Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306504 Inspection date 21 October 2005 Inspector Susan Marriott

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and 4-year-old son in their house in Houghton Regis. She is registered to care for 4 children under 8 years and is currently caring for a 3-year-old during the day and a 9-year-old for after school hours only. The downstairs rooms are used for childminding activities with access to the upstairs bathroom and child's bedroom on occasion. There is a downstairs toilet. There is a safely enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet cat. The childminder 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 are well cared for in a warm, clean home because the childminder gives good emphasis to high standards of hygiene. Children's clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling food, reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children learn about healthy living; for example, they learn that germs left on their hands will make their tummies poorly. Sound verbal procedures are in place for children who are unwell and this prevents the unnecessary spread of infection. The childminder rigorously records any accidents which occur to safeguard children's well-being and appropriate permissions for emergency medical treatment are in place. Children receive appropriate first aid because the childminder holds a suitable first aid qualification. Children are encouraged to learn about healthy eating because the childminder provides healthy snacks and meals. She always ensures that fresh fruit and

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Helping children to be healthy

vegetables are available for children and actively discourages sweets, crisps and squash drinks. The children learn good manners and social rules at the table and become excited as the childminder announces 'Picnic Friday' as a treat at the end of the week. Children are positively encouraged to recognise their own needs and access regular drinks of water in sports bottles throughout the day. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Each day there are several walks to deliver and collect children from the nearby school which ensure that children get regular exercise in the fresh air. Regular play in the garden with hoops, balls and swings, and visits to the park supports the development and improvement of children’s physical skills. Outings to an indoor activity centre further extend children's physical competence, confidence and co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very safe and well cared for because the childminder gives good priority to safety within her home. Children feel at ease in this well-maintained and comfortably furnished home from home environment. Space is used well to ensure that children may play safely. Children independently select activities from a suitable range of resources, which are in a good state of repair and are age appropriate. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys, to ensure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are able to move around and play freely and independently because the childminder has thoughtfully identified and minimised all risks. Proper safety measures such as safety gates and fireguards are in place. The childminder has clear evacuation procedures which help to keep children safe in the event of an emergency. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clear rules and routines in order to maintain their safety inside and outside the home.

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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 For example, the children know that they must hold onto the buggy or stand on the buggy board when walking to and from school. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has a secure understanding of child protection in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children readily form trusting relationships with this childminder who promotes child-led play. Children make themselves at home, devising imaginative games involving pretend 'mummy' and 'daddy'. They sit together on the sofa, tucked in with a blanket and share the care of the 'baby'. Children make independent choices in their play and are able to choose from a suitable variety of toys and equipment, which are all stored within easy reach. However, the childminder does not currently provide frequent opportunities for children to explore messy play and does not plan or record activities undertaken. Children show consideration towards each other and learn to share because the childminder constantly reminds them about appropriate behaviour and responses. For example, an argument breaks out over stencils for a drawing toy. The childminder patiently intervenes, encourages the children to count the number of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stencils and then to share them equally. The childminder progresses children's learning and development as she responds to their particular interests; for example, by helping a young child to play a game of 'pairs'. The childminder is very responsive to the needs of the children throughout the day and prioritises their welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about their local community as they walk to and from school and visit local parks. Children currently have access to insufficient resources which promote an awareness of diversity, although sample menus show that children are offered food such as naan bread which reflects some cultural diversity. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets their needs through the daily routine as discussed with their parents. The childminder ensures that daily discussion about the service provided keeps parents extremely well informed about their child's activities. Children show care and concern for each other and they behave very well in response to the childminder's clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour and consistent expectations. Children play together cooperatively sharing and taking turns; they use social graces without prompt.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is becoming increasingly confident in her childcare practice but has yet to fully develop her policies and procedures to underpin her business. She uses her warm personality and her life experience to promote positive outcomes for children. The childminder is able to enrich children's care, learning and play through

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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 her constant interaction and interest. All of the children receive individual attention at some time during the day and benefit from social interaction with children of varying ages and backgrounds. Children confidently choose activities and the childminder encourages them to extend their experiences. Children's welfare and education is effectively supported through the childminder's clear use of informal routines which cover the national standards. She stays up-to-date with changing practice via articles of interest in professional publications and childcare magazines. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • increase opportunities for children to explore messy play and plan and provide an increased range of play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities • enhance the range of resources and activities which promote children's awareness of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity • continue to develop your childcare practice by clarifying policies and procedures to support continued improvement in children's care, learning and play.

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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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