Childminder in SomersetOfsted inspection, 9 Dec 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY302445 Inspection date 09 December 2005 Inspector Susan June Stone

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 has been registered since March 2005. She lives in a semi detached house in Frome, Somerset, with her husband and their two young sons. Most of the house is used for childminding. The ground floor offering lounge room, dining room, kitchen and toilet facilities. The first floor offering two bedrooms and bathroom facilities. There is an enclosed garden at the back of the house for playing outdoors. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, and at present is caring for five children, all on a part time basis, the childminder owns two cats and a rabbit. The childminder lives within

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 walking distance of the schools and local amenities. Household pets include two cats and a rabbit.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are well cared for in a warm clean home where they enjoy the benefits of a routine that ensures the appropriate balance of rest and play. Regular outings and the effective use of the garden, contribute to children’s good health. The childminder implements good hygiene practice in the home and as a result, the children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Through the childminders daily practice the children know they must wash their hands before eating meals and after using the toilet, some of the children do this independently. They also independently wash their hands after messy activities. The childminder sets good examples for hygiene in her behaviour, like washing hands before preparing meals, and ensuring the table is wiped and clean before eating snacks and lunch. She also ensures that the toys and equipment are clean and safe before being

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

used by the children. The childminder ensures that drinks are readily available to the children. The childminder works well with the parents to ensure that she meets the children’s dietary requirements, likes and dislikes. She provides a good balance of nutritious snacks and lunches that consist of sandwiches with a variety of healthy fillings, fruits and yogurts. As a result, the children learn the benefits of healthy eating and they understand the benefits of eating fruit. The children request yogurts and fruit for their morning snacks. They enjoy the social interaction during meal times as they eat together at the table. Records of accidents and medication are in place, and emergency medical forms have been completed. The childminder's first aid training and awareness of dealing with sick children, ensures that an emergency situation and children's health care needs can be consistently met and dealt with effectively.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a safe, homely environment where risks have been identified and minimised. The house is bright and cheerful, with children’s artwork on display. This makes the environment attractive and inviting to the children. The childminder ensures that good standards of safety are maintained in the areas used by the children, and uses available space well. This allows the children to move about freely and safely under her close supervision. Effective safety measures, like using safety gates on the stairs have been put into place, which helps the children to play, and be cared for in a safe environment.

p.3

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 The children use a stimulating range of safe and suitable toys, which are in good repair and conform to safety standards. There are plenty of toys and resources that are age appropriate and meet the developmental needs of all the children. These are well organised and stored in the dining room and lounge room, enabling the children to make their own choices about play and independently select activities. The childminder helps the children to learn about how to keep themselves safe, like reminding them to sit on chairs properly and encouraging the children to tidy away the toys when they have finished playing with them. This helps the children to understand they have to take some responsibility for their own safety and well being. Children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a sound

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge of child protection procedures and a clear understanding of her role in the protection of children, ensuring the children's safety is always a priority.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder respects children’s individual care routines, such as recognising and accommodating sleep routines and rest requirements. The children are confident and happy during the time they spend at the childminder's. There are warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children. The childminder has a good understanding of younger children and their development and she knows the children well. The children are happy and at ease within the childminder's house. They make themselves at home and are familiar with where things are kept and become accustomed to the daily routine in place. A good range of play opportunities and activities are available to the children, helping them to develop new skills and enjoy themselves, although these are not always specifically planned to encourage individual development. The childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework but has not yet introduced it into the setting.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children benefit from regular outings to the park, soft play centre and toddler groups. These outings give the children opportunities to indulge in new and different experiences to help them learn about the wider world, and develop the knowledge and skills required in all areas of learning. The children's self esteem is reinforced well by the childminder valuing each child and supporting their needs. The childminder values the children's opinions and respects their wishes. She allows the children to make decisions for themselves, for example activities they wish to participate in. This helps to build their personal independence. The children occupy themselves from the range of toys and activities which are available each day, and play happily together. The childminder encourages the children to work together, share and take turns. The children share the Christmas stencils and felt pens, for example and take turns when playing in a large cardboard

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

box. This helps the children to learn to respect and cooperate with each other.

p.4

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 The children are happy and at ease with the childminder, settling quickly and enjoying the activities available to them. They show increasing independence and confidence, and are able to manage their own personal care. The childminder interacts well with the children, encouraging them to feel included and part of the household. The childminder provides a variety of toys and resources, which provide opportunities for the children to learn about the wider world through creative activities and books. The children have explored and looked at foods from different countries like Italy and China. They enjoy regular visits to the park, local activity groups and places of interest, helping them learn about their surroundings and how they fit into the community. The childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management. She promotes

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

good behaviour through praise and reward. For example, the childminder encouraged a child to help her to tidy up and rewarded her enthusiastically by saying, ‘Well done, good girl’. She sets boundaries to ensure that the children are aware of their limitations. The children are polite, well mannered and show respect for each other and the childminder, showing a sound sense of belonging. They learn to say please and thank you, and learn to share. As a result, the children play well together and the behaviour in the setting is good. Relationships with the parents are good, parents are kept well informed about their children's progress and care through daily discussions with the childminder. Records regarding the children's care are in place and written agreements with the parents ensure that children's individual needs are met. The childminder has written policies and procedures to support the care offered. However, the complaints procedure does

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

not contain all the necessary information about how to make a complaint.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The 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 that the children are relaxed and settled, and 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. Policies and procedures are shared with the parents and are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. The parent’s comments and contributions are valued and respected, which helps to contribute to the continuity of care. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained. Overall the childminder’s provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she cares.

p.5

Improvements 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

p.5

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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): • consider ways that the care for children under three years could be further enhanced, such as using the Birth to Three Matters guidance as reference • provide parents with information about how to make a complaint

p.6

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.6

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.6