Childminder in North SomersetOfsted inspection, 6 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY242051 Inspection date 06 September 2005 Inspector Deborah Jane Starr

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 5 years in Portishead, North Somerset. The whole of the ground floor and designated rooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to and collects from local schools and pre-schools. She attends local toddler groups and takes children to the library and parks.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines, for example washing hands before and after meals. Procedures within the home minimise risk and help prevent the spread of infection, such as the exclusion of children when unwell, nappy changing procedures and individual hand towels for children. The childminder holds a first aid certificate. She manages accidents appropriately and is aware of the procedures for the administering of medication. Children's physical development is suitably promoted. They enjoy a range of regular activities which contribute to their physical health and development. Physical play opportunities in the garden and regular trips to the park and toddler group to play on swings, low level climbing frames and sit and ride toys help children develop control and co-ordination of their bodies. Children are able to rest and be active according to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

their needs. Children develop an understanding of a healthy diet. Drinks are readily available throughout the day. They enjoy varied snacks and meals provided by the parent and childminder, these include home made soup and fruit such as strawberries. Children help choose fruit and vegetables for themselves from the local green grocers. The childminder takes account of parents wishes and children's likes and dislikes to provide nutritious meals that appeal to them and meets their individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe as they move around freely in a well-maintained home where risks are identified, minimised and regularly checked. These include socket covers and smoke detectors. Appropriate safe equipment is used which meets each child's physical and developmental needs such as cots and car seats. Regular checking of toys ensures they are safe for use. Children from a young age are encouraged to become aware of how to protect themselves from harm within the home and when outside. For example, children during imaginative play know to be careful that the cooker gets hot. Children learn and practice road safety when on walks and older children discuss stranger danger. Appropriate equipment is used for younger children for example, a buggy and reins. The childminder has all required documents in place to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has an adequate understanding of the signs and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

symptoms of abuse however is not secure in her knowledge of local child protection procedures and actions she would follow should an allegation of abuse be made whilst a child is in her care. Therefore, there is a risk that children are not fully protected.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. The positive relationship between the childminder and child promotes their self confidence and sense of well being. For instance children confidently point out the gold fish to the visiting inspector and tell her what they are doing. Activities within the home such as construction, books, small world play with farm sets and models such as 'Woody' and 'Buss Lightyear' and visits to the park, local toddler group and beach provide children with a variety of experiences. The childminder allows children time to become involved in their play and asks appropriate questions to develop their ideas, For instance young children enjoy looking at books, turning pages and pointing to familiar objects. Children's language is extended. They are given time to make sense of the world through their imaginations when playing with the pretend cooker and food.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Everyday experiences, such as visits to the shops and walks promote children's understanding of number and colour; for example counting cars. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of children's development, however she does not consider how she can extend her range of activities, particularly for younger children. Because of this children's development is not fully promoted.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are identified and met through discussion with parents. Children are secure and develop a strong sense of belonging. For example, young children confidently use and refer to toys as their own. To date the childminder has not minded a child with special needs, but if asked would discuss their individual requirements with parents. Children gain a sense of their local community through regular trips to toddler groups, the library and local shops. Activities include making cards for mother's and father's day. The childminder has a limited understanding of the issues relating to equal opportunities and insufficient resources that promote positive images. Children therefore have few opportunities to develop positive attitudes to other's or to learn through meaningful experiences about peoples and cultures that are different from themselves. The childminder's calm and consistent approach is effective in managing children's

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour; children behave well. Frequent praise, cuddles and encouragement promotes children's self-esteem. Her respectful approach to children and use of please and thank-you makes children feel valued and helps them understand what is expected. As a result children share toys and are respectful of others. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents and children are settled. Parents are welcomed into the home and informed effectively through daily discussion about children's routines and experiences. An introductory leaflet informs parents of some policies and procedures which promote children's welfare.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at ease and move independently around the childminder's home. The layout of the home and organisation of toys enables children to access them easily and make their own choices. Documentation is in place and promotes children's wellbeing. It is shared appropriately and maintained confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to increase resources which reflect positive images of diversity, record significant incidents and increase her knowledge and understanding of what to do in the event of child protection concerns. She has taken steps to obtained resources however these remain limited and are not used effectively to promote children's awareness. Documentation is in now in place to record incidents and safeguard children's welfare. She has attended child protection training, however her understanding of child protection procedures is not secure and therefore there is a risk that children are not fully protected.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • develop your knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures and consider further your actions should an allegation of abuse be made whilst a child is in your care.

p.5

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 • further develop the range of activities for children, particularly the younger child, for example by using the Birth to three framework. • increase your knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and develop your use of resources to promote positive attitudes to the wider world.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6