Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271140 Unique Reference Number 05 September 2005 Inspection date Sue Davey Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2003. She lives with her husband and 2 sons aged 9 and 6 years, in a new residential area of Flax Bourton, North Somerset. The whole of the house is used for childminding except for the master bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and the house is situated away from any main roads.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time. Currently there are 14 children from 0 to 8 years on roll who all attend on a part-time basis. There are fields and a park within walking distance. The childminder uses her car for outings and to take and collect children from school or playgroup. She 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's good health is maintained through well-established procedures that minimise the spread of inspection. For example, the childminder's house is clean and well ventilated; she teaches children to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and the care of children who are sick or infectious is not undertaken. The childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate and knows how to deal with accidents should they occur. If children need medication she obtains permission from parents and keeps a record of any medicines given. In this way, children's wellbeing is safeguarded at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an enthusiastic approach to healthy eating and involves children in food preparation. Young ones cut up their own fruit and choose sandwich fillings for lunch. Older children make meals such as pizza, kebabs and vegetable wraps. Consequently, children are eager to eat what they have made and learn about the benefits of good food and nutrition in the process. Children enjoy regular outside physical activity. They go for country walks and play with balls, bikes and a mini-trampoline in the garden. Younger children enjoy the small nearby park while older ones are taken to more suitable activity-parks further afield.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe in the childminder's care because the premises are organised to minimise the risk of accidents. If an emergency should occur, the childminder has a well thought through plan of action. Safety features include a gate to the stairs; specially designed safety knives to aid children's independence; a fully enclosed garden and the absence of any traffic due to the location of the house. Children are well supervised indoors and outside and appropriately restrained when travelling in the childminder's car. They benefit from toys and equipment, which are maintained in good condition and appropriate for the needs of children of different ages and ability levels. Toys are stored so that children can easily and safely choose what they want to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards children's welfare. For instance, she makes sure older children do not adversely affect the needs of younger ones and that quiet children are not intimidated by those who are more confident. She listens to children's worries and is mindful of concerns about bullying. She has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows whom to contact if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of toys and activities, both indoors and outside. The childminder supports their play and learning by talking to them about what they are doing. For example, she asks questions to make children think and so develops their number, shape and colour recognition. She introduces children to new words and takes time to explain what they mean.

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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 For instance, the childminder described in simple terms, the purpose of a stethoscope, as a little boy played with a toy one. Children enthusiastically join in with craft activities such as painting and modelling with dough. However, the childminder often directs their work, which restricts their creativity. The childminder is sensitive to the children's interests and concentration span. She operates flexibly to meet their needs and changes tack if necessary. For example, if children become restless she suggests an outdoor activity even if not previously planned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Outings are especially popular with older children. They enjoy visits to the zoo, museum and adventure playground. When appropriate, the childminder extends children's learning by following up on the topics their playgroup is covering. For instance, they may go for a trip on a bus if the child is exploring transport.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are free to choose what they want to play with and their choices are respected. The childminder makes sure that all children have the opportunity to join in with activities and the quiet ones are not left out. She encourages children to do things for themselves to develop their independence, such as putting on their shoes, making snacks and managing their own personal needs. She praises children's efforts and recognises their achievements. Consequently, children have high self-esteem and feel valued. Children are well behaved and co-operative in response to the childminder's positive approach. She is kind but firm and teaches children right from wrong appropriate to their level of maturity. Little ones learn the need for give and take when sharing toys. When conflicts arise they show remorse for their actions. For example, a two year old looked very sad when reprimanded for tearing a book that another child wanted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder enjoys very good relationships with parents, which in turn helps children to feel secure. She is friendly, approachable and very flexible, often picking children up or dropping them off at their own home. Children proudly show parents what they have made and look pleased when the childminder talks about the good time they have had together. Any concerns are discussed promptly and the terms of the placement regularly reviewed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder manages a complicated pattern of attendance, as all children are part-time. She organises her home and time so that children are safe and well looked after. Outings and home-based activities are balanced to provide variety for children throughout the week. The childminder keeps abreast of developments in childcare and education such as the Foundation Stage. She puts some of its principles into practice to help children make progress in all areas of their development. She also meets with other childminders to share practice and widen the children's social circle.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is in place and up-to-date. Records show that at the time of placement, or when contracts are reviewed, specific information about the child and permission for various situations is sought from parents. In this way, children are cared for according 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 their parents' wishes. For example, information is obtained about children's dietary needs and permission sought to take children on outings. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of all children for whom care is provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make sure she retained written permission from parents to administer medication plus keep a record of any medicines given. Records show that this has now been addressed and the required documents are in place. Consequently, the childminder safeguards children's health and continues to meet the National Standards.

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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): • further develop practice to encourage children's creativity

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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