Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY253951 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Michelle Tuck

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since March 2003. She is registered to provide care for 5 children under 8 years, of these not more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these not more than 1 may be under 1 year. The childminder lives with her partner and 2 daughters, aged 8 and 5 years, in an end terrace house, on the edge of Ilminster. Minded children have use of the lounge/diner, conservatory, with toilet and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. There are currently 9 children on roll.

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 family have 2 pet cats to which the children have supervised access to.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. For example all meals provided by the childminder are healthy and nutritious, and low in sugar. Children's health is promoted with the availability of drinks of water or milk at all times. Children benefit from regular physical exercise. They enjoy playing in the garden or at the park and walk to school everyday. Children's individual needs are well understood with close liaison with the parents, to ensure consistency. Children's individual rest patterns are well managed to ensure each child's needs are met along side others. Children learn about personal hygiene through well established routines. They understand good simple health practices due to the childminder's positive role model. For example children are given individual kitchen towel to dry their hands, and the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

childminder washes her hands before preparing snacks. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder is vigilant about good hygiene.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move safely, freely and independently around the house. For example, good quality toys are easily accessible to the children and stored at their height. Most risks have been addressed appropriately and children are protected. However, children can access one electrical socket and a trailing wire is also accessible to children. Children are encouraged to explore the house and garden with a good supervision. For example children help themselves to toys and resources in the conservatory, where the childminder puts away any small toys to ensure the baby is safe. Children are protected in the event of a fire with good procedures in place for evacuation. Children feel safe and secure as they are well supervised and they know how to behave in order to remain safe. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the childminders knowledge of child protection issues and she is confident on the procedures to follow.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled with the childminder in her home. They enjoy the excellent interaction and support provided by the childminder. Children show an

p.3

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 interest in what they do, and know the routine. For example, they happily share a snack of fruit at break time, sitting at the coffee table. Children absorb the information they are given from the childminder and concentrate for long periods to complete a task. For example children have access to age appropriate educational computer games. They are skilled at moving the mouse and completing the task with support and supervision from the childminder. Children enjoy the childminder getting on the floor and playing with them. She talks to them while they play, asking open questions to make them think. Children's individual needs are understood and well met, through the provision of interesting and varied activities. For example young children have access to a treasure basket which contains some wooden multicultural musical instruments as

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well as small plastic bottles filled with different coloured water for children to shake and explore. Children greatly benefit from a rich environment in which to play and explore. Their art work is well displayed on the patio doors. The 'Birth to three matters' framework is considered in all that is offered to the children. For example, painting is not just painting anymore. The childminder is aware of the sensory proprieties and encourages the children to feel or smell the paint. Children benefit from a good balance of adult led and child initiated activities. Children show a strong interest in books, they are familiar with the stories and they interact well with the childminder who constantly reinforces their learning. For example, children enjoyed singing 'five little ducks' with the childminder. Children eagerly went to fetch a box which contained five little ducks and a larger duck to compliment the song, then the childminder looked at the book with the children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to the childminders warm and gentle approach.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met. Children benefit from a structured routine that is flexible to accommodate different needs. Children feel valued and respected as they are listened to and given regular praise and encouragement. Children laugh and enjoy being together. They settle quickly to activities due to the childminders gentle approach. Children's behaviour is good and their self esteem is high due to the regular praise and encouragement given. Children's ability to share is good and is helping them from a very young age to make good progress in their social skills. Children learn about the wider world through everyday activities and experiences. Resources which reflect positive images of diversity are introduced in a natural way. The childminder is aware of different kinds of special needs and is knowledgeable about how she would develop her understanding to care for specific needs. Children

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

benefit from the childminders good knowledge and promotion of equal opportunities. For example, she knows that sometimes children have to be treated differently for them to be able to take part in the same activity. Children benefit from good partnerships between parents and the childminder.

p.4

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 Parents are well informed about the provision through a comprehensive pack including policies and procedures. Information is shared through informal discussions and if the parents request, provision of written diaries are available.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children benefit from the childminders effective organisation of her time and space. For example there is a flexible routine that is led according to the individual needs of the children. There is regular sharing of information with parents through relevant policies and procedures, and by keeping documentation up to date. Children feel confident in the well organised setting, for example they can make choices and access resources freely. Children benefit from a childminder who is committed to continuous improvement. The childminder has attended various courses and workshops to help her further develop her good practice. Good knowledge and understanding of the national standards and implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework have also contributed to the good organisation and care given.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was agreed that the childminder would ensure good hygiene practises are in place regarding nappy changing resources and contact with animals and hand washing. The childminder now has a box where she stores all nappy changing equipment. Each child has an individual towel which is laid on the floor and as well as washing her own hands the child's hands are washed after nappy changing. She also agreed to ensure the garden is safe for children's play with particular reference to the storage of the bricks, paving slabs and bike frame. The garden is tidy and safe for the children. The childminder agreed to have relevant procedures in place with particular reference to the register, recording of existing injuries and storing of children's information. All documentation is now in place, up to date and stored confidentially. The childminder was also asked to make sure that the premises are secure and that children are unable to leave them unsupervised. The

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

front door is kept locked and the key kept on a hook nearby but out of reach to children.

p.5

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.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 sockets are inaccessible to children. • ensure trailing wires are inaccessible to children.

p.6

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

p.6

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