Telfer Karen Margaret

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289137 Inspection date 01 June 2005 Inspector Susan, Esther Harvey

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged one, four and seven years. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five. The family have no pets.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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. The children are cared for in a clean child-centred environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene routines. Young children enjoy a close relationship with the childminder, and they are comfortable in her company. They are aware of their bodies and are able to gain physical control by developing their large muscles using safe outdoor equipment. This includes a slide and swing. Children use other opportunities to gain control of their bodies by using a football and push-along-toys. Children understand the benefits of regular exercise as the childminder walks to the local school each day. The childminder has a clear knowledge of nutritious snacks. This enables children to learn the benefits of a healthy diet. Young children gain a good understanding of their own needs and know when they need food or drink. The childminder has a first aid certificate and appropriate emergency arrangements

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Helping children to be healthy

in place. This ensures that she acts in the best interest of the children should an accident occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young children remain safe through the diligent supervision of the childminder. She has minimised risks to children and provides a range of safety measures. This includes the use of stair gates both at the bottom of the stairs and at the kitchen door. Children understand about fire safety as the childminder practises the planned fire safety procedure with them. The childminder safeguards and promotes the children’s welfare, she has all the procedures and documents in place. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues, which ensures the protection of children in her care. For example, the childminder shares a statement of duty with parents and draws their attention to the child protection procedures. Young children are able to select independently from a good range of quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. The childminder chooses the toys

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

carefully, ensuring that they are appropriate for the age and development of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Young children engage in an excellent variety of activities provided by the childminder. An example of this is the way the childminder introduces children to the creation of golden crowns decorated with brilliantly coloured feathers and different shaped paper. The childminder effectively extends children’s language pointing out

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 size, shape and texture of the feathers. Children thoroughly enjoy playing with materials that develop small hand and finger controls. Young children choose from a good variety of books. Their concentration skills develop as they listen intently to stories read by the childminder. Children relish the role-play activity, preparing food and drinks as they explore and re-enact domestic activities. The childminder is sensitive to young children’s emotions and interacts with the children on all levels ensuring that they receive close attention and support. Young children experience the pleasure of moulding play-dough into various shapes and sizes. This includes making dough worms and then fitting them into a small container extending their hand and eye co-ordination. Children share and enjoy a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

superb range of toys and play materials that develop their first-hand experiences as learners in a child-centred environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides the children with a secure and comforting environment. They are able to develop a sense of belonging and gain self-assurance through a close relationship. An example of this is the way the childminder gently and sensitively encouraged young children to settle into a new environment. Children behave well because the childminder manages their behaviour appropriately diverting attention to other activities. She makes them feel at home and uses positive methods of behaviour management. A good selection of books and resources enable children to learn about other cultures and people with disabilities and positive role models. However, children have limited opportunities to meet others in the wider community. Parents enjoy a positive relationship with the childminder; she shares information about the children both verbally and in writing to ensure the links with home remain

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home in a family environment. Children’s safety is maintained and the home facilities are well organised to meet their individual needs. Children benefit from individual attention and close supervision. Appropriate adult-child ratios are in place. Policies and procedures effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. All of the childminder’s information is well documented and maintained to a high standard. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and skills by attending further

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 training. This contributes to the quality of care and support she provides for all children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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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 gain experience of the wider community for example through visits to local toddler groups

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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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