Newcombe Jodi Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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258207 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2006 Inspection date Benita Catherine Hart 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 1995. She lives with her husband and 3 children in a district, north of the city of Leicester. The whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children under 8 years at any one time and is currently minding siblings, 10 months and 4 years, part-time, a 7 year old before and after school and another 4 year old also part-time. The childminder walks to the local school to pick up children and uses a local carer and toddler group. The family have two hamsters.

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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 satisfactory. 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. Children are protected from infection by the childminder's awareness of maintaining hygiene standards in the home. A verbal sick children's policy, which parents are informed of, protects other children in her care. All accident and medication records are up to date and the childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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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 walks to the park and to and from school. Children bring a packed lunch and the childminder provides healthy snacks and drinks, for example sugar free squash, milkshakes, yoghurts and fruit. Children can freely access drinks so they do not get thirsty. Children's individual dietary needs are well catered for as parents share comprehensive information with the childminder on children's preferences and individual needs.

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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 and the childminder's good supervision. Resources are in excellent 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. Younger children have reins or wrist straps. Children know where they can play safely and understand the restrictions of locked gates and cupboards. The childminder has a written procedure for evacuating the premises in an emergency, however, she does not practise the routine with the children.

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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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. 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 an excellent supply of resources. Toys and equipment are well-organised at child level and suitably stored

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 for easy access. 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, playdough, cornflour and painting. Much of the children's work is displayed in the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children well and meets their individual needs. They in turn benefit from her caring and nurturing approach. 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 toddler group and nursery school. They enjoy a balanced day of activities which are stimulating but allow for quiet times, 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 life of the setting 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 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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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. Information is exchanged and regular discussions with parents promote the welfare of the children and consistency of care.

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Organisation

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 child protection 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, the needs of the children attending the provision are met.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to devise and implement a system to record any incident of physical restraint. The childminder uses the National Childminding Association incident book and would record any incidents where physical restraint may be used to keep a child safe. Documented information could then be used to inform parents.

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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 parents, which 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): • practice the emergency evacuation procedure regularly to ensure that all children can be evacuated safely.

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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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