Childminder in GloucestershireOfsted inspection, 24 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307994 Inspection date 24 October 2005 Inspector Miriam Sheila Brown

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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 March 2005. She lives with her husband and two sons aged 9 and 10 years, in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. All of the house is available for childminding and the ground floor is used as the main play area. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property which is used for outside play. The home is within walking distance of local parks, the town centre and a variety of play groups. The childminder also visits the local childminder support group. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and a maximum of eight children when one of her regular assistants is present. There are currently 18

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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 children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She is a member of an approved childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is effectively promoted through the childminders good understanding and practical application of hygiene practices. All children are encouraged and enabled to be independent in their personal care and younger children are learning about hygiene as the childminder ensures their hands are clean prior to eating, cooking and at other appropriate times. Individual routines for eating and sleeping are respected, helping to provide children with a good continuity of care. They enjoy regular healthy meals and snack times which are planned and prepared prior to the children's arrival, following their individual preferences and information from parents. All children benefit from free and easy access to drinks throughout the day. Children use the garden regularly, to extend their play, and the childminder provides many good opportunities for them to develop their large and small muscle control

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Helping children to be healthy

throughout the day, using a variety of toys and equipment. For example, they visit the local park and soft play centre as well as using domestic outdoor equipment. The childminder has completed first aid training and maintains clear medical and accident records.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play safely in a well-maintained and homely environment where basic safety precautions are exceptionally well used to help protect them from potential hazards. For example, children practise fire drills regularly, taking an active part in this, and older children record the drill, reinforcing their knowledge and understanding of this aspect of staying safe. Monthly safety checks are completed and recorded for all toys and equipment, ensuring the environment remains safe for children. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan which is displayed and includes details of the childminders 'buddy' system, should the house need to be evacuated. The house and the garden are secure. Details of children's collection arrangements are clearly and thoroughly documented and the childminder uses a password system to ensure that only authorised adults may collect children. Sleeping children have a quiet and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe place to rest and are monitored at all times. Toys and equipment are easily accessible to children and they are encouraged to help themselves from a variety of low level storage units. A good range of resources are available to meet the needs of the varying ages of the children present. The childminder has up-to-date permissions from parents for the range of activities and care offered. She has a good awareness of child protection issues and the

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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 procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child. She regularly up dates this knowledge and ensures that her assistants are also aware of procedures. All adults associated with the home are in receipt of appropriate clearance. This helps to ensure that children's best interests remain at the forefront of her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of well organised, planned and spur-of-the-moment activities, which assist in their development. The childminder organises the children's day to provide times for free and planned play, rest and meal times. Indoors children of all ages enjoy activities which comprehensively develop their knowledge and understanding. For example, helping to make crispy cakes, they watch as chocolate melts in the microwave and then mix the other ingredients. Older children cared for during holidays and after school, enjoy play with puppets, a wide variety of board games and shopping for a special occasion. During the week all children have opportunities to paint, model with recycled materials and clay, build and make puzzles. Books reflect the age and ability range of all the children present. Children access resources independently from low level storage areas. These are not

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

currently labelled to assist the children in their choices. Children of all ages are settled and calm and have an excellent relationship with the childminder, who joins in with their play when appropriate, supporting and extending their development. For example, whilst playing with the train set, she encourages a younger child to decide the shape of the track and then assists him in finding the correct shapes. Older children are able to take responsibility by being provided with more complex tasks. Children extend their vocabulary on a daily basis through the ongoing age-appropriate conversations and good questioning techniques used by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are becoming aware of the wider society and are developing positive attitudes towards each other and different cultures and traditions, through their play. They share well and older children are considerate and caring of younger ones. All children are fully included in the setting and toys and resources equally accessible to them. Children are learning to take responsibility for themselves and others as they join in with simple tasks such as tidying up after play, being independent in their personal care and making choices. They receive praise and attention for appropriate behaviour and are helped to learn from their mistakes. The partnership with parents is very good. Parents have daily opportunities to speak with the childminder and she regularly updates personal details to ensure care is in accordance with their wishes. The childminder provides excellent information about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the care and activities offered and she maintains confidentiality well. Feedback from parents offers very strong support for all aspects of the childminders care.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder organises her home and the care offered extremely effectively. She demonstrates her high regard for children's wellbeing through her close attention to detail; for example, her clear and comprehensive policies which are shared with parents and form the basis of her daily practice. All aspects of her record keeping are up-to-date and show that adult and child ratios are met at all times. She is very well qualified and experienced in the care of young children. Resources are well organised and easily accessible to children, providing them with an environment in which they may flourish and learn. 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): • consider ways of ensuring that all children are able to easily and independently identify the resources of their choice.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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