Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307138 Inspection date 23 November 2005 Inspector Susan, Esther Harvey

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and one teenage child in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Most of the childminder's house is used for minding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four school age children after school. The childminder drives to collect children from school. The family do not have any pets.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene routines and personal care. This contributes to their good health as children independently wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after snack time and meals. Parents are made aware of the childminder's sick children policy. The childminder has a recent first aid certificate. This ensures that appropriate action would be taken where necessary. However, written parental permission is not provided to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder has limited understanding of notifiable infectious diseases in order to report effectively to Ofsted. Children benefit from a healthy lifestyle. They have spontaneous access to outdoor play and daily walks which includes visiting the local park and feeding the ducks. This enables children to learn about the importance of regular daily exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals. They regularly contribute to the choice of meals the childminder provides, she is flexible and takes into account the children's preferences. Children learn new skills as they competently take it in turns to lay the table for tea. They enjoy the opportunity to prepare their own meals on occasion. For example, making homemade burgers. Children gain from the social interaction at meal times where they all sit together for tea and discuss the events of the day.

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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 well-organised home where all the risks have been identified and minimised for the age of child in the childminder's care. For example, children become enthusiastically involved in learning about fire safety through practising an emergency evacuation drill in a fun way. Children learn to stay safe by clearing away toys after use. They learn about road safety as they stop, look and listen and remain close to the childminder while out walking to the park and when feeding the ducks. Children select independently from a range of toys and games readily accessible to them. Board games are interesting and fun and in good condition. Children's welfare is enhanced through the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of child protection reporting and recording procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled in the childminder's company. They enjoy playing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 board games which stimulates their imagination. The latest board game interesting the children is a Harry Potter game which takes skill and technique to count the dice, manoeuvre the wizard's hat and out-wit your opponent. Children enjoy reading the instructions which enhances their literacy skills and enables children to improve their mathematical calculations. Children benefit from a good relationship with the childminder. They gain from the childminder's calm and gentle organisation of the after school routine and the time given to each child. Children enjoy varied activities as they learn new skills such as cooking and craft work. Children learn about the local community as they visit the library to choose books to read. The childminder is interested in what children do

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

which gives them a sense of belonging within a family environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued by the childminder. She listens intently to what they have to say. Children behave well and are polite. They take it in turns while playing games and are respectful of each other and the childminder. Children choose books from the library which helps them learn about diversity. Children benefit from the good relationship between parents and the childminder. She has a professional approach to keeping parents informed of her service and the time children spend in her care. This ensures that there is a sound partnership with the childminder in order for children's needs to be fully met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are welcomed into a family environment where the space available gives them the opportunity to freely select toys and resources from a range of storage boxes. Policies and procedures are provided and promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. These are shared with parents who are kept fully informed about their children's day and the service offered by the childminder. Children benefit from the various courses attended by the childminder including child protection and fire safety. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since last inspection. The provider is required to

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Complaints 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 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): • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice in the future • obtain further knowledge of notifiable infectious diseases in order to report effectively to Ofsted

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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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