Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 161686 Inspection date 07 July 2005 Inspector Charlotte Jenkin

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two school aged children. They live in a detached house in Woodshaw, Wootten Bassett, Swindon Wiltshire, within walking distance to shops, schools, parks and the doctors. The downstairs of the property is used for childminding, as well as the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years. She currently

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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 minds three children under five years part time, as well as two children before and after school. She also cares for five older children before and after school, however she only has a maximum of six children at any one time, regardless of their ages. The family have no pets. The childminder is an active member of the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted as the childminder practises good hygiene routines with the minded children. They learn about the importance of hand washing and are cared for in clean premises. Children's health and welfare is safeguarded in the event of an accident and this is due to the childminder's sound knowledge of first aid and her accurate recording of accidents and medication administered. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating, and know they need to eat certain foods to become healthy and to 'grow big and strong'. This is re-enforced by the childminder who talks to children daily about the kinds of foods that are good and bad for them. Children bring their own packed lunches and these contain ice packs to ensure they do not pose a risk to children's health, and generally contain a balanced lunch. The childminder works in partnership with parents to promote both the safe

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Helping children to be healthy

storage of lunches and nutritious foods that the children may enjoy. Children talk about the healthy foods that they like, for example, 'I like cucumber and those little yellow bits of sweet corn'. They are happy to eat or try fruit at snack time, which the childminder gently encourages with the children who are less keen. They have regular access to drinks so do not become thirsty. Children regularly engage in physical exercise, for example going to the park, music and dancing activities and trips to the soft play areas. They have access to a wide range of equipment that promotes their physical development well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well organised environment where they have plenty of space to play and to explore the activities and resources on offer. They are able to access a sufficient range of toys and equipment that cover all areas of development which are stored in low level boxes. Children, therefore develop suitable levels of independence and make choices in their play. Children are cared for in a safe environment free from harm as the childminder prioritises children's safety and effectively minimises risks to them. Children are able to move around the premises freely and with confidence. They are well supervised

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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 both in the home and on outings and they learn how to keep themselves safe when out, for example staying together and holding hands when crossing the road. Younger children say 'we need to look out for the cars when we cross the road'. Children do not, however learn how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire, as the evacuation plan is not monitored for it's effectiveness, which could compromise children's safety. Children's welfare may not be fully safeguarded in the event of child protection concerns as, although the childminder has a reasonable knowledge of child protection issues, she has not updated her knowledge of the procedures to follow and does not share her duties formally with parents, which may put children at risk from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very quickly with the childminder, are confident in her care and quickly choose toys and activities and engage in co-operative play, for example making a shop in the tent. They readily approach the childminder for assistance, for example in setting up the train set, or to request activities, which she responds to quickly, which helps promote their good levels of self-esteem. There are excellent levels of conversation between the childminder and the children which promotes their language development and self-confidence, as they are obviously well valued, listened to and respected. Children engage in a wide range of activities, for example dough, role play, construction, cooking as well as frequent art and craft activities, which promotes their development in all areas. They benefit from the childminder's weekly routines which includes regular trips out to toddler groups, play areas and under 5's time at the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

library. Children play well together and develop good levels of independence, initiating their own play. The childminder utilises this well to develop children's concept in counting, language and aspects of safety when playing. The children take responsibility for their environment and help tidy away before starting new activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is respected fully and their needs are well met, which promotes the children's high self-esteem. All children have equal access to all activities, which the childminder adapts to ensure all ages of children can join in together. They develop good levels of independence and make choices in their play and at snack time. The children have consistent opportunities to socialise with other children and this promotes their social skills well and helps them to become part of the local community. Children learn to respect differences and value one another. This is due to the varied resources available that promote positive images of diversity.

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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 Children's behaviour is very good. They form excellent relationships and are very respectful towards one another and the childminder, for example saying please and thank you. Children benefit from the childminder's use of sensitive and age appropriate methods for managing children's behaviour. She sets realistic and consistent expectations for the children and is a very good role model, which the children respond well to. Children benefit from the solid partnership with parents. They are cared for consistently in line with parents wishes and their routines are respected and catered for very well. This is because the childminder liaises closely with parents regarding the care of their children and respects their wishes fully. Children are able to share their achievements with parents by taking their creations home, and by the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder exchanging information with them daily about the activities their children have taken part in. The childminder has very positive relationships with the parents of the children she cares for and they are very happy with the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. Children benefit from the childminder's continued updating of her knowledge and skills in childcare, through attending regular training. She has attended and continues to attend training for example the childminding convention, cookery and gardening workshops and HIV awareness. She is suitable and experienced, although she has not updated her knowledge of child protection procedures, which may leave children at risk from harm. Children are very happy in the well organised and relaxed environment, where they happily explore the toys and activities on offer. The childminder implements the required procedures: keeps the necessary documentation; gains appropriate consent from parents; which promotes children's welfare, care and learning. Required adult to child ratios are adhered to, therefore, children receive appropriate support and

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to maintain a list of all other persons in regular contact with the children and share this with parents. The childminder now keeps a list of all other persons that come into regular contact with the children and informs parents of this. This means parents know exactly who their children are in contact with during childminding hours.

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Complaints 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 There are no complaints to report.

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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 children are kept safe in the event of a fire, by monitoring the fire evacuation plan for it's effectiveness. • ensure children are not at risk from harm, by updating knowledge of child protection procedures and sharing these with parents.

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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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