McAllister, Paula Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY216973 Inspection date 03 March 2006 Inspector Dianne Lynn Sadler

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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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged eleven, seven and five situated in the rural area of Nailstone in Warwickshire. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding sixteen children aged between three years and eleven years. The childminder takes and collects children from school. The family have two dogs.

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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 The childminder supports children who speak English is an additional language.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for extremely well in a clean, welcoming environment, where they learn the importance of simple good health and hygiene practices through daily routines. They understand, for example, the need to wash hands before and after toileting to remove germs. Children's health is effectively promoted because the childminder follows effective health and hygiene practices and keeps well maintained records. All toys, furniture and equipment are inspected regularly for cleanliness. Children are very well nourished. They enjoy a wide range of meals, snacks and drinks that are healthy and nutritious, offered by the childminder. There is a well planned menu which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy hot meals prepared by the childminder using organic produce or parents can choose to provide their own foods. Children are able to ask for a drink throughout the day, provided in

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Helping children to be healthy

their own individual beakers. The childminder has a very good awareness of special dietary requirements, which ensures children's individual dietary needs are met very well according to the wishes of parents. Children enjoy a balanced range of physical activities indoors and outdoors. Children can play football and go fishing. They take part in well planned activities, such as visits within the local community to the water park. Children explore healthy eating. They contribute to the planning of menus and discuss the advantage of using organic produce and choosing healthy options. This helps children learn about healthy living. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs and are able to select quieter activities such as reading a book in the quiet room.

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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 secure and safe environment, where they can move around freely and independently. This helps them to settle and feel confident. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder is aware of all hazards indoors and outdoors, and puts effective measures in place. The childminder is vigilant and monitors children very well. The childminder follows very good procedures both within the setting and outdoors. For example, children are very well supervised and are learning how to keep themselves safe through projects about road safety and helping to develop the fire evacuation plan. Children are provided with a wide range of good quality furniture and play equipment suitable to meet their different needs. Children are able to self-select from a good range of toys and resources that are stored in boxes and on shelves at their level. This effectively develops their independence. The childminder varies the toys that are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

available, on a daily basis, to ensure children have variety and use toys that are

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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 appropriate to their age. Children are protected and their welfare promoted effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of the required procedures and documents. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a good understanding of child protection procedures. However, the written child protection statement is not fully complete.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle and play well in the setting because the childminder is able to give them appropriate support and shares her time well between them. Children are developing positive relationships with both each other and with adults. They understand their own needs and are beginning to respect the needs of others. Children are developing confidence and independence because the childminder allows them to initiate their own play and select play resources for themselves. Children enjoy their time in the setting. They are well motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. Art and craft activities are planned weekly and organised within themes such as road safety and seasons. Children enjoy exploration with paint and play doh and play imaginatively with a wide range of small world toys and resources that encourage role play. Children are developing self-esteem and confidence. Their work

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

is displayed in the setting and they are encouraged to take work home to their parents. Children benefit from accessing all play equipment with ease, as toys are stored appropriately in boxes and on shelves at the children's level. Children are well supported by the childminder who listens to what children say, responding appropriately. Children's language and communication skills are promoted well by the childminder through constant conversation, questions and individual attention. Therefore, children are effectively developing their vocabulary and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. The childminder has a proactive approach to inclusion and takes care to ensure the environment and activities offered meet the needs of all children present. The childminder has a very good knowledge of equality issues. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through good range of play resources which reflect positive images. Children are learning to behave appropriately. There are clear expectations and rules and children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. Children are developing good self-esteem. This is because the childminder values the children

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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 and rewards their individual efforts through consistent verbal praise and encouragement. Children are cared for and supported very well by the childminder. She promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to meet the individual needs of all children very well. Parents are made welcome in the setting. Information is shared daily, to ensure that they are aware of the provision and the activities that their child participate in. For example, she keeps written daily diaries for the younger children. She also gives parents an informative prospectus and some well written statements and procedures, although the complaints statement needs updating.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met well through the good use of space and resources. Their care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. For instance, activities are well planned and the environment is interesting and encourages independence. The childminder has much experience of caring for children and her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease. They are confident and able to initiate their own play. All records and procedures in place are used effectively in practice, which promotes the welfare, care and learning of all children, according to the wishes of their parents. The childminder has devised some well written statements to keep parents informed of her practice, most are up to date. Documents are reviewed regularly and stored securely. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to amend the details in the documents relating to the car and improve the activities and resources to promote equal opportunities and anti-discriminative practice. All documents have now been amended and are accurate and up to date. Activities are very well planned and promote equal opportunities and there is a wide range of play resources which depict positive images and encourage equal opportunities for all children present.

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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

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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 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): • update the complaints policy • include the procedure to be followed if an allegation is made against self or family in the child protection statement.

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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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