Stevens Sharon

Inspection report for early years provision

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201675 Unique Reference Number 16 June 2006 Inspection date Karen Eunice Millerchip Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 13 in a four bedroomed, detached house in the Butler's Leap estate situated between Rugby and Clifton upon Dunsmore.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She uses the whole of the ground floor ground floor of the house which includes a toilet and an enclosed rear garden suitable for outdoor play. Two of the first floor bedrooms are used for the children to sleep.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children and currently cares for four children on a full and part-time basis. She takes the children to the local school and pre-school and also regularly attends local community groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of sensible hygiene and personal care. Children understand they must wash their hands after going to the toilet, before food and after playing in the garden. They are familiar with the home routine and develop their independence by hanging up coats and placing shoes on the rack which have been provided especially for the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from infection by the childminder's awareness of maintaining hygiene standards in the home. A written sick children's policy, which parents are informed of, protects other children in her care. Children are well supported if they have an accident as the childminder has a sound knowledge of first aid and a suitably stocked first aid box is easily accessible. All accident, medication and parental consent documents are accurate and up to date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are kept healthy through a range of equipment and activities which promote physical exercise and fresh air. There is a satisfactory selection of equipment in the garden for all ages and children go for regular visits to the park and other community resources. Children can freely access drinks so they do not get thirsty. Children's individual dietary needs are discussed and parents provide food for the childminder to cook. Food is provided in accordance with children's preferences and parent’s wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. They are able to move freely around the house and garden because potential hazards have been minimised by the use of safety equipment. Resources are in good condition and age and stage appropriate. They are stored at low level so that children can safely access them. Children are involved in discussions about safety and are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example, when going out to be aware of the roads and to hold hands and safe practice in the car. Children know where they can play safely and understand the restrictions of locked gates and cupboards. The childminder has a written emergency escape plan that covers different means of escape however, although children discuss it they do not have the opportunity to practise it.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm or abuse because the childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and understands her role and responsibilities. She has attended child protection training and has all the necessary documentation, contact numbers and the procedure to follow if there are any concerns.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well, and has a positive relationship with them. She provides a good range of stimulating and interesting activities for the children, and regularly takes them to children's activities outside the home, in order to give them a wide range of experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. The benefit from a broad range of activities which are flexible to the children's overall needs. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's and enthusiastically engage in activities and play experiences from a good supply of resources. Children have free choice to select toys and activities independently, thereby encouraging their confidence and self-esteem. They have good opportunities for creative play, for example, art and craft, play dough and painting. Some of the work is given to parents but other work is used to develop a portfolio of children's work, thereby increasing their sense of pride in their work.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and meets their individual needs. She plans her daily routine but is flexible to the children's needs. The children have a good relationship with her and relate well to each other. They also have opportunities to socialise with other children at playgroup, 'stay and play' sessions and when visiting other childminders. They enjoy a balanced day of activities which are stimulating but allow for quieter activities, times for rest or sleep and outdoor play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities and a supply of resources, which promote their understanding of their wider environment. This helps children develop a positive attitude to others. They are becoming aware of their local community through walks and outings and the use of the local amenities. Although there are no children attending with special needs, the childminder is able to provide care which includes them in the daily routine through discussing their needs with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care is well fostered by the positive relationship the childminder has with parents. All aspects of care are discussed before the child starts and children's individual needs and parent's wishes are taken into account. Regular written information is shared with parents to ensure consistency of care. The children's behaviour is good. They are very much at home with the childminder, independently choosing activities and having a sense of belonging. Children are learning right from wrong through consistent boundaries and the childminder uses appropriate strategies for their age and stage of development. Their self-esteem and confidence is supported through regular praise and acknowledgement for achievements and good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management is discussed with parents and children are encouraged to behave well. They respond well when being asked to share and take turns. Children are supported by the use of praise and encouragement for good deeds and behaviour.

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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 A good partnership exists with parents. Children are cared for in accordance with their parent’s wishes, and detailed written daily information is shared through a diary which keeps parents informed of their child's routine and promotes children's welfare. Parents are provided with a full set of policies, procedures and interesting articles by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Space is used effectively to allow the children to play comfortably both indoors and outside. They enjoy a varied day of activities and the routine is flexible to the children's needs. Written information is regularly exchanged and regular discussions with parents promote the welfare of the children and consistency of care.

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Organisation

Comprehensive childminding documentation is in place to promote the safe welfare of the children and is well maintained. Records are kept up to date and securely stored. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to ongoing training such as 'First Aid for babies and young children' 'Positive Behaviour' and the 'Birth to three matters' framework. This enhances her knowledge and professional development. Their welfare is promoted through the secure knowledge and understanding she has of her role and responsibilities of caring for children in her home. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure children are listened to and responses valued; encourage good behaviour; increase her knowledge of child protection and to increase her knowledge of healthy eating.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has addressed these issues by ensuring she listens to children and responds accordingly to their wishes; uses positive behaviour management strategies including the use of praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour; discusses meals with parents and provides food in accordance with the parents wishes and child's preference and has developed a comprehensive file on child protection signs, symptoms and procedures to follow thereby promoting children's well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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): • improve children's welfare by practising the emergency escape plan • ensure children cannot reach the bolt on the garden gate to prevent them from leaving the garden unsupervised.

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The quality and standards of the care

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 2599) 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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