Childminder in Bristol

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY288266 Inspection date 31 January 2006 Inspector Timothy Butcher

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and child aged three, in Horfield, Bristol. The whole of the first floor, except the main bedroom is used for childminding. In addition, children also have access to the kitchen, dining room and hallway on the ground floor. The near end of a fully enclosed garden is used for outside play. The childminder is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and local park.

p.2

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 for whom English is an additional language.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are helped to keep healthy as the childminder has spoken with parents about their individual health needs. Children are protected from the spread of infection through appropriate hygiene practices, for example, through suitable nappy changing procedures. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. The childminder has a close relationship with the children, she provides lots of suitable cuddles and close contact. They appear to be settled and secure. Children can rest or be active according to needs. Children are encouraged to eat healthily. Parents usually provide snacks and the childminder provides lunches. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day. Young children are regularly offered water to ensure they are not thirsty. The required documentation for the administration of medication and for accidents is held and appropriately contributes to the safeguarding of children's health. The

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children have suitable opportunities for physical play and exercise. The childminder ensures children are able to be active both inside and outside of the home. There are visits out most days to either the park, library or to toddler group.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment where the majority of risks have been identified and minimised. For example, stair gates are in place and the premises are secure. Low-level glass is protected and cupboards have child-proof catches fitted. However, the garden is unsafe as new fencing panels, which are stored close to the building, pose a potential hazard to children. Smoke detection equipment is in place and the childminder has thought about her emergency evacuation procedure. The premises are made welcoming to children with toys displayed at their eye level and a child-sized table and chairs for children to sit at a comfortable height. Children move freely around the first floor lounge and landing as the space is usually well managed. Sometimes the number of toys in use restrict the space available for children to play. There is an adequate range of suitable toys and other resources

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

made available to children. A small variety of toys are put out in readiness for children, including sit-on equipment. The childminder has some understanding of child protection issues and children are protected. However, there are some gaps in her knowledge and she is unfamiliar with some detail.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children gain satisfactory learning experiences through play. Toddlers are engaged in a series of activities generally appropriate to their abilities and interests. For example, they develop their manipulation skills as they put small building blocks into a box and shapes into a shape sorter. They listen to different sounds coming from musical toys and dance to familiar nursery rhymes. Children are gently introduced to drawing materials, for example a young child is helped to hold a crayon as she attempts to make a mark. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development. She establishes her routines around the needs of children, organising nap times to coincide with their routines at home where possible. The childminder supports children's early language skills with lots of conversation to initiate sounds and with praise and encouragement in response to the noises or words children make. The childminder makes regular

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

use of art and craft activities and story-time sessions at the local library. Children appear happy and content and make satisfactory progress in all areas of their development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and have their needs satisfactorily met. Through discussions with the parents, the childminder has established their preferences and the children's individual likes and dislikes. She takes these into consideration when planning the day and the care arrangements. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has with parents. There is a solid exchange of information. An opportunity at the start or end of each session is used for discussion, so parents are kept well informed about their child's day. The childminder has some resources to help children gain an awareness of diversity. She has access to a toy library but her toy resources to promote positive images of culture, race, gender and disability are limited. The childminder has no experience of caring for a minded child with special needs. However, the procedures for sharing information with parents are comprehensive and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

processes are inclusive of all children. Children mix well and are encouraged to share. They learn right from wrong, as strategies for the management of behaviour are appropriate to children's ability and understanding.

p.4

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 The childminder has the majority of the required documentation in place. Suitable records are held that promote the welfare of children and support the safe management of the provision. However, a record of complaints is not held. Procedures are effective in identifying children's individual needs, which contributes to their continuity of care. The childminder organises her time well and manages the space and resources effectively. The childminder is keen to develop her practice. Children experience a balanced range of activities and play opportunities in a welcoming and supportive environment. Children enjoy a relaxed and warm relationship with the childminder and are making sound progress. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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 registration.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the fence panels stored in the garden do not pose a hazard to children • develop further the knowledge and understanding of child protection issues • extend further the toy resources that promote children's positive experiences of diversity • develop the system for the recording of complaints.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6