Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 507115 Inspection date 20 October 2005 Inspector Jacqueline Allen

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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 registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 3 and 5 years in the Blackbrook area of Taunton. Children have access to the whole house with the exception of the main bedroom. There is an enclosed garden to the rear. The childminder is registered for a maximum of 4 children. She currently has 6 children under 8 years on roll who attend on a part-time basis. She also cares for children over 8 years. The family have 2 guinea pigs which live in a hutch in the garden. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 learning effective hygiene routines through appropriate hand washing rituals encouraged by the childminder. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and use individual towels to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children's minor accidents, medication needs and emergency consents are appropriately recorded by the childminder who holds a valid first aid certificate. Children's health is somewhat compromised as the childminder is unaware of inappropriate contents in the first aid box, such as, medi-wipes and antiseptic plasters. However, accident records show that these have not been used on children. Children are provided with a range of nutritious food which is supplied by parents. However, the childminder is not effective at promoting healthy eating as children are not given their food in order of nutritional value. Young children can access drinks as

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Helping children to be healthy

needed from low-level units. Older children are provided with regular drinks and reminded to ask if they would like more. The daily routine includes time outdoors when children can be active and practise their gross motor skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have adequate space to play safely and access appropriately stored resources which are maintained in good condition. The childminder is vigilant at ensuring the play space is kept clear to reduce accidents. Children's safety is also effectively considered through parental consent for transporting children with appropriate insurances held for both household cars, electrical sockets covered and dangerous substances being inaccessible to children. However, the fireguard is not secured and the side gate in the rear garden does not prevent children leaving the premises. These compromise children's safety. Children's welfare is not completely safeguarded as the childminder is not confident in her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Young children play with a broad range of resources to meet their development needs which are fully accessible to them. For example, children play with shape sorters, musical toys, bricks, hoops and lift-out puzzles. The range of books available is particularly interesting to young children; for example, touch and feel and squeaky books. Children are taken to local mother and toddler groups, shops, an indoor play area, to the park and to feed the ducks which all benefit children's learning. Older children can ask for resources which are stored upstairs, read, do homework, watch television or enjoy physical play in the garden. They are encouraged to make some

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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 choices in their play according to their interests. Children are adequately supported by the childminder who responds to their interests and interacts appropriately with them. For example, the childminder sits on the floor with children and uses positive body language to encourage and interact with young children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are well known by the childminder who has a positive relationship with parents which promotes the sharing of daily information. For example, parents inform the childminder when young children's sleep routines change to encourage continuity of care. The childminder tries hard to meet young children's needs when they don't sleep for long and wake fractious. Children are cuddled, played with to distract them and offered a drink and then food. Children are learning about diversity through the range of multi-cultural resources available, for example, dolls, books, games and fuzzy felt. Although there are currently no children with special needs attending the childminder is confident that she could gain enough information to meet their needs, whilst considering the individual needs of other children attending. Children's behaviour is generally good with clear behaviour management strategies shared with parents and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their consent in advance on how to manage children's unacceptable behaviour. For example, parents agree to their children losing a treat, such as time watching television, if their behaviour is unacceptable. The childminder is aware to record any behaviour incidents and share these with parents although this has not yet been necessary. Children benefit from the childminder gaining parental consents to ensure continuity of care and regularly reviewing contracts which clearly set out children's care arrangements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children's play needs are effectively considered by the childminder who utilises space within her home to allow for the separation of younger and older children. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the National Standards and has attended an experienced childminder workshop to continue her knowledge on caring for children. Overall, documentation is adequately organised and available for inspection. Children's daily attendance is not accurately recorded as this information is not completed until the end of the day. Although, the register does show that adult to child ratios are being maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection, two recommendations were raised which have both been appropriately addressed.

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Improvements 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 The childminder has increased her resources to positively promote diversity and has updated and regularly reviews contracts with parents. These benefit children's welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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 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): • reduce potential risks to children by securing the fireguard and improving security of the side gate in the garden • improve knowledge and understanding of child protection issues • keep an accurate record of children's daily attendance

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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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