Potter Sarah Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 219565 Inspection date 14 March 2006 Inspector Anne Schurek

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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?

This childminder was registered in 1988. She lives with her husband and four children aged sixteen ,twelve, eight and three in the village of Clifton, Bedfordshire. The whole ground floor and an upstairs bedroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding twelve children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 She supports children with special educational needs and is registered to care for one child overnight.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The premises are clean and well maintained. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health, for example, the childminder ensures that they have access to fresh air each day and opportunities to develop their physical skills as they walk to and from school, visit the park and use outdoor play equipment. Indoor space is well organised so that children can move freely and safely. There is clear space for babies to crawl and explore their environment. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through their daily routines and by the childminder being an active role model. Children learn about good personal care through the childminder's effective procedures. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating food. Individual paper towels are provided to prevent the spread of germs. The childminder has sought written permission for emergency medical treatment or

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Helping children to be healthy

advice, however, permission is sought to administer medication but the procedures for recording dosage and time of administration are not maintained, this compromises the children's wellbeing. The childminder works flexibly with parents to provide snacks and drinks which meet their individual needs and preferences. Children bring a packed lunch at the parents request. Children are learning to understand the benefit of a healthy diet because they are provided with healthy snacks and drinks that take into account their individual needs and promotes their growth and development. Snack menus are provided for parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected by the implementation of written robust safety procedures .These are available to parents at their request and ready for use, including the evacuation procedure which has been devised in consultation with the local fire officer. Children are further protected by regular practise of the emergency evacuation procedure using various exits, fitted smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Children are kept safe by the childminder who gives high priority to helping them understand how to keep themselves safe both inside and outside of the home. She teaches children about safety using cause and effect for example, by encouraging children to help to tidy up so that they do not fall over their toys. Children learn how to cross roads safely through discussion with the childminder . She provides boundaries for older children to promote their independence by allowing them to walk in front of

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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 her whilst out walking. The children are also protected by the childminder's effective knowledge of local child protection procedures. She has undertaken training and is aware of the signs and symptoms which may cause her concern. She has produced a child protection statement which is always available to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They are confident in their surroundings and are very much at home. The childminder is attentive and offers a broad range of both planned and free play activities. Children's progress is not monitored because the planning of activities is informal and not shared with the parents. The childminder has an awareness of the Birth to three matters framework and she is willing to develop her knowledge further through training which will enable her to understand and implement the framework fully. Babies show a high level of interest in all they see and hear around them. They are responsive to the childminder, making sounds and gestures as she initiates and encourages them. Children's creativity is developing very well through the wide range of interesting and fun activities provided. They particularly enjoy craft, baking and imaginary play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities. All children spend their time purposefully. They have time to direct their own play and time to rest or take part in quiet activities if they become tired or need space. They have an opportunity to develop their understanding of the wider community through visits to the nearby park and local countryside and farm. The childminder makes good use of the local child care groups in the community, Children develop their social skills in the community by visiting local child care groups where they join in physical play, story time and interact with others. Children's photographic record shows them enjoying a wide range of activities both in the home and on outings. Some of the children's very creative work is displayed on the walls although the majority goes home with the children. The childminder organises her time very effectively to ensure that all children receive high levels of interaction and support which makes them feel valued and confident in their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are all settled and comfortable in the childminder's care and make themselves at home on arrival. The written behaviour policy succeeds in providing a positive, encouraging environment where children behave well and develop their self-esteem. The childminder recognises and appreciates their efforts and good

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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 behaviour through effective praise and encouragement. As a result, children learn to show care and concern for each other. They are encouraged to take turns, respect one another and behave well in the happy, relaxed atmosphere. Children's individual needs are well met. Their daily routine is discussed at length with parents and reflected in the childminder's practice. She successfully maintains verbal and text messaging communication with parents to ensure that they are kept well informed and reassured. Younger children's parents are made aware of their routines through daily written diaries. Children with special needs have their individual needs met through the childminder's knowledge and understanding of additional needs through regular training. The childminder works well in partnership with parents. The daily diaries offer parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

insight on the days activities that their children have participated in and their personal care. There are written policies and procedures available to enable parents to be confident in the care, safety and welfare of their child, however, the complaints policy is not up to date with new legislation.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel very much at home and at ease in the childminder's care. Children are cared for by this experienced childminder who has completed extensive and appropriate training over the years to support her practice, including child protection and special education needs. She adheres to the conditions of her registration and displays her certificate. She provides a well-organised and supportive environment which enables children to move about freely and independently to develop their confidence and initiate their own learning and play. Parents are informed ,either verbally or in writing, of their children's routines and activities undertaken. Photographic records of some of their activities are also given to them. Good quality, very well organised records and policies and procedures are in place; most of them are kept appropriately and shared with parents. This contributes to the

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Organisation

continuity of the children's care. The setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, recommendations were raised relating to documentation. Documentation has now improved. Consent is now in place for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, ensuring that parents wishes are complied with and children's arrival and departure times are recorded in a daily diary.

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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 There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004.

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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 to bring in-line with current legislation • develop a system of planning, evaluation and assessment to monitor and further support children's development in all areas • ensure that a record is maintained when medication is administered.

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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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