Heafield Kerry Michelle

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 208840 Inspection date 11 April 2006 Inspector Beverly Kemp-Russell

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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 1994. She lives with her son aged 13 years, in a village, close to local shops and schools. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden for outside play used by children under supervision. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 14 children aged between 8 months and 13 years all of whom attend on part time arrangements.

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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 family has a cat, 2 dogs, 9 guinea pigs, 2 corn snakes which are kept in a covered tank in the bedroom and poultry which are secured in the garden. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to good health. There are planned outdoor activities to help them develop physical skills and develop body control. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes good use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Her good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives them confidence to try out new skills, set their own limits and know when to ask for help. The garden is used regularly to ensure children have good opportunities for outside play. Children are cared for in a warm, homely environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children's health is promoted by the childminder holding a current first aid certificate and maintaining some accident records. However, the childminder has not obtained in writing from parents consent

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Helping children to be healthy

to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. Children's dietary requirements, likes and dislikes are met through the childminder providing well planned meals and snacks for children, to ensure they are well nourished. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide food that appeals to children and meets their dietary 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 comfortable, well-maintained home where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around safely and freely. They access appropriate resources to meet their needs and are happy, relaxed and secure in the homely environment. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. Children independently select from a wide range of toys and play resources, which meet safety standards. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder carrying out regular checks on toys and equipment. Children are closely supervised both indoors and outdoors to ensure their safety at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is provided within the home to ensure the safety of children. Children's welfare is promoted by all the required procedures and documentation

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

maintained by the childminder. She recognises her responsibilities towards the

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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 children in her care and is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse. She understands the procedures to follow to ensure children are well protected and has attended appropriate training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely confident, very independent and develop self-esteem by the childminder encouraging them to try new activities and giving praise. Children are highly motivated and very interested in an excellent range of purposeful activities which provide consistently high levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children select rich, varied and imaginative resources which provide optimal challenge and enhance all aspects of their learning during activities such as painting and baking. Children respond well to the childminder who gets down to their level and follows their lead to ensure they are learning whilst having fun. Children make their own choices and access a wealth of resources which highly meet their needs. They experience an outstanding learning environment through innovative activities provided by the childminder. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

matters' framework to adapt activities such as story telling and mark making to promote younger children's learning and development. Children's language skills are developed through the effective questioning techniques used by the childminder. Children are valued and the childminder listens and responds to what they have to say. Children feel a sense of belonging and are relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides an exceptional range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children celebrated Diwali. The childminder is aware of the information she would need to gather to ensure the appropriate care of children with special needs and has attended training to enhance her knowledge. Children's behaviour is exemplary due to the childminder's consistent approach in promoting positive behaviour. Children show respect for themselves and others, encouraged by the childminder setting an inspiring example. Children are calm in response to the childminder's relaxed manner. The partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. Children's needs are met by excellent verbal and written communication between the childminder and parents. Children are looked after according to parents' wishes and the childminder ensures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

utmost priority is given to their opinions and attitudes.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are effectively met by the way the childminder organises the room layout. Children feel at home and at ease in this environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Most policies and procedures are comprehensive and promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Parents are kept well informed about the service provided by regular verbal and written communication. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to consider when giving medication to children that details of the last dose given by parent/carer are recorded and that she update knowledge and understanding of the procedures to be followed if any allegations of abuse were made about her or other people who have access to a child while the child is in her care. The childminder now records all relevant information in her medication consent book to ensure children's good health. She has attended child protection training to improve the safety and welfare of children and is aware of the correct procedures to follow.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice

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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 or treatment.

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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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