Childminder in Bedford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 219385 Inspection date 12/05/2005 Inspector Lynne Kathleen Talbot

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Type of inspection Care Type of care Childminding

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Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be freely reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided the source and date of publication are stated.

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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.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

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.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

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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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The provider must give a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must give a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Day Care and Childminding (inspection) (England) Regulations 2005 No 2300 Regulations 5 and 6).

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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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and four children aged 16 years, 14 years, 10 years and 16 months. Their house is in Kempston, near Bedford. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding and one bedroom on the first floor for sleep only. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has pet fish. The childminder walks to and from local schools to take and collect children. She attends toddler groups with minded children. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 years, and 2 children aged 5-8 years. She also cares for children over 8 years of age. The childminder supports children with special educational needs although none are on role at present. Overnight care is not part of the registration. The childminder is part of a local childminding support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are interesting outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they dig in the sand and ride on wheeled toys. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children’s physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a rest or drink. Children recognise when they are hungry and initiate clearing toys away and the cleaning of tables to make space to sit and eat together.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted through effective policies and procedures planned by the childminder. Children increase their understanding of the importance of washing their hands to maintain good health through well-established hygiene routines and clear explanations. Younger children learn through example and encouragement. The childminder promotes their independence by placing boxes of tissues at a lower level and encouraging children to take part in personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy and well-balanced diet. Younger children are offered drinks throughout the day while older children help themselves to water at any time. Children develop awareness of their likes and dislikes. They are given opportunities to try traditional dishes from countries around the world extending their awareness and experiences. Individual needs are met through the use of clear information obtained from parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. They play safely and move purposefully between activities. Children are developing independence through accessibility of the equipment. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe both within the home and when outdoors. This is achieved through regular fire evacuation practice, regular discussions on road safety and procedures that are followed whenever they are enjoying trips.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to take responsibility for themselves and to keep themselves safe. They understand when the childminder explains and reminds them not to throw things indoors, responding to gentle reminders. Children eagerly relate events to adults as they remember what they must do to keep safe when on outings. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through effective procedures and knowledge through training; for example Child Protection. Children are able to thrive and remain safe due to the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibility towards protecting them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged, supported and shown to be confident in a range of activities that promote all areas of learning. They become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities both indoors and outside. The childminder uses the Birth to Three Matters Framework to promote children’s learning and she plans to increase it's use to benefit children's overall development. All children spend their time purposefully. Children complete self chosen tasks thereby increasing their sense of achievement. The childminder understands the need for children to explore their own capabilities and have time to work at new skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's knowledge and understanding of the world around them is promoted through the range of practical activities made available to them. They benefit from regular social contact with various people from the community thereby increasing their appreciation of others around them. Children are able to represent their experiences, feelings and ideas in a variety of ways through experimenting with medium including paint, inviting craft materials, sand and the use of small and large role play materials. Older children are developing their own ideas for activities and exploring the facilities and environment around them. The Childminder who recognises the need for care to adapt to developing personalities and increasing independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are very well met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. They show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. Relationships are good at all levels. Children are developing an awareness of other cultures, equality and a broad view of the world through play. The childminder treats all children as individuals and ensures there are varied opportunities in which they may participate. Children value time together and show that they enjoy developing their communication skills. They show a good understanding of turn-taking and sharing as they share popular resources such as ride-on toys and take turns in games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to understand behaviour boundaries and play together harmoniously because the childminder uses positive behaviour management and re-enforcement. Older children are encouraged to take responsibility for recognising what boundaries mean and why they impact on others. They develop increased awareness of their behaviour on those around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are able to participate and develop at a level appropriate to their needs supported by effective policies and procedures. The welfare and development of children with special needs is ensured by effective assessment. This ensures that relevant activities and play opportunities are provided to meet their individual needs. The childminder ensures high standards of ongoing care by attending training workshops to ensure her knowledge and skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are secure due to open and friendly relationships between the Childminder and the children's parents. Information sharing supports the children's all-round development.

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Organisation

Children's individual needs are ensured as the ratios and numbers are kept low whilst younger children are cared for, and ongoing agreements for continuing care are maintained. The needs of the range of children are met due to routines and time being very well organised. Children benefit from appropriate and stimulating social groups with their peer groups.

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Organisation

Children are kept safe due to efficient management of the household. and the range of policies and procedures shared with parents. These include as examples; safety, child protection, professionalism and health. Ongoing development of children is assured to continue as the childminder continues to express an interest in training, personal development, and expanding her provision and equipment. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder continue to develop her understanding of care for children with special needs. Since that time she continues to liaise with Spurgeon's group, having regular assessment, and access to training seminars. She has also continued to pursue information into specific needs. This ensures that children benefit from the commitment to developing the role of the childminder and the updated knowledge she brings to her role.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

 develop methods that encourage children to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine  develop methods to assess and plan for the next stage of children's development, for example by using the Birth to Three Matters Framework.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

procedures 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 2473) which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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