November 2005 Inspector Sue Vernon

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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 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 3 and 6 years of age in a semi-detached house in southern Bath. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding, except the utility area. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is within walking distance of the local school, parks and shops. She attends toddler groups and 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 good. Children's health is promoted well by being offered regular drinks and by the provision of a healthy diet, for example being encouraged to eat fruit and vegetables regularly. Children's individual dietary needs are well known and supported as a result of regular discussions with parents and the keeping of suitable records. Children are protected effectively from possible cross-infection by the childminder's policy of not taking children who are ill and by the sharing of information on infectious illnesses with parents. Children are helped to develop awareness of good hygiene practices within the daily routine such as regular hand washing before meals and using their own personal towels. Children's wellbeing is supported effectively by the childminder respecting their individual rest and sleep routines and planning the day around them. Regular opportunities for outdoor play are offered through games in the garden or walks to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a bright, clean environment where risks have been assessed and minimised. This enables children to make good use of the available space for play and rest. They enjoy moving around independently, for example pushing dolls and buggies between rooms. The wide range of safe, attractive toys and resources are stored well in low level units that means children can safely make their own choices as they move between toys. The appropriate equipment and low level furniture help all children play safely together. They get fully involved in play activities suitable for their age group, such as toddlers trying craft activities at low tables. Records are used for medication administration though one permission is not in place. Fire safety issues have been addressed effectively and children helped to have a general awareness of safety procedures such as carefully using hand rails on the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

stairs. The childminder shows good awareness of the appropriate child protection procedures to be followed if any child protection issues arise, which supports children's safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The environment is well planned in advance in order to provide interesting play. The childminder effectively plans activities and selects toys according to the age of children attending. Children are well settled and are happily involved in a wide range

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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 of appropriate play opportunities, including art and craft work. The activities offer children good challenges, such as toddlers enjoying trying new puzzles and older children designing and making masks. All children's attempts with creative play are valued and displays of children's efforts around the play rooms helps build their self-esteem well. The childminder helps children have fun playing together and is closely involved in their play. She prompts their thinking well with open questions, such as 'where does this one fit?' and consistently supports their language development through repeating words and encouraging baby's sounds. Children enjoy a good balance between home play and attending local facilities such as toddler groups. This helps develop their confidence and social skills effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well known and supported through the childminder's close involvement with parents/carers. She is happy to plan how to support any special requirements including working with other professionals if necessary. This ensures that children and their families feel valued. All children are included in the play opportunities and they enjoy playing with various resources that promote equal opportunity issues. This helps children learn the value of diversity. There is a very positive approach to managing behaviour in place. The childminder gives consistent praise and support for children, for example when toddlers are learning to share toys. This builds their self-esteem and helps them learn the guidelines for good behaviour. Effective methods such as distraction and discussion are used and also shared with parents which builds consistency for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents is built through established settling-in routines and clear record keeping. Parents appreciate the daily feedback, which is both verbal and in written form. This further promotes consistency of care. Time is also provided for discussion and this ensures children's individual needs are known and supported effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home. They make good use of the available space which is well planned to meet their care and play needs. Resources are displayed well, with good storage units which ensures toys can be rotated smoothly during play. Clear policies and procedures are used effectively to support children's wellbeing and ensure that good relationships with parents are fostered. Records and documents are up-to-date and are stored with regard for confidentiality. The childminder has a first aid qualification and continues to develop her skills by attending additional training, such as a Child Protection session. This supports

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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 children's wellbeing. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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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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 'permission for treatment in an emergency' is in place.

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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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