King, Jenny Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316072 Inspection date 20 April 2006 Inspector Sue Hill

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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 children aged 5 and 8 years in Downend, South Gloucestershire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has 2 cats and fish in a tank. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time, and is currently minding 2 children under five part-time during the day and 2 children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also cares for children over eight years of age. The childminder

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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 attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children on outings. She belongs to the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are protected from infection through the childminder's clear sickness policy. The management of pets and regular cleaning routines ensures that children play in a hygienic environment which minimises risk of infection. Children's health is actively promoted. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. She appropriately manages accidents and the administration of medication, and shares the records with parents; however, she lacks permission from all parents to seek emergency medical aid. Children learn about good hygiene practices through well-planned daily routines. Excellent procedures such as the childminder wearing disposable gloves for nappy changing and using individual flannels/towels for children sustain high levels of hygiene and prevent the spread of infection. Children are able to enjoy a range of physical activities through using the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder’s garden. There are regular visits to the park and playgrounds to develop their physical skills, which are extended as the childminder has a good awareness of the children's different ages and capabilities. All are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating through encouragement from the childminder. They have drinks easily available throughout the day, and the childminder follows parent’s wishes for the types of food given to their child. Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating through planned activities such as helping to prepare the food they are eating; for example, by washing and cutting fruit or making sandwiches. Meal times are social occasions, as all children sit together at the table and talk to each other and the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment where children are relaxed and safe. Children move around freely as they are cared for in a spacious, well maintained home where most risks have been identified and minimised. The ground floor is organised to meet children's needs, with furniture placed to the side of the rooms to provide a large play space. There is a strong child focus in the home which has been set up to encourage children to explore the resources, relax and enjoy being together. Children can independently access activities from a good range of safe and

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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 interesting toys and equipment. Children's interest is sustained by regularly providing new resources which take into consideration each child's stage of development, and how this can be extended further. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are able to access a good, safe range of outdoor equipment; for example, swings, slides and a climbing frame. The childminder is aware of potential hazards outside the home and puts appropriate measures in place so that children are safe. Children learn to protect themselves as they are taught road safety and not to talk to strangers. They are safe as they move around freely in a spacious, well maintained home where risks are identified and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

minimised. Children are kept safe through the childminder’s clear understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child and regular practices of fire evacuation procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and make good progress as the childminder is friendly and welcoming. She understands how to help children learn through practical activities. This enables them to practise and develop their skills. Children are confident, enthusiastic and have fun in the childminder's care. Children make sound and steady progress. The childminder is aware of each child’s individual stage of development. She gives them the time and opportunity to do things for themselves and offers encouragement so that they become more independent. They enjoy the sensory feel of sand, water, paint and play dough. Babies are stimulated with a range of sensory resources which encourage their progress. The childminder is beginning to use the Birth to three matters framework. She is in the early stages of assessing children's achievements and planning their next stage of learning. The childminder promotes language development well through her constant

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interaction and conversation with the children. They confidently use their language skills and gestures to communicate thoughts, feelings and needs to each other and the childminder. They relate appropriately to each other and are starting to socialise with other children, regularly attending the local toddler group. This provides them with opportunities to develop and use their language skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, enabling children to learn positively about differences. Children learn through their play using dolls, books, puzzles and games depicting positive images of difference. These are readily available to the children, and are used regularly to support children in learning respect for individuality. Children learn about their local community as they go on routine outings to the local park, toddler and soft play groups. The childminder walks to the local school and

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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 amenities, so that children become very familiar with their surroundings. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They behave very well, encouraged by the childminder's use of positive praise. They benefit from consistent boundaries and the calm approach of the childminder. Children are happy to take turns and share. The childminder anticipates potential conflict and skilfully diverts children's attention, for example, when a younger child is disrupting older children's games. Children are valued and respected as individuals, and the wide range of activities are adapted to each child's stage of development. The childminder follows their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Positive, friendly relationships with parents promote an informal exchange of information about children’s development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are welcomed into the home and at the end of the day there is a two-way discussion so that both parties are fully aware of what is happening in a child's life.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The children feel at home and at ease as the childminder organises her time to give the children individual attention. She provides an inviting environment so that children move around without being inhibited and confidently help themselves to toys they wish to play with. Activities and toys are well presented encouraging children to explore and initiate play. The childminder attends relevant training courses, using the knowledge gained to support the children's learning. The childminder's policies and procedures are discussed with parents and she works closely with them so children experience continuity of care. Information is shared regularly with parents to keep them up-to-date with the service and their child's activities. Most of the required documentation which contributes to children’s health,

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Organisation

safety and well-being is in place; however, written permissions have not been collected for all children. The childminder is aware of the amendments to the standards made in October 2005, however, these have not yet been fully implemented.

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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 the parents, which

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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 they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • ensure children are cared for according to parents’ wishes by obtaining written parental permissions as necessary for all minded children • ensure that changes detailed in the amendment to the standards dated October 2005 are implemented, with particular reference to complaints

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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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