Childminder in WiltshireOfsted inspection, 12 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 161777 Inspection date 12 July 2005 Inspector Nikki Whinton

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 10 years in Wootton Bassett. The whole of the ground floor, except the lounge is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a full-time basis and two children after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop their awareness of good nutrition through the tempting variety of snacks and drinks their receive whilst at the provision. They are encouraged to try out new products and broaden their awareness of food tastes. As a result, children learn about healthy eating as part of their daily routine. Children's individual dietary requirements are discussed with parents, recorded and accommodated. However, whilst children are offered drinks, they are not able to help themselves freely to liquids. As a result, children's differing needs may not be met. Children learn about good hygiene routines, such as when hand washing after toileting. Appropriate procedures are in place to support children's welfare. For example, the childminder has a current first aid qualification and written parental permission has been obtained to seek emergency treatment. The accident book is carefully completed and the childminder has a good understanding of the correct

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Helping children to be healthy

administrative procedures to be followed if children require medication. Children are cared for in an environment where their good health is promoted. Children walk and exercise in the fresh air on a daily basis when going to and from the local school or pre-school. They have frequent opportunities, for example when playing in the local park, to develop their physical skills. Children experience a healthy lifestyle whilst in the childminder's care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest within premises which are safe, secure, clean and well maintained. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and has taken careful steps to minimise potential hazards. For example, the enclosed outdoor play area is covered with a safety surface and dangerous cleaning products are stored out of the reach of children. They learn to share responsibility for their well-being through activities such as taking part in emergency evacuation drills and tidying up resources after play, to avoid trip hazards. Children move around the provision safely, freely and independently. Children benefit from the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues. She uses a very effective system to ensure parents are fully aware of her responsibilities. Children freely access a stimulating range of clean, well maintained, age appropriate equipment. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues regarding the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

purchase and maintenance of play materials. As a result, children can use the available resources safely.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very relaxed and settled. They have an extremely good relationship with the childminder, who knows the children well and has a clear understanding of their differing needs. This positive friendship benefits children's developing confidence, independence and feelings of self-assurance. Children are well-occupied and interested in exploring the wide range of easily accessible opportunities. They make decisions for themselves regarding the activities they want to initiate and the resources they wish to investigate, such as playing on the computer or looking at a book. Children's development is enhanced by the involvement of the childminder, such as when joining in their imaginative game at the 'hospital' or encouraging their recognition skills whilst sorting magnetic numbers and letters. Children participate in a varied programme of planned outings, such as to the local

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

toddler and carer group or activity centres, where they can develop their awareness of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are acknowledged and valued as individuals, which has a positive impact on their confidence and self-esteem. They are developing their awareness of diversity by accessing an appropriate range of resources, such as books and videos. Children benefit from the positive relationship which exists between parents and the childminder. Parents are provided with useful information on subjects such as poisonous plants and bullying, obtained by the childminder whilst attending childcare courses. There are frequent opportunities for discussion about care issues, progress and achievements. As a result, there is a continuity of approach to children's care. Children are developing their social skills. They behave appropriately for their stage of development. They receive good support from a childminder who is skilled in the use of effective techniques to promote their positive behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She is an experienced childcarer, who regularly undertakes early years training to help support her professional development. She is well-organised, making good use of her home and local facilities, in order to offer children a wide range of appropriate play opportunities. Children feel at home, settled in their care routines, motivated to

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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 initiate and develop their play ideas. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's safety and well-being is maintained, although some children's personal records lack sufficient detail.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended the childminder develop opportunities to help children acquire a knowledge of different cultures, lifestyles, gender and disabilities. The childminder has now increased the range of resources accessible to children which reflect positive images of diversity. This has had a positive impact in developing their awareness of the world around them.

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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 children are able to freely access drinks in sufficient quantities to meet their differing needs • make sure personal records include sufficient medical information to help in the promotion of children's well-being.

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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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