Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301039 Inspection date 22 November 2005 Inspector Susan June Stone

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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 has been registered since February 2005. She lives with her husband and their young son in a semi detached house in Wells, Somerset. They are expecting their second child in February 2006. Most of the house is used for childminding, mainly the lounge room and dining room downstairs. With two bedrooms and bathroom facilities being available to use upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under the age of 8 at any one time and is currently caring for one child on a part time basis.

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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 pets include a cat and some fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean family home. They learn good procedures for their personal health and hygiene, through discussion and good examples set by the childminder. After meals, the children are encouraged to wipe their own faces and hands, using their own individual flannels. The childminder ensures that the toys and equipment used by the children are clean and safe to use and that surfaces are kept clean. The childminder has a clear exclusion policy for sick children, which is shared with parents. This helps to ensure that children are protected from illness and infection. She has a current first aid certificate and a good understanding of caring for children in an emergency. This means that children's needs in an emergency can be effectively dealt with. The children regularly enjoy a variety of activities which help their physical development. These include visits to the local park, toddler group and activity play

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Helping children to be healthy

centre, where they are able to run around and also use climbing equipment. Children's individual sleeping and mealtime routines are well supported which contributes to their healthy growth and development. The childminder provides healthy meals and snacks for the children, which take account of any special dietary needs. This means the children are able to develop an understanding of the importance of eating a balanced, healthy diet. Children enjoy the social occasion of mealtimes, and are developing their independence and acquiring the skills needed to feed themselves.

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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 secure family home where high standards of safety are evident. With her own risk assessment, the childminder ensures that hazards to children both inside and outside the home are minimised and addressed. Such as bark chippings underneath the outdoor play equipment and using the back rings when cooking lunch. However, the fire blanket is not easily available to use in an emergency. The childminders home is well organised and child orientated, which allows the children to move about and play in comfort. Toys are stored at an appropriate level which means the children are able to choose toys and activities for themselves. The childminder monitors and supervises the toys that the children play with to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. This helps the children to learn new skills and make progress in all areas of development, and

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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 remain safe. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures. Written information which is shared with parents, indicates the childminder's responsibility with regards to child protection. This contributes to safeguarding the children's safety and well being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have developed good relationships with the childminder and her family, and are confident and settled within the setting. Children's individual care routines are known and respected, for example recognising and accommodating sleep routines and rest requirements. The childminder provides a range of activities and opportunities that provide sufficient challenge for the children attending. She actively encourages the children to participate in activities that contribute to the development and learning. Such as using play dough, visiting the local music group, toddler group and activity play centres. This allows the children's individual learning and well being to be nurtured and developed. The childminder interacts well with the children. She is involved in their play at an appropriate level. She is encouraging and reassuring and offers lots of positive praise and reinforcement. This helps to develop children's confidence and self esteem, and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

also helps to build their personal independence. The childminder consistently talks with the children, helping to develop their communication skills. The children enjoy the cuddles, closeness and attention with the childminder. This ensures they feel safe and secure and helps to make them feel that they belong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has developed positive working relationships with parents, the children benefit from this. Written policy statements have been developed and are shared with parents to inform them of the care offered. Time is also offered daily to talk with parents to share any necessary information. This allows for children's individual needs to be identified and consistently met, and allows for parents to feel confident about their carer. The childminder has a good understanding of the individual needs and care routines of the children in her care. This helps the children feel safe and secure. The childminder interacts well with the children, encouraging them to feel valued and included. She provides a variety of toys and resources which portray positive images of diversity. Children have opportunities to learn about the wider world through first hand experiences, creative activities and books. Children enjoy regular visits to the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

local music group, toddler groups and other local amenities. This helps them to learn about their surroundings and how they fit into the community.

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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 Children behave well and respond to the consistent boundaries set by the childminder. The childminder has a calm approach and uses positive, sound methods for managing behaviour, helping the children feel valued. The childminder sets very good examples in her own behaviour. The children are learning right from wrong, and manners are encouraged by the childminder. The childminder uses appropriate explanations and guidance to the children. Such as encouraging them to take turns and share the toys, she also explains why it is important to sit on the chairs correctly. This means children are able to understand why their behaviour or actions are unacceptable, and identify possible consequences to their actions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and at ease in a well organised, safe environment. A suitable range of furniture and equipment is used well to provide for the varying needs of the children attending. This means the children are relaxed, settled, and are able to learn and develop at their own pace. Children attending are engaged in suitable activities and experiences which challenge them and contribute to their individual learning. Most documentation required by Ofsted is in place and suitably maintained. However written agreements with parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment are not in place, and suitable medication records are not kept of medication administered to children. The childminder ensures all information kept for the children remains confidential. Parent contributions are valued which helps to contribute to the continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children

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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 complaint 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure a written record is kept of any medication administered to children • ensure the fire blanket is suitably placed and available to use in an emergency

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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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