Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY268534 Inspection date 14 June 2005 Inspector Susan, Esther Harvey

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 months and three years old in a house in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding part-time, one child under five and one child over five after school. The childminder walks to the local school to collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler and music group on a regular basis. The family have two

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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 cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene routines and personal care. They learn how to keep clean in a fun way. For example, children take part in creating a poster by cutting out pictures of objects from magazines which they have identified as helping to keep them clean. Children benefit from wide range of activities which extends their physical development. An example of this are the regular visits to the swimming pool and physical play activity centres were children learn about keeping healthy through regular exercise. Children benefit from nutritious snacks and home cooked meals which include vegetables and fruit. The childminder enables children to learn about a healthy diet and provides written details for parents of the food eaten by the children each day. However parents have the flexibility of providing their own food if they wish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a sick children's policy which she shares with parents. She is pro-active in preventing the spread of infection and encourages children to practise hygiene routines through regular hand washing. However her knowledge of infectious notifiable diseases is limited. The childminder ensures children's safety with regard to the pet dogs. The childminder has the necessary consents in place to administer medication, and has a current first aid certificate. This ensures that she acts in the best interest of the children should an accident occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children remain safe in a well organised home. The childminder has a clear understanding of safety and has the ability to minimise risks. For example, a stair gate fitted to the lounge door prevents children having unsupervised access to the stairs and kitchen. The childminder helps the children to develop an understanding of how to keep safe. For example, she teaches them about road and car safety. Children benefit from the fun aspect of learning about road safety as the childminder introduces them to "traffic lights" for stop and go when travelling in the car. The childminder ensures that children are made aware of fire risks. They enjoy the experience of going on a variety of outings. An example of this is the visit to the fire station and watching the "fire fly" video. This highlights the risks attached to handling matches. Children are aware of the emergency procedure which has been regularly

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

practised should it be necessary to evacuate the premises. Children's welfare is enhanced by the childminder's sound knowledge and

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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 understanding of child protection reporting procedures. Children can select from a good range of quality toys and equipment that meets safety standards. They move independently from inside to outdoor play with ease and are well aware of the boundaries set for remaining safe. For example, the premises are secure with the childminder in charge of opening the door.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the home following a gradual induction into the daily routine. They are able to choose between a variety of books, puzzles and other activities. This includes vegetable print painting and cooking, where children are introduced to simple science in the preparation of food changing into the cooked result. Children's fine manipulative skills are increased as they ice biscuits in "traffic light" colours to support the safety topic. Children are introduced to the use of recyclable material as the childminder creates a "Thomas the Tank Engine" model out of a large card board box. Children are then able to extend their large muscle control by climbing in and out of the engine filled with plastic balls. Regular outings to the park ensures that children are able to develop an understanding of the natural world around them as they feed the ducks. They learn about growth and nature as the childminder encourages the children to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

grow sunflowers and take responsibility for watering them. Children extend their concentration through the use of bright and colourful story books. They develop an interest in story telling and repetitive rhymes as the childminder patiently reads the story several times to them. There is a good selection of board games which encourage the children to identify shapes. Children are regularly taken to music activities where they learn the sense of rhythm and timing. The childminder is motivated to provide interesting outings and activities that enable the children to learn through play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well and are made to feel welcome by the childminder. Children are able to share and take turns. They move feely and confidently around the room choosing resources and tidying away toys. The childminder takes time to help children associate their sense of belonging with the past as they recall outing events. An example of this is the recollection by children of the visit to the fire station refreshed by looking at the photographic evidence provided by the childminder. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that information is shared and links with home are secured. Children's daily activities, comments and achievements are shared with parents through the use of a daily diary. This ensures continuity of care for the children and that their individual needs are being met.

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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 The childminder values and respects children as individuals, they gain self-assurance through a close relationship with her.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a sound understanding of children's needs. Children's safety is appropriately maintained and the home facilities are well organised to meet their needs. Children are welcomed into a family environment where the space provided gives them the opportunity to choose from a range of low-level sited areas. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. These are shared with parents who are kept fully informed of the service that childminder provides. She maintains the necessary documents to a high standard. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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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): • obtain knowledge of infectious notifiable diseases in order to report effectively to Ofsted

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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