Childminder in Herefordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 223442 Inspection date 09 January 2006 Inspector Deborah Ball

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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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband, one adult child and one child aged 12 years, on the outskirts of the city of Hereford. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear 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 six children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children on regular walks and outings.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clean, well kept and warm home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the daily routine and have a developing understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing outside, before meals and after using the toilet. Good quality documentation is maintained regarding the administration of medication and recording of accidents. A well stocked first aid box is available to ensure children's well-being is safeguarded in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They make good use of the enclosed garden and have a range of resources to help them improve and develop new physical skills, for example, having fun on the slide. They benefit from regular visits to the park where they further extend their physical skills by playing on larger apparatus suitable for their age and stage of development. The children enjoy being out in the fresh air and benefit from picnics outdoors in the warmer weather. The childminder does not presently provide food for the children, however their welfare is safeguarded through her appropriate hygiene procedures when handling the children's packed meals. The children's independence is fostered as they access drinks freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The home is secure and provides the children with sufficient space to play, rest and eat. Children are safe within their environment because potential risks have been identified and appropriate safety measures put in place, including stair gates and socket covers. The garden is secure, safe and suitable for the children to use. The children have access to a developing and suitable range of age appropriate toys and resources. They are challenged and stimulated by what is available to them. The toys and resources are in good condition and they are kept hygienic and clean for the children to use. The children learn how to keep themselves safe through everyday activities and gentle reminders from the childminder. For example, hazards such as water and talking to strangers are highlighted to the children and their understanding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of road safety is developed when they go out for a walk. Children are well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of the child protection procedures and is fully aware of her role and responsibility to protect

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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 the children in her care. Parents are made aware of these procedures so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns about their children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are provided with a wide range of activities and resources that are age appropriate and promote all areas of learning and development. They have fun and are challenged and stimulated by the activities and resources that are available to them and spend time concentrating on their chosen activity. The children are happy, settled and comfortable in their environment and confidently seek the support of the childminder for comfort and cuddles. They benefit from the childminder's loving and caring approach to the care of the children and her interaction and involvement in activities. Younger children are well supported in their play which allows them to take part in activities and games at their own level of development. Older children are developing increasing independence. They are able to access resources for themselves, use their initiative and make independent choices about their play and activities. They are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

confident to try to do things for themselves and also to ask for help. Children's individual needs, likes and dislikes are well catered for because the childminder has taken the time to get to know the children in her care. The childminder knows and understands children's individual needs and preferences over such things as favourite toys and comforters. As a result children develop close relationships and a sense of trust.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The children's individual needs are well met because the childminder has a clear understanding of the care that they require. The childminder would seek additional advice and support in order to meet the requirements of a child with special needs. Children have limited opportunities to gain a positive view of the wider world or to increase their understanding of other cultures because the childminder has few resources available and has not yet planned relevant activities. The children are well behaved and play harmoniously together. A sensitive and consistent approach to behaviour management ensures children know what is expected of them, while praise and constant support gives them confidence to try new things and helps them develop self-esteem. The parents and the childminder have formed good working relationships. Daily

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Helping children make a positive contribution

exchanges of information ensure that parents are kept well informed about their child's progress and the service provided. Children are cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from being cared for in a well organised environment. They are able to move freely between well spread out activities and confidently move between the indoor and outdoor areas as part of their play. The children have good access to their playthings and are able to freely select from a suitable and age appropriate range of resources. The home is well equipped and child friendly, while the daily routine is flexible to meet the individual needs of children. All of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place. Records are well maintained, effectively organised and carefully stored. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure training requirements are met in relation to first aid, to ensure written parental consent is available for all children and to improve procedures for recording behavioural concerns. The childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. She has also obtained consent from parents to seek medical advice or treatment in the event of an emergency, to ensure children receive appropriate care. Behavioural concerns are recorded and shared with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • extend the range of resources and activities that positively represent diversity in society.

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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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