Childminder in Bath and North East SomersetOfsted inspection, 4 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 132921 Inspection date 04 April 2006 Inspector Barbara Walters

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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 satisfactory. 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 1999. She lives with her husband, adult son and 14 year old son in the Perrymead area of Bath. The whole of the downstairs area of the house is used for childminding and an upstairs bedroom for sleeping. The patio area of the back garden is used for outdoor play. The childminder also uses the local facilities including the park and library. The family have two rabbits. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children on a part-time basis. She cares for younger children throughout the day and older children during the school holiday periods. The

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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 home is within walking distance of the local shops. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm home where they develop awareness of health and hygiene through established routines such as hand washing procedures and keeping the toys and equipment clean. Children begin to develop independence with self-help skills such as washing their hands before food, although children still face some potential risk of cross contamination as they share the family towel. Children's health is promoted by the childminder's clear understanding of the appropriate measures to take if children become ill. The childminder manages accidents appropriately and shares the records with parents. However, children's welfare is not fully promoted as the childminder has not obtained written permission from parents before administering medication. The childminder holds a first aid certificate. Children begin to develop an understanding of healthy eating through a variety of

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Helping children to be healthy

snacks provided by the childminder. Younger children are offered drinks throughout the day. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents to provide snacks and meals that meet children's dietary needs and preferences. Children enjoy a range of outdoor activities to ensure their physical needs are cared for; the childminder ensures that there is a daily opportunity for active play through visits to the local park, walks and other places of interest. Regular exercise and outdoor activities contribute to children's good health and the daily routine includes time to rest or be active according to their needs.

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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 spacious home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around freely and independently. Safety features, such as safety gates and equipment, ensure that children are sufficiently safe from harm. Children are supervised by the childminder according to their age and ability. The childminder has developed an emergency evacuation procedure, and children are fully protected as they practise the fire drills. Children understand how to keep safe and learn road safety by using safe procedures, such as the green cross code, when walking along the roads. A range of safe toys which promote development is accessible to children. They are age appropriate and meet safety standards for the designated age group. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She knows the appropriate procedure for recording and monitoring children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

accidents and injuries and sharing information with their parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and interested in the varied range of well-maintained resources which help develop their learning. They are eager to explore and investigate what is on offer and delightedly take the initiative in their play and develop good levels of self esteem. The childminder's active involvement in the children's play helps them to focus and develop their concentration skills, for example, a child sat quietly during a story. Her concentration was sustained for a long period of time as she listened carefully and thoughtfully discussed the different characters in the book. The childminder offers support and encouragement when needed to enable children to try out new experiences. They can explore freely, and pursue their interests enthusiastically. Children are given regular choices and they become increasingly confident. They spend time purposefully in play together and take pleasure in each

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

others' company. Children's sense of belonging is also developed by their warm relationship with the childminder and members of her family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals as they follow the daily routines appropriate for their needs. The childminder offers each child an appropriate level of support and includes all children in games and activities. Individual sleeping routines are respected. Children are safe and secure and enjoy a close relationship with the childminder and benefit from the contact with others in the household. The childminder provides clear, consistent boundaries and has a positive approach to behaviour management. She promotes children's awareness of care and concern for each other, for example, by encouraging them to share, and they are happy and relaxed. Children make themselves at home, becoming confident about making choices and asking for what they want to play with. Children learn about their local community as they go on routine outings to the local park, library and coffee mornings. They have on-going opportunities to learn about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

different people in the community and the wider world. Children benefit from resources which provide positive images of diversity. Relationships with parents are friendly and they are made welcome. The childminder works closely with parents, sharing appropriate information with them through discussion about the children's needs and interests. The consistency of approach help children feel secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are supported by the childminder and they feel at home and at ease. The

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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 play facilities are organised so that they are easily accessible. Information and procedures are discussed with parents and the childminder works closely with them so children experience continuity of care. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. All relevant documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place, although the record of attendance is not kept up to date. Overall, the provision meet the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure the kitchen cupboards, lounge window and fireplace do not pose a hazard to children; to ensure a record book is in place for recording child protection concerns; to complete a first aid course and to expand the range of toys reflecting positive images of diversity. The childminder has put procedures in place to ensure children's safety and developed a record book for child protection concerns. She has developed the range of resources which reflect diversity and attended a first aid course.

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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 satisfactory. 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 handwashing procedures limit the spread of infection • develop the procedure for the administration of medication to children in

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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 respect of parent's prior written permission • ensure children's record of attendance is kept accurate and up to date.

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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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