Brown Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310090 Inspection date 13 June 2006 Inspector Sue Vernon

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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 husband and three children aged 11, nine and five years in Chippenham, Wiltshire. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding six children, three of whom are under five and three are after-school children. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children.

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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 have a pet bird. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's well-being is effectively supported by the provision of healthy meals and snacks. Children enjoy a choice of fresh fruit with regular drinks of water during the day. They are encouraged to try different foods including a variety of fresh vegetables and fish in the daily home-cooked meal provided. Information is gathered from parents on any special dietary requirements for the children. These are supported effectively which ensures children feel secure. Children follow good hygiene practices within the daily routine. They enjoy washing their hands before eating, using their own individual towels. Good procedures for notifying parents of the sickness policy are used which helps prevent the spread of infection amongst minded children. Medication and accident records are kept and shared appropriately with parents, which supports consistency. Children enjoy the benefit of daily physical play

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Helping children to be healthy

and fresh air. They explore the garden or visit local parks to develop their running and climbing skills.

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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 safe environment where the risks have been identified and minimised. Appropriate safety features are in place including stair gates and socket covers. This creates a suitable environment where children are able to move around independently and safely during play. For example, toddlers are able to explore the toys in the playroom and living room, while the older children enjoy craft activities at the table. Fire safety issues have been effectively addressed and the appropriate equipment such as smoke alarms are in place. Children learn the importance of evacuation procedures through discussion and having fun practising them. Children learn to take responsibility for their own safety for example, discussing road safety on the walk to school. Children have access to a wide range of attractive toys and resources which are in good repair and conform to safety standards. Play equipment

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is well-organised and stored at child level which enables children to make choices about their play. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues but is not fully clear on the required procedure to be followed if concerns arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled within the childminder's care. They are familiar with where things are kept and the daily routine. This builds their confidence and helps

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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 them feel secure. Children benefit from an imaginative range of play opportunities which supports their development in all areas. For example, children enjoy making their own musical shakers from empty pots and dried pasta or making puppets from pegs and materials scraps. The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental needs and spends time talking and listening to the children. Her use of open questions and constant praise helps children persist and enjoy their activities. Children play happily and are interested in the wide range of toys and activities offered. Children have a warm relationship with the childminder as a result they enjoy sharing their achievements. They look to her for praise, for example when making a picture or a putting on a butterfly mask and dancing around. Her support

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder gathers information from parents in order to know each child well. She is aware of any special needs or routines and plans carefully how to support them. This includes knowing babies' sleep patterns and their routines for settling to sleep. This helps children feel valued. All children are offered the same play opportunities, with both boys and girls trying cooking and art work. The childminder provides a range of play resources which promote the value of diversity including books and play figures. She also plans simple craft activities which link to projects on different cultures. These have recently included basket weaving when discussing village life in Africa. The childminder has a very positive approach to managing behaviour. She uses age-appropriate methods including distraction and discussion. Children are praised for helping each other which builds their self-respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships are made with parents. The childminder offers good settling-in procedures to ensure that she knows each child's individual needs well. She shares written information on her policies and procedures with parents although the complaints procedure is not in place. Consistency of care is supported effectively because she offers parents both written and verbal feedback on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease in the well-organised environment. The childminder plans ahead and organises the rooms ready in order to meet the care and play needs of the attending children. For example, resources and equipment are set out before they arrive which helps the children move smoothly into play. Records and documents are used effectively in order to promote the care and welfare of the children. These include daily registers, accident records and daily diaries which keep parents informed about the provision and their child's activities. The childminder displays her registration certificate and has completed the appropriate training in first aid. Documentation is accessible on a daily basis but is stored with regard for

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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 confidentiality. 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 the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints records 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): • maintain and complete a complaints record that is available to parents • refresh awareness of child protection procedures.

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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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