Childminder in Isle of Wight

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225042 Inspection date 02 March 2006 Inspector Sue Williams

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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 lives with her partner and pre school age child. Their home is in a semi rural part of Ryde on the Isle of Wight. The entire premises are registered for childminding, however the childminder chooses to use the ground floor for most childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently two children on roll. The family do not keep pets.

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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 childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from becoming ill because the childminder takes strategic measures to limit the spread of infection and disease. For example, older children are beginning to manage their own personal hygiene. They understand why the childminder keeps surfaces clean because she talks to the children about what she is doing and why. They know they cannot see germs but that it is important to wash hands and keep the home clean. Children are further protected because written consent is sought from parents/carers for emergency medical treatment. Comprehensive procedures are in place for administration of medication and a 48 hour exclusion ban is imposed in the interest of all the children's welfare. Children enjoy robust play and physical exercise each day. For example, they use the garden and special outdoor pursuits are arranged for them. Children dance and jump, crawl

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Helping children to be healthy

and toddle and move about energetically indoors during inclement weather. Children learn about healthy eating because the childminder discusses the nutritious snacks and food she provides for the children. They talk about sweet things being enjoyed only as a treat. They eat the savouries first from the packed lunches they bring to the setting. The childminder offers snacks of fruit together with water or juice. Those who receive a breakfast in the setting enjoy cereal, toast, fruit or yogurt. The children discuss posters about sugary foods. Meals are a happy and social time where children discuss what they might do during the day and chat happily together. The baby is very much included at mealtimes, sitting with the children but in a high chair. Weaning programmes are supported or advised and babies' bottled formula is freshly prepared in the setting. Dietary needs are recorded and addressed and religious persuasion respected. Children have helped to make their own named and

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Helping children to be healthy

laminated placemats which they all use at mealtimes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a comfortable and homely setting where they have ample space to play and move freely during their time with the childminder. They have all the facilities they need such as suitable low level tables and chairs, a comfortable sofa and chairs plus bean bags to relax in. Children use clean and suitable toilet facilities with all the accoutrements necessary according to their stage of development. Sleeping children are regularly checked, and all children are handled with great care and respect. Children play in a secure garden with a wealth of good quality resources which are well maintained and in good order. All children including the very young are learning about safety, for example they watch and listen to the childminder and the older children talking about safety, they

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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 know they must cross the road by the 'bobbly things' under their feet and hold hands or the buggy and they must look and listen. Children are safe because the childminder is vigilant about supervision, she will only release them to named persons and she has carefully risk assessed her home to minimise potential accidents. Children are protected at all times. The childminder understands her duty to safeguard children and takes any action necessary to promote and maintain the safety and welfare of the children in her care. Accidents occurring in the setting are recorded on separate sheets in respect of confidentiality. These are dated and countersigned by parents/carers, however this is not a two way process.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children in the setting are secure happy and settled. They use a vast range of excellent well maintained and thoughtfully presented resources. The childminder knows the children very well and gears activities to meet the individual needs of each child. The childminder interacts with the children playing with small world play animals and cars. There is much imaginative play as together they make the animal sounds and discuss the safari truck and the vet's car as they introduce more resources to the game. For example, the childminder asks about size and position of the elephants. "Which is the big elephant, can you find the small elephant behind the car?" Later some discussion about the recent snow dusting in the garden and what the sunshine is doing to it in some areas. Imaginative play is further extended with well presented and exquisite dressing up clothes which include fantasy play princess

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and fairies, or police /fire officer/nurse outfits to ensure there are no stereotype roles. Children laugh and listen carefully as the childminder stops and starts the audio music tape. They dance and play their chosen musical instrument but have to stop when the music stops. There is much laughter and praise from the childminder because the children manage to do this. Babies enjoy separate resources which are clean and stored specifically for their use. If older children are enjoying a craft activity the babies are included. The childminder is very innovative, for example babies sit with the children and either use paint with their hands or have boxes to squash or textures to feel and examine according to the activity presented. Children also enjoy construction, gardening, baking, robust play with wheeled toys, hoops and balls, painting and art and craft to name but a few. They also enjoy just making mud pies

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and other messy play. Children visit many exciting and interesting places which the childminder organises for them. Children in the setting are involved, they explore confidently and respond to adults interest as they play, investigate, develop and interact on a variety of levels. Fun is the key aim for the children here. The childminder meticulously plans a wide range of innovative and interesting activities for the children. She introduces new learning and skills to ensure children's development is extended according to their individual or particular abilities.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children value diversity, for example they talk about people they see when out and about. They use resources which promote positive images of diversity such as books, jigsaws, musical instruments, dressing up clothes, videos and selected TV programmes. All children are welcome in the provision. Children who may have additional needs are well supported. The childminder works with parents and other professionals to maximise children's potential and development. She adapts equipment and resources to meet children's individual needs. Children are considerate. They take turns, sit nicely for meals and say please and thank you. The childminder has an excellent awareness of the differing levels of children's understanding and behaviour. Children watch out for one another. If an altercation arises and no harm is being done the childminder keeps a low profile and waits to see if the children resolve the issue themselves before removing the toy, she

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Helping children make a positive contribution

is vigilant about safety at all times. Praise or stickers are awarded not only for good behaviour but also for achievement, helpfulness and kindness toward one another. Children's needs are met through the excellent partnership with parents. The childminder highly values this partnership and carefully negotiates contracts with parents to ensure each child's needs are met. A book or daily verbal exchange about the children on arrival and departure keeps both parties informed about children and their progress. Parents receive a comprehensive pack including a record form, consent forms together with a range of policies to ensure they are fully informed about the provision. Parents have access to the regulators contact details and the childminder has a procedure for addressing complaints in accordance with the new guidelines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for because the childminder is suitably qualified and experienced to do so. The childminder previously worked in a child care setting and her expertise is reflected throughout her practice. She has pursued ongoing training and has completed the relevant childminding courses together with numerous training workshops and qualifications which are wide ranging and clearly enhance her practice which has a positive impact on the children in her care. Children are well supported because the childminder ensures ratios are maintained and children receive good quality care. Her registers are up to date and notate times of arrival and departure. The childminder uses her time well. She organises membership to the library where children look at and borrow books while they enjoy story time. Children enjoy many outside visits to local places of interest and exciting

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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 venues for robust play. For example, children play at Jungle Jims and Jolly Roger's where they engage in high energy play using specialised equipment. Children go to the parks and beaches where the use the children's playgrounds or collect treasures to take home and examine. Local Sure Start events are enjoyed together with picnics and meeting with other childminders and the children in their care. Most documentation is in place. The childminder uses her records effectively. Records are comprehensive, clear and well maintained. They are readily available for inspection at any time. The childminder works within the bounds of confidentiality and this is reflected in the way she records accidents and medication procedures, ensuring only the child's parent/carer has access to their child's records. Information

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Organisation

is shared with parent and reviewed every six months. The childminder displays her registration certificate while childminding is in session. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to enhance existing documentation with the contact details of Ofsted, should parents wish to make a complaint. Children are further safeguarded because parents/carers are now clear about the regulators contact details as this information is now included within the policy pack which they receive.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report 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 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): • include a pre existing injury record which both parent/carer and childminder

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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 sign.

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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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