Burrows, Tracy Leigh

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313868 Inspection date 19 April 2006 Inspector Karen Ann Byfleet

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 7, 6 and 2 years. The family live close to local schools, shops and a park and they have three pet cats. There are currently four children on the childminder's register who attend various days throughout the week. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she receives support from the local authority.

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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's health is well maintained. The childminder ensures parental permission is obtained before administering any medication and all documents in relation to accident and medication records are maintained. Through her good practice and daily routines the childminder encourages children from an early age to develop an awareness of personal hygiene as they wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. The childminder has three pet cats which she ensures do not pose a health risk as they have their regular inoculations and that they are fed away from where children are playing. Children's health is further maintained as the childminder ensures all toys and resources are cleaned regularly. Sleeping children are supervised as a travel cot is placed in the lounge area and sheets are changed for individual use, protecting children from cross infection. Children are provided with healthy snacks and meals such as, pasta, fresh fruit and

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Helping children to be healthy

vegetables. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's dietary needs and requirements are met. Drinks of fresh water, juice and milk are always available to the children at regular intervals and at their request. Children visit the local park regularly, where they are able to access climbing and balancing equipment suitable for their ages and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in secure and suitable premises which are warm and welcoming and create a stimulating environment in which they play and learn. Their individual skills develop competently with the well presented and age-appropriate resources. Children independently select activities from the range of good quality toys and equipment. Resources are stored in the large store cupboard in the hallway and children request toys, demonstrating their own needs and knowledge of the variety of resources. They have direct access to drawing equipment and access to messy play activities. Sleep facilities are provided in the lounge where the children can be under the direct supervision of the childminder at all times. Access to the safe outdoor play area is through the kitchen and photographs of the children enjoying outdoor play are provided for parents. The children's safety is assisted throughout the premises as risk assessment checks

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are effective to ensure the safety of the children. The childminder has considered a number of policies and procedures, which she shares with parents. Children have access to small toys and cutting implements such as scissors. However, the childminder carefully supervises the use of these resources. An emergency evacuation plan is in place, which is practiced with the children, raising their awareness of safety and it is discussed with parents. Children are also developing an awareness for personal safety as they respond to

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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 the childminder's expectations when they are on school runs or outings. They understand the good strategies of being strapped appropriately in the car and holding hands when crossing the road. Documentation from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is in place, ensuring children's medical needs are met and the childminder has all children's emergency contact numbers programmed into her mobile telephone which she takes with her when going out. The children's well-being is further extended as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and how to put these into practice. Written documentation regarding local procedures is retained for reference to ensure the children are well protected. Parents are informed of her duty to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the childminder's home. They have independent access to a wide range of well presented, age-appropriate resources. Their development is supported effectively as the childminder interacts with the children in their chosen activities. She has good knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is developing her practice to reflect this. The childminder has an exciting range of resources to stimulate the children who are motivated to access the varied activities. Children are introduced to and encouraged to develop skills such as completing puzzles and baking. They are developing an understanding of nature and the world around them as they have regular periods of outdoor play and outings to the local park. Younger children become independent as they develop mobility to access resources from those presented each day and others stored in the cupboard which are regularly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

exchanged. Language development is ensured as the childminder constantly talks to the children and encourages them to repeat words linked to the activities, or named objects on puzzles. They respond to instructions as the childminder communicates and extends their learning opportunities. They enjoy the craft and messy play activities and are proud of their drawings, paintings and collage. Information regarding children's activities and any significant developmental progress is shared verbally with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and valued as the childminder uses discussion with parents to ensure individual requirements are met, especially regarding food and religious needs. Information sheets completed by parents assist in meeting the child's needs and enables appropriate care to be given. Documents requesting supplementary permission from parents are completed for using the car to transport children, going on outings, medical needs and the taking of photographs.

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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 Children are beginning to develop an understanding of how everyone positively contributes in society. However, there are few resources available to the children which promote and represent the wider community, although the childminder uses craft work to develop children's awareness. Equality of opportunity is promoted effectively. Activities are adapted appropriately and children's specific needs are well considered. Children develop a strong sense of independence and self-worth as they are encouraged to share, take turns and follow rules as they progress through the developmental stages. They settle well after attending for visits with their parents and children’s personal needs are met effectively. Effective behaviour management strategies are in place and the use of praise and encouragement contributes

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Helping children make a positive contribution

effectively to the children being confident in the setting. Documents are available for the recording of any incidents and these are shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder effectively maintains children's records and the register of attendance. Written and verbal policies and procedures have been devised and implemented, which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision. These are discussed with parents and promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Children are supported by the childminder's good organisational skills which ensure their time with her is worthwhile. She ensures ratios are maintained at all times to meet the needs of the children in flexible childminding arrangements and she prepares for each session with relevant age-appropriate resources. The way that the childminder organises space and resources means that children are able to make decisions and develop increasing independence. The childminder continues to read documentation sent to her and attends training to ensure she is aware of current

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Organisation

childcare practice and regulation requirements. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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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

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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): • ensure children have access to a range of toys and resources which reflect positive images of a diverse society.

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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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