Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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505312 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2006 Inspection date Carol Mansell Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since November 2000. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 9 years and 5 years in Linslade, Bedfordshire. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 5 children under 5, 1 full-time and 4 part-time and 2 children over 5 years before and after school and 3 children over 8 years part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has 2 rabbits.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is member of the local childminding network and Leighton Buzzard Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into a friendly home environment where they can play, rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Children are learning about being healthy as the childminder involves them in the healthy eating scheme being run in their area. She updates her dietary knowledge regularly and uses an on-line dietician for further advice. Children are encouraged to try new tastes such as, mango and kiwi fruit. The childminder ensures children have carrot sticks and apples throughout the day, as well as providing appropriate portions with their main meals. Children are well nourished and are learning about healthy eating and the positive impact this has on their growth and development. Children are able to put their knowledge into practice as they help the childminder to plan menus for the following days and join in with cooking and baking activities. This enhances their knowledge and extends their

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy as the childminder follows the appropriate health and hygiene procedures. They are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after toileting. Parents provide individual towels for their children and these are washed regularly which helps to prevent the spread of infection, along with encouraging them to be independent. Younger children have their personal care fully supervised. The childminder checks nappies frequently and changes these as often as necessary following strict procedures to prevent the spread of germs and protect the children in her care. Children have their needs met as the childminder is aware of any medical conditions that need to be monitored regularly and she ensures they have access to inhalers when needed. She works in collaboration with the parents to ensure appropriate procedures are followed, safeguarding the children's well-being. The childminder makes sure

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Helping children to be healthy

she has the required consents from parents regarding emergency treatment or advice and additional items for first aid, such as plasters. This enables her to care for the children in line with parents wishes. She adheres to strict procedures when children are unwell and this helps to protect the children from infection and safeguard their welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. These include the children accessing the local park as well as the childminder's garden. Children are developing their self-confidence in their physical skills as they use a range of indoor and outdoor toys and equipment. This includes joining in with dance activities, using ride-on toys, the trampoline and large outdoor resources such as, noughts and crosses. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework as a reference point to ensure the children are developing appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment where risks have been identified and minimized. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a competent approach to safety both at home and when on outings in the local community. She ensures the children follow clear and precise directions when walking to school or the local park. She encourages the children

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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 to take care when crossing the road and helps them to understand the need to be vigilant, taking care of themselves and others. Children receive verbal reinforcement when necessary and recognise that this is to help them to avoid accidental injuries.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a large array of toys and equipment. The older children take responsibility to ensure younger children are safe in this environment. They ensure small toys are kept out of the way and inform the childminder if any toys are damaged. This ensures all children to have access to safe and suitable resources. The childminder rotates the resources regularly and extends these by gaining access to additional resources through the local childminding network. This ensures the children are stimulated and challenged in their play which helps to develop their confidence and extend their knowledge and skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a light airy room which has large windows allowing natural sunlight to shine through. This allows them to see what is happening in the neighbourhood as well as having a constant supply of fresh air. Children enjoy using the outdoor area and are aware of keeping themselves safe. They are aware of their surroundings and this helps them to use the area appropriately. They watch the rabbits, use the decked area when the grass is too wet to play on and are aware of plants that are pretty to look at but can be painful to touch, such as rose bushes. These have been planted towards the rear of the garden allowing the children to enjoy the sight and smell but not to touch the thorns, thereby keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a high regard to the safety of children in her care. She has a clear understanding of her responsibilities to protect the children and ensures parents understand her duty of care. She is undertaking additional training to ensure she is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very well settled and happy at the childminder's home. They are secure and confident with themselves, the childminder and her family. Children play contentedly together and have opportunities to explore and extend their learning through their play. They have access to a wide range of resources and use these effectively. Children's independence skills are developing as they take part in child-led activities using their own imagination and skills. Children are able to use previous experiences to lead their play. The childminder interacts well with the children. She allows them space to play unheeded and is always available to offer support should the children need it.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's all-round development is encouraged as the childminder provides appropriate toys and resources for their stages of development. She offers some adult-led activities such as, planting snapdragons and making different bugs in playdough to represent those that they have found in the garden. This helps children to show an interest in what they are doing and to acquire new knowledge and skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children have their needs met as the childminder uses a record of activities and attainments to ensure children are making progression in their development at an acceptable rate. Children are introduced to new words and mathematical knowledge as part of their everyday

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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 play. They take part in songs, counting rhymes and stories which helps to build their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of resources that include those which show positive images which helps them to understand and appreciate different cultures, gender roles and disabilities. Children have a positive role model in the childminder as she shows the children that they are all special and helps them to understand that it is important that they are all friends. This helps children to recognise their own and other peoples needs. Children visit places in their community such as the park, shops and childminding groups. All children are accepted and valued and activities are adapted to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy, secure and play well together. Older children have a good awareness of the needs of the younger children and work harmoniously together. They understand the 'house rules' and have opportunities to make choices and take decisions. They receive appropriate support from the childminder and are given additional reminders when needed. This helps the children to understand responsible behaviours. Young children are distracted by the childminder when inappropriate behaviour is demonstrated. She helps them to feel secure in the setting and this helps them to develop a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong relationship that has built up between the childminder and the parents. Children are cared for by the childminder who works with the parents to meet individual children's needs and ensures they are included fully in the life of the setting. Parents receive written and verbal information from the childminder. They are encouraged to participate in their child's care, learning and play. Children benefit as parents regularly share information with the childminder which assists the children in making a smooth transition from home to the childminders care and later as they progress on to school.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed, feel secure and comfortable in the well-organised environment. Space, resources and the daily routine help to create an appropriate learning environment for the children. They are able to choose their own play and seek adult support when needed. Documentation is well-organised and recording procedures are generally used effectively to promote care and learning of the children who attend. However, minor omissions may compromise children's welfare, such as those referring to the emergency evacuation procedures.

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Organisation

Children benefit as the childminder continues to add to her own personal development through training such as, completing child protection and 'Birth to three matters' framework training. This enables the childminder to offer good quality care and facilities to the children. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make sure all equipment used for nappy changing was hygienic. She has done this by requesting parents' provide a changing mat for their child ensuring it is only used for that child, thereby safeguarding children's welfare.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She also agreed to obtain a copy of the local child protection guidance and provide copies of her car insurance and M.O.T. certificate. She has updated her documentation regarding child protection and has increased her knowledge and understanding by reading this material and including it in her procedures. She provided Ofsted with proof of appropriate levels of insurance and a current MOT certificate enabling her to care for the children adequately and safeguarding their well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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.

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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): • ensure all records are maintained effectively.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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