Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313362 Inspection date 26 April 2006 Inspector Angela Ismond

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 sons aged 5 and 3 years. They live in a 3 bedroom house in the village of Erlestoke near Devizes. The children have access to a lounge/dining room as well as the kitchen and one of the upstairs bedrooms. There is a garden available for outdoor play which is grassed and a paved area for riding bikes and chalking etc. The childminder currently cares for 3 children aged, 11 months, 23 months and 2 years. All attend in part time arrangements.

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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 family have a dog. The childminder is a member of the NCMA (National Childminding Association) and also receives support from a local childminding group and her local GEM.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy and learn the importance of good hygiene practices as they wash their hands routinely as well as using baby wipes. There are good, clear hygiene and sickness procedures in place to maintain the children's good health. For example, the childminder wears disposable gloves when changing nappies. The environment and the equipment are well organised with good levels of cleanliness throughout. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet through the provision of nutritious snacks such as fruit. Drinks are readily available to the children so that they are able to fulfil their own thirst needs. Children's first aid needs are met effectively as the childminder has a valid first aid qualification and would know how to respond if there was an accident. There are clear procedures in place regarding the administration of medication whereby written

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Helping children to be healthy

consent is obtained from parents before any medication is administered. This means that health procedures and records are safe and comply with legal requirements. Children benefit from a close, warm and trusting relationship with the childminder which underpins the children's physical, social and emotional wellbeing. The childminder recognises and responds to the children when they need a rest or a cuddle. This enables the children to feel secure and confident in the childminder's care. Children are helped to keep fit and healthy as they enjoy daily outdoor play. Activities such as climbing, balancing, games and vigorous exercise are a regular feature which contributes to the children's good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can move around safely and independently because the childminder effectively identifies and minimizes potential hazards. For example, the children are kept safe as the home is kept securely locked at all times and the family dog is kept separated from the children. Children play safely in the fully enclosed outdoor play area with no hazards. Children begin to learn about their own safety as the childminder explains to them that she needs to make the hole in the paper as the pencil is sharp and they might cut themselves.

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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 Children's welfare is promoted through the childminder's sound understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She has a thorough awareness of the possible indicators of abuse such as bruises, burns and signs of neglect and has attended a child protection course. All the relevant documentation is in place and well implemented to ensure that the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder locates the good range of toys and equipment on the children's level so that they can safely select resources for themselves. Toys and equipment conform to relevant safety standards and are kept clean and well maintained. There is enough space for the children to enjoy their play in an environment which is child friendly and where they are made to feel valued and welcomed by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy being with the friendly and competent childminder and she interacts very well with them. She is very attentive as she talks to the children and responds well to their needs. Children are learning to share and take turns as the childminder tells the children that they must wait there turn to use the slide. Children are encouraged to think for themselves and recall past activities. For example, the childminder asks the children what they made on Monday and then she names different animals until the children remember that on Monday they had made fish. Children take part in a very good range of creative and craft activities. They enjoy making the clowns by colouring in the faces and sticking on the facial features. Children are beginning to use number and counting as the childminder asks the children how many eyes the clown has and the other features of the face which are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

needed to complete it. The children develop good opportunities to become independent as they help tidy the toys away and offer to help the childminder clean the table after craft time. Children learn well about the wider community and the care of animals as she takes them to look at the ducks and feed the chickens at a local farm. The childminder has a good plan of activities for the older children and is looking at ways to fully implement and effectively plan the Birth to three matters framework for the younger children. Most aspects of the framework are successfully covered. Children's progress is supported by the childminder and she shows the children how to maximise their play with the toys. She also allows the children to develop their own freedom of expression and make their own choices in their play and learning. Children are making good progress as they benefit from the activities provided and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they know the routine of the day well which makes them feel secure. The childminder observes what the children can do and how she can develop this further.

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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 Children are highly respected as individuals. Each child's needs are met through consistent discussion with the parents. Daily diaries are completed and draw on the positive aspects of the children's day, including their welfare, safety and routine. Photos are also contained in the diaries and together with the information recorded this keeps the parents fully informed of all aspects of the children's day with the childminder. New parents benefit from clear induction procedures which includes all policies and procedures, and children benefit from a settling in period tailored to their needs. Children demonstrate a good sense of belonging as they move freely between the resources and the rooms used for childminding. Children's routines are respected and catered for and the childminder effectively monitors all the children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

achievements, progress and shares these with the parents. The childminder has a good understanding of the issues surrounding the care of children with special needs and would work closely with the parents to fully meet those needs. The childminder provides a good range of meaningful activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world to increase the children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The children learn about diversity as they play, through resources such as small world figures and books which reflect positive images of disability, gender and cultures. They learn about the wider community as they enjoy regular visits to local amenities such as the library, woodland walks and local toddler groups. The children behave well and they benefit from regular praise and encouragement which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Good distraction methods are in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

place and the childminder deals with incidents with calmness and clear explanations. For example, the childminder explains to the children that the recorder is for blowing, not for hurting each other. The children are confident and content in the childminder's home. The warm and open relationship the children have with the childminder means that they can tell her about what they need.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are totally at ease in the very well organised environment and routine. The childminder organises her time, the activities and space well in order to meet the needs of all the children attending. Children benefit from a good selection of organised and free play activities to ensure that they remain occupied and interested. Records are formally and informally shared with the parents and the childminder ensures that all information is shared with the parents. The childminder is fully aware of any change in legislation and complies fully with legal requirements including ensuring that all adults in the household are vetted. Records are readily available for inspection at any time and these are in very good order. Certificates are displayed as required and the childminder shares all her records, discusses any worries or concerns with the parents. Adult to child ratios are maintained which ensures that the children are happy and

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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 supported in their play and learning. The childminder regularly attends training to keep her abreast of changes and to develop her already good practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations raised at the last inspection.

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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): • Develop the already good practice by continuing to implement and plan for the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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