Stanton, Julie-Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315524 Inspection date 31 March 2006 Inspector Lynn Dent

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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 child aged four years in Long Eaton in Nottinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group, takes children to the library and to the park. The childminder 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 participate in routines to maintain their good health and personal hygiene. They know they must wash their hands during daily routines. For example, a child washes her hands before a cooking activity and after going to the toilet. Older children are positively encouraged to become independent in their personal care. For example, they independently use the toilet and choose when to drink as this is always available to them. Consequently, they are aware of the needs of their bodies. Children are effectively protected from infections because the childminder implements effective procedures for parents to follow when their children are ill. This includes a set period of time and advice from the child's doctor before caring is recommenced. The childminder maintains good hygiene through regular cleaning, particularly in food preparation areas. Dish cloths are changed frequently throughout

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Helping children to be healthy

the day to ensure they are clean and to minimise the spread of germs. Children understand the benefits of healthy eating and are well nourished as the childminder provides a nutritional diet using fresh foods. Children know that fresh vegetables are healthy and can explain what their favourite vegetables are. Therefore, they show preference for certain foods. Information about children's individual dietary needs is detailed on their records. Therefore, these are accounted for. Children's physical development is enhanced through daily opportunities within the home. They actively participate in a range of activities to develop their hand-eye coordination. For example, children are skilled in measuring, pouring and spooning cake mixture into cake cases. Physical development is enhanced by regularly walking to and from schools and opportunities to play on equipment in the park, garden and local play centres. Consequently, children use a wide range of equipment

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Helping children to be healthy

which enhances their balance and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children can move safely and independently around the premises as the childminder has a clear regard for their safety and regularly risk assesses the premises. Clear procedures are implemented to maintain this at all times. For example, children are not released to anyone other than their parents without prior consent. In an emergency appropriate provision is made to ensure children are cared for by a suitable adult until parents can collect them. The childminder implements a range of safety devices. For example, fire equipment is installed and regularly checked to ensure it is in good working order. Radiators are thermostatically controlled to maintain a safe temperature for children and prevent burns. Babies and younger children sleep in a travel cot in the lounge. Older children sleep on the sofa. The childminder ensures they are safe by attaching a bed rail to stop

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

them rolling off. The childminder continually checks them by using a baby monitor

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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 and physical checks. Children can independently access a wide range of toys and resources, which are clean, developmentally appropriate and comply with safety regulations. Children are kept safe outside the home because the childminder implements clear procedures, for example younger children wear reins or are transported in a buggy. Developmentally appropriate car seats and restraints are used when transporting children in a car. The childminder checks park grounds and equipment before use. Consequently, children safety is maintained. Children know how to keep themselves safe. They know they must wear a helmet when riding a bike. Children's welfare is a priority and is well maintained as the childminder has an understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect and the local child protection reporting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop and explore at their own pace through a wide range of activities and experiences which are well organised to promote children's development. However, outcomes for children could be enhanced by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children have fun and enjoy themselves in the care of the childminder as she effectively interacts with them. Children spend their time purposefully because the childminder dedicates quality time to playing with them. Therefore, they enthusiastically engage in a good range of stimulating structured and free play for sustained periods of time. They spend their time enjoying imaginative play and participating in craft activities. Children can independently access appealing and stimulating resources and a wide range of books which supports their play and helps develop their ability to make choices. Children receive a range of opportunities to develop new knowledge, skills and to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

meet challenges as the childminder uses everyday opportunities to enhance their development and confidence within and away from the home. Children receive regular opportunities to interact with other children outside the home. Consequently, their emotional and social development is promoted. Good behaviour is fostered by consistent effective interaction, lots of praise and positive reinforcement. Consequently, they have good self-esteem, are happy and settled with the childminder who encourages them to develop harmonious relationships and respect for their peers. The childminder knows the children well. Therefore, their individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive care which is appropriate to their individual needs. They are treated with respect and affection. Therefore, they learn to show this to others. All children have good opportunities to learn about their differences in their local community and the world in which they live through a range of outings, visits and activities. For

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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 example, children celebrated Chinese New Year by making cards, money bags and eating rice. Younger children visit local groups where they play with friends who have a disability. Consequently, they learn to respect and accept others who are different to themselves. Activities and resources are adapted to ensure all children have equal access to the experiences provided. Consequently, they are positively encouraged to take an active part in the inclusive environment. This ensures children are confident and make independent decisions about their play. The childminder implements a range of realistic rules. For example, 'We like to share toys'. 'We eat out meals together at the table'. 'We care for and look after our friends'. Consequently, children understand and accept these. This results in children having

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Helping children make a positive contribution

well developed self-esteem and showing good behaviour. Children receive consistent praise and encouragement. For example, a child is praised for participating in an activity. A sticker reward system is used to effectively encourage children to develop their own behaviour management. Unacceptable behaviour is managed well by the childminder who implements developmentally appropriate strategies. Partnerships with parents and carers is good. They receive a good, concise prospectus about the service provided at induction. Detailed information about their children's care needs is collected at induction and updated regularly. Good two-way communication and daily diaries ensures all parties are kept informed daily of the children's day and development. Therefore, all children's current care needs are identified and met. Discussion with parents show they are very happy with the care their children receive which enhances their overall development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's effective organisation. Children feel secure and have space and time for active play, activities and relaxation. Children are confident with the childminder. Therefore, they actively participate in adult-led activities and initiate their own play and learning. Children's receive a high level of interaction from the childminder. Consequently, their developmental and individual needs are met. Children's welfare and play are underpinned by clear procedures which are shared with parents. Information is shared with parents daily ensuring children's routines are maintained. Children are protected from unknown adults as the childminder maintains constant supervision of them. Regular visitors to the house, for example the childminder's parent are cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau. Documentation is well organised and clearly presented. Detailed information

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Organisation

about the children is updated regularly to identify and support the current care needs of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • improve outcomes for children under three years by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'.

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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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