THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. He lives with his wife and two children ages one and four years. They live in a house, close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. All areas of the property are available for childminding, although the childminder generally uses the ground floor. The family keep tropical fish in an indoor tank. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children after school aged six and four years and, with additional approval from Ofsted, two children aged four years and 22 months. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and welfare are promoted well, through the childminder maintaining clean and hygienic facilities and floor play areas. Hand washing is encouraged before snacks and meals and after using the toilet, helping the children to develop good personal hygiene habits. They enjoy a well balanced range of nutritious meals and healthy choices for snacks, such as yoghurt and fresh fruit. Appropriate records are kept, supporting children's health and welfare, including their dietary needs and details of what the children have actually eaten each day. Children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise and enjoy walking to local community groups, shops and the park. Children are further encouraged to be active, though use of the rear garden, which is easily accessed from the playroom. A broad range of outdoor equipment is provided, helping children gain physical skills, such as balance and co-ordination.

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and move around the setting safely, because good precautionary measures are in place, such as a nursery gate fitted across the hall way, denying children unsupervised access to the front door and staircase. Fire safety measures include a fire blanket easily accessible in the kitchen and a well thought through emergency evacuation procedure, including fixed location for keys, helping children stay safe. Toys and play materials are well presented, so that children can reach them safely. Children travel safely in a vehicle, using seat belts and booster seats as appropriate and the childminder obtains written parental consent against a detailed description of the arrangements agreed. Children are kept safe and protected should safeguarding concerns arise, because the childminder knows what to look out for, follows the guidelines and has all the necessary contact details to make a referral if worried.

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled, because the childminder creates a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere and provides a wide choice of toys and play materials. Children move confidently between the front lounge, dining room and rear play room, selecting toys and engaging in play and learning activities of real interest to them. The childminder makes play-time fun, joining in with the children's 'make believe' and role-play activities, developing their imagination and ideas. They enjoy a broad range of learning activities and the childminder talks to the children all the time, developing their speech and language, knowledge and understanding. Children's experiences are enhanced through visits to local community groups and shops, so that they mix with other children and develop social skills. Care routines are consistent and familiar and include meal times, drinks and snacks, relaxation and rest, promoting children's well-being and helping them to feel secure in the setting.

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder creates an inclusive environment, through providing a wide range of toys and play materials for all ages and abilities, so that children can play and learn at their own level, try out more challenging activities and develop their confidence. Children are very well supported and receive much praise and encouragement, helping them to feel good about themselves and their achievements. Resources, such as play figures and picture books, reflect diversity and disability, so that children enjoy and appreciate similarities and differences. Children's individual needs are effectively met, because the childminder ensures he has all relevant information, for example, about religious and dietary requirements. The childminder establishes positive relationships with parents, so that they are confident with childminding arrangements and appreciate the childminders commitment, such as supporting older children so that they enjoy their school homework topics. Some good written information is kept, for example, about what children have eaten, and this is shared with parents, keeping them well informed.

Organisation

The organisation is good. Adult members of the household are properly vetted, ensuring their suitability. The childminder has completed appropriate training and holds a current first aid certificate, so that appropriate care is given. Records support childminding matters, including full details for each child and written agreements with parents about care arrangements. The childminder keeps a large desk diary, that includes observational notes about what children have eaten and these details are shared each day with parents. However, the names of the children in attendance and the times that they are in the care of the childminder are not clearly recorded, so the childminder is not fully demonstrating accountability. The home is very well organised for childminding, so that children have easy access to toys and facilities and are able to choose in which room or area they wish to play. The downstairs cloakroom is well situated, so that older children can be independent and younger children receive as much support as they need. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.