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The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised, safe home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety both inside and outside the home.
Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meets safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.
Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
The provision is good. Children settle well and enjoy their time spent at the childminder's and benefit from the range of activities provided. They can relax or play actively together or by themselves, but always with the support and supervision of the childminder. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular visits to local groups and places of interest, which promotes their social and physical development.
Children become independent as they choose between a good variety of toys, books and activities which appeal to all. The childminder uses her knowledge in childcare to adapt activities such as reading and baking to promote children's learning. They listen and respond to stories and sing songs which extend their vocabulary. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as listening and moving to music, painting, baking and using play dough.
Helping children make a positive contribution
The provision is good. Children behave well and are made to feel welcome by the childminder. The childminder encourages positive behaviour by praising the children to develop their confidence and self-esteem. All children are valued and respected as individuals. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they move freely between rooms, choose resources, help choose stories and tidy away toys. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's home routines are not disrupted. They spend time each day sharing information about the children to ensure their needs can be well met.
Children behave well and show care for each other, such as one child comforting the other after falling off his bike. They are beginning to understand right from wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and encouragement. Children are introduced to social settings where they interact with other children and adults, which helps them learn to share and take turns.
Children begin to learn about their local community as they visit the local park, and toddler groups. The childminder has a sound range of resources to help the children become more aware of the wider world and to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.
Organisation
The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised, homely environment. This means they are confident to intimate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children although, the record of attendance is not always completed. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.
Improvements since the last inspection
Children�s welfare has been further promoted since the last inspection as the childminder has improved the organisation and accessibility of her record keeping systems. She now ensures that they are confidentially stored but easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
The childminder has also developed a system of sharing information regarding children's development and progress with their parents. Young children each have a daily diary and achievement records geared towards the Early Learning Goals are available for the older child.
Complaints since the last inspection
There are no complaints to report
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.