Childminder in WiltshireOfsted inspection, 31 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306714 Inspection date 31 October 2005 Inspector Jan Healy

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged from 14 years to adult, in Calne, Wiltshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time. When working with a co-childminder, she is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time. She is currently caring for 5 children with ages ranging from 6 to 8 months. The family have a pet cat.

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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 The childminder supports children with special needs and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy, because they eat nutritious food and snacks. The childminder is aware of any food intolerance or allergy a child may suffer from, which may have a negative affect on their health. Younger children have regular access to drinks, whilst older children are encouraged to help themselves when they are thirsty. Children enjoy a variety of activities, which contribute to their good health. They participate in outdoor play when the weather is suitable, having access to basic equipment, such as tricycles. Occasionally they go on trips to a local country park and farm, where they benefit from learning about nature. An adequate cleaning routine is in place, which promotes children's health. Children learn about hygiene, such as washing their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Children's health care and liaison with parents is generally well maintained, however,

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Helping children to be healthy

medication is accessible to children, which may cause a health hazard. Children are sufficiently cared for when they are ill, such as allowing them to rest and by the use of basic first aid. However, some incomplete documentation may prevent the childminder from seeking emergency care or advice if required. The family pet is clean and regularly checked for infestation, to ensure children's good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have the opportunity to engage in tabletop toys and floor activities, as space is sufficiently well organised. The childminder ensures the premises keep to a comfortable temperature. The outdoor play area contains basic equipment, to help children develop physically. Children choose from a sufficient variety and amount of toys and resources, maintained to an acceptable level of cleanliness. Play is supervised, ensuring toys are appropriate for the age and stage of development of the children. Most toys are stored within children's reach, to enhance their independence. Child sized furniture enables children to play in comfort. Children play in a secure environment, where the childminder identifies and minimises the majority of risks to children, such as fitting a stair gate to the entrance of the kitchen, to prevent children's access when unsupervised. Smoke alarms are regularly tested, and children are protected in emergencies, due to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

a well-planned evacuation procedure. The childminder has some knowledge about child protection issues, keeping written

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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, which helps to safeguard children effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy a warm relationship with the childminder, who is happy to offer a sense of security through lots of cuddles. She talks and plays with the children and extends their interest, such as discussing the variety of snakes. Questions answered logically help the children build their vocabulary. A good understanding of child development helps children make progress, such as aiding their pencil control. Respect for routine is in place, such as sleeping and mealtimes. Children are also able to have quiet periods if they so wish. The children are happy, settled and well occupied in the childminder's home. They enjoy a wide range of activities, which are age appropriate. They have opportunities to be creative and imaginative, through carefully selected dressing-up clothes and construction with Lego. They join in with singing, counting and go on outings to learn about the natural environment. Children are encouraged to develop their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

communication skills and social graces, by learning to be polite to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave generally well. Some appropriate strategies to address unwanted behaviour are in place, such as using the method of distraction to resolve conflict. Older children are learning to take turns and to share resources, such as Lego and bricks. Positive behaviour is reinforced to promote children's self-esteem. There is respect for children's individual needs, and the childminder works in partnership with parent's, to ensure she is able to contribute to their progress. Children have some opportunities through the toys available, to develop a positive approach to individual and cultural differences, using some resources. Children are cared for according to parental wishes. Examples of children's work are available for parent's perusal, which illustrates progression. The childminder and parent's share a positive and open and honest relationship.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has experience of working with young children and babies in an early years setting, and provides a pleasant atmosphere within her home, by forming close and positive relationships with both children and parents. Space is used to enable children to engage in a satisfactory range of activities. Most documentation is

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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 comprehensive, such as written contracts. The childminder works with a second childminder and ratios are good. She is able to provide a secure environment, where children have a sense of belonging. The childminder is committed to enhancing her knowledge and understanding about early years childcare and education, as she seeks guidance by attending training courses, such as child protection procedures, to ensure children's welfare and safety.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • keep all medication out of children's reach • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice

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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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