Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510393 Inspection date 04 January 2006 Inspector Carol Johnson

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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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her two children aged 15 and 11 years in the Binley area of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day. She also minds a further five children, who attend for a variety of sessions, before and after school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a

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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 recognised early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. They stay healthy because the childminder takes effective steps to prevent the spread of infection. She encourages and follows good hygiene practices. For example, food preparation surfaces are regularly cleaned, towels are changed daily and hands are washed before food and after messy play and toileting. The childminder takes positive measures to ensure that children's best interests are served should they become ill or have an accident. First aid supplies are well stocked and children's individual medical information is appropriately exchanged and recorded. Also, the childminder ensures that parents are clear with regards to her written sickness policy and do not send children who are clearly unwell and may pose a health risk to others. Children's dietary needs are well met. They are provided with a good range of healthy meals and occasional snacks. For example, food offered at lunchtime

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Helping children to be healthy

includes sandwiches, soup, toast and yoghurts. Some children stay for a cooked evening meal. Drinks are provided throughout the day. The childminder makes good use of everyday experiences, such as shopping trips and cookery activities, to raise issues about healthy eating and good hygiene practices. Children's allergies and dietary requirements considered appropriately as the childminder talks to parents about their child’s needs and records and respects individual requirements. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They experience regular physical activity both at the childminder’s home and out in the local environment. They play out in the garden and walk to shops and parks. They are taken on outings to places of interest, for example, Coombe Abbey and Hatton Farm Park. Children are also given opportunities to go swimming and visit local sports facilities, where they can access a variety of soft play equipment. Children rest

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Helping children to be healthy

and sleep according to their needs and the childminder fits in around children's routines and parental wishes

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. There is plenty of space within the childminder's home and children are able to move and play safely and in comfort. Resources are clean and in good condition. The childminder regularly checks toys and equipment for safety and any broken toys are discarded. She takes effective steps to ensure that accessible resources are stored and used appropriately. For example, older children play with toys unsuitable for younger ones either in the dining room or when they are not present, or are otherwise engaged. Toys are stored in various places throughout the

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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 home. A carefully chosen selection of resources is put out, by the childminder, in the lounge on a daily basis. Older children can independently select further resources from boxes stored on the floor in the dining room. The childminder has thoroughly identified and minimised the potential risks for children in her care. She has a written safety policy that she shares with parents and a range of safety and security precautions are in place. These include a fireguard, smoke alarms, socket covers and a safety gate at the foot of the stairs. The shed and garden gates are kept locked. Children learn to keep themselves safe by following rules and safe practices. Road safety is discussed and reinforced through activities and general day to day practice. The childminder has devised an emergency escape

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

plan and it has been shared with the children. However, this has not been practised and consequently, everyone would not be clear as to procedures in the event of a real emergency situation. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good knowledge of abuse and neglect. She is clear with regards to her role and responsibilities towards protecting the children in her care and she is aware of local referral procedures. Children are supervised at all times and they are not left unattended with unvetted persons, for example, workmen or visitors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and having fun. They are provided with a good balance of planned and spontaneous activities that reflect their needs and interests. They experience messy play, take part in imaginary play activities and enjoy music and stories. Children go on frequent outings, for example, to the park, library and local community groups. They are learning to mix and socialise with other children and adults. They have access to a wide range of good quality resources, for example, construction toys, board games, dolls and a range of small world items. These are safely stored to allow some independent access and children are confident to ask for items that they cannot see or reach. Children's emotional needs are met by the childminder who offers appropriate support and comfort. She talks to parents to find out about children's individual likes, dislikes, comforters and routines. She responds to and anticipates their needs and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

recognises when they are tired, hungry or upset. Children have good relationships with each other and the childminder. They play happily together and share and take turns. Older children, when appropriate, are encouraged to support and include younger ones in their play and the childminder extends and reinforces children's learning by asking questions and listening to what they have to say.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. The childminder talks to parents to

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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 find out about individual needs and requirements. Therefore children are cared for in an atmosphere where parents' views are respected and valued. Children are given equal access to a wide range of resources that help them to develop a positive understanding of diversity. These include a range of books and videos, role play items and small world figures. Children mix with a range of adults and children in social situations and a positive attitude towards others in society is encouraged throughout everyday practice and activities. Children are beginning to learn about acceptable behaviour because the childminder uses good strategies to promote their understanding. For example, she has a calm manner, realistic expectations and acknowledges good behaviour. She also encourages children to share and show concern for others. The childminder has a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

written behaviour policy which she shares with parents, and methods for managing children's challenging behaviour are discussed and agreed to ensure consistency of care. Children are comfortable in the childminder's home because there is an effective two way sharing of information between her and parents. The childminder shares her daily routines through plans and photos and she invites comments from parents who have daily opportunities to verbally share information regarding their children's development, needs and experiences. The childminder displays a positive attitude towards caring for children with special needs and as a result all parents can expect any requests for care to be carefully considered and support sought if necessary.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled due to the childminder's good communication with parents and her caring manner. Parents and children benefit from the childminders professional attitude and commitment to training which is reflected in the good level of care and service she provides. She has attended a broad range of courses to extend her knowledge and understanding of child care related issues and she is currently working towards a level three quality assurance award.

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Organisation

The childminder's home is organised to allow children plenty of space to play and relax safely and comfortably. She has developed a selection of clear policies and procedures that she shares with parents to ensure children receive consistency and continuity of care. Required documentation to ensure the safe and effective management of the setting is in place and confidential information is securely stored. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that required adult:child ratios, as stated on her certificate of registration, were maintained at all times. This has been fully addressed and as a result children receive an appropriate level of supervision and attention.

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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

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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 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): • ensure that emergency evacuation procedures are practised.

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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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