Childminder in Herefordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY261711 Inspection date 13 February 2006 Inspector Josephine Mary Hammick

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven & three years. They live in a house in a market town in Herefordshire, with shops, schools, libraries and leisure facilities close by. The whole of the ground floor is registered for childminding, and use of the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play. The childminder is registered for four children and currently has six on roll. The family has one dog.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clean and warm environment because the childminder takes positive steps to develop children’s understanding and awareness of good hygiene. She explains the importance of hand washing, providing encouragement and support. Children wash their hands before meals, after handling animals, after playing outside and at frequent intervals throughout the day. Sick children are made comfortable. Procedures include contacting parents, collecting children and excluding those who are ill or infectious. Children’s records are well maintained and are regularly reviewed and updated. Individual needs, for example, particular allergies and dietary/cultural needs are respected and appropriate action is taken. Parents' wishes are respected. Snack and meal times are sociable occasions. The children and childminder enjoy a shared meal sitting at the table. Snacks offered mid morning and afternoon and

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Helping children to be healthy

cooked food at lunchtime are nutritious and sufficient in quantity. Children take an active interest in healthy eating by making a record of the fresh fruit and vegetables they eat during the day by colouring in a graph. Children can access drinks regularly throughout the day, for example, fruit juice, sugar free squash, milk and water Children are developing an awareness of a healthy lifestyle as they participate in good physical activities and make independent choices from healthy snacks and drinks. Their physical development is promoted through using the garden, going for walks across the fields and using local play grounds and parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as a result of the childminder’s good awareness of health and safety. All reasonable steps are taken to eliminate injury or risk of cross infection together with regular risk assessments on equipment and the premises. Children learn about safety within planned and unplanned learning activities provided. Safety issues are discussed with, and understood by older children. Children’s awareness of safety issues is continuously developed through everyday activities within the home and during outings, for example, using the 'green cross code', highlighting hazards such as water, fire and practising emergency evacuation procedures regularly. A high priority is given to the condition and safety of the equipment, procedures for fire safety and security of the premises. There is a written emergency evacuation

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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 policy together with a detailed diagram of the premises highlighting all exits. Fire safety precautions are good with smoke alarms fitted to each level of the home, the fire blanket is in place and effective evacuation procedures are practised regularly with the children. Children are well supervised. There are safe procedures for their arrival and collection. Children depart with a named adult only. Children benefit from access to good resources covering all ages and stages of developmental need. Equipment is of a high standard of cleanliness and play value. Children can access toys easily which are stored at their height and rotated on a regular basis to stimulate interest and curiosity. Children are well protected. The childminder has received basic training in child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection through her introductory course and has a satisfactory understanding of the indicators of abuse. She is familiar with area child protection guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very secure with the childminder and have good self esteem. They are relaxed and settled and this enables them to make good progress. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development. She takes time to find out what interests each child and what he or she knows and can do. She builds upon this information to plan and provide a variety of activities and opportunities to help children progress in all areas of learning. For example, the day is planned so that children are able to be creative, imaginative, have opportunities for outside play as well as rest and sleep. However, the childminder would benefit from formalising her existing knowledge of the development of babies and children under three years of age by accessing training based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children are encouraged to make the most of their experiences by the childminder’s

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

careful consideration of what the child might be able to learn and what they will say and do to guide their learning. She consistently and positively interacts with the children to encourage their interest, involvement and learning. For example the children enjoy planned craft activities closely supervised by the childminder. They are also given the opportunity for 'free play' with the children taking a lead role with the childminder extending their play in a supportive but inconspicuous way. Children also learn by participating in many day to day domestic routines and activities as well as from particular activities and resources provided by the childminder to ensure the children benefit from a broad range of experiences. For example, helping to set the table for lunch and tidying away toys and equipment. The children are making positive relationships and are developing their listening and communication skills. For example, they enjoy socialising at meal times and listening

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

at story times thus giving them opportunities to extend their vocabulary and practise their speech.

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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 Children are developing independence. They are able to access resources for themselves, using their initiative and taking responsibility. They behave well in response to warm encouragement and praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to share their toys and enjoy playing together. Behaviour is good and ‘rules’ are clear. They are praised when they help each other. The children respond well to a clear behaviour management policy which is shared with and understood by parents. There are effective and consistent ways for dealing with children’s behaviour, which includes setting boundaries, using praise and distraction. There are good partnerships with parents, written agreements are clear, detailed and comprehensive. Regular discussions take place to exchange information, discuss concerns and highlight children’s progress. Opportunities are provided for confidential discussion should a parent request it. Children are treated with equal care and concern. The childminder supports children with special needs and their individual needs are well met. She works closely with parents to ensure that there is continuity between home and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about diversity within the community and the wider world through the good range of activities that are provided. Children understand the boundaries set within the home. They understand right from wrong, the need to apologise and share. The childminder has a good understanding about suitable strategies for managing behaviour. Praise and encouragement are used effectively by the childminder and children respond with good behaviour. Children are well behaved, share and organise games amongst themselves amicably. The childminder is calm and caring in her approach with the children. Children benefit from a good relationship between the childminder and their parents. Information is shared daily with them when they collect their child from the childminder's home. Children’s individual needs are well met. Good partnerships with parents mean that the children are well settled with a familiar and trusted adult, separate freely from

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their parent and are gaining self assurance and confidence with others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and make good progress because the childminder is an enthusiastic, caring and very capable child carer. She has a very positive attitude to developing her childminding practice by attending training and keeping up to date with current legislation. This enables her to provide a broad, interesting, and stimulating range of activities for children in her care. She organises her home and time very effectively. She works directly with the children so that they are well

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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 supervised and positively supports their care, learning and play, which ensures that children are happy, relaxed and comfortable. For example, she plans ahead and is well prepared for when children arrive. She encourages their involvement in activities and makes time to work directly with them supporting their relationships and play. Attractive, clear and detailed information is provided to parents about the childminding practice and service provided. This includes the certificates of registration, public liability insurance and training. Parents are informed about how they may complain about any aspect of the service. The parents know the contact number for Ofsted and its role as the regulatory body. There is a complaints log book kept which is up to date and can be accessed at any time upon request.

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Organisation

Positive steps are taken to ensure that persons who have contact with the children are suitable. Children are never left unsupervised with a person who has not had suitable clearance. All the required documentation is in place, well presented and accessible for inspection. There are comprehensive written policies and information for parents about childminding practices. Children’s attendance is promptly and accurately recorded. However, there is no permission to seek emergency medical attention recorded. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, recommendations were made that the childminder should update her training in first aid and obtain a current certificate, to acquire toys and equipment to promote positive images of diversity and to expand her knowledge of child protection issues. Since then, she has completed a first aid course and now holds a current certificate, has acquired resources to promote inclusive play and has put her name down for child protection training. Children benefit from access to toys and equipment to broaden their knowledge and understanding of diversity and the wider world in which they live. The childminder is aware of area child protection guidelines and knows the signs and symptoms of abuse. Children's safety is given priority.

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Complaints 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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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 permission is obtained from parents to seek emergency medical attention • consider using Birth to Three Matters to enhance practice with the under three's.

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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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