Green, Mrs Rosemary Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY331390 Inspection date 08 September 2006 Inspector Linda Dawe

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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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her partner and four children in a four bedroom end of terrace house in the Lipson area of Plymouth. Children are mainly cared for on the ground floor of the house going upstairs to use the bathroom. The garden is currently unsuitable for use so children are taken to local parks for fresh air and exercise. Care is offered from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00. The childminder is currently caring for three children aged between two years old and six years old 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 The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a generally healthy diet whilst with the childminder. They are offered snacks of fruit throughout the day and regular drinks to keep them hydrated. Children bring packed lunches and the childminder ensures that high risk foods are stored in the fridge to protect children from the risk of food poisoning. Children have regular opportunity for fresh air and exercise as they are taken to local parks. They are also provided with times to rest or sleep according to their individual needs, which benefits their good health. Children are encouraged to think about their own personal hygiene as the are asked to wash their hands after using the toilet. However, although the childminder provides a good role model by washing her own hands before handling or eating food she does not encourage children to do the same. Children's health needs are further met as a result of clear and well-kept

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Positive steps are taken to keep children safe. For example, stair gates prevent access to the kitchen and the front door is always kept locked. Children would be alerted quickly in the event of a fire as smoke detectors, which are regularly checked, on located on each floor of the house. The childminder is clear about how she would evacuate children quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. Children freely access a satisfactory range of toys and games although their access to creative activities is limited. Space in the childminder's home is organised to provide children with a variety of play areas. There is lots of floor space for puzzles and constructive play and tables are available for children to sit at and draw. Although the childminder's garden is not safe and therefore not used, the childminder makes sure children are regularly taken out on walks and to local parks. Children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

collected from school on foot. They are made aware of road safety as they walk home with younger children strapped into buggies or on reins to keep them safe. Children's well-being is further protected as the childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of non-accidental injury and the procedures she should follow should she be concerned about a child in her care. Any existing injuries are recorded to make sure children's welfare is paramount.

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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 Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are confident to make their needs known and interact well with the childminder when playing. Children enjoy playing with the toys available for them and they can self-select from boxes of toys in the lounge. However, activities are not specifically planned for their individual development using, for example, the Birth to three matters framework. Children have limited access to creative activities such as painting and play dough. Children have fun constructing and designing using bricks, which also provides them with opportunity to think about size and problem solving as they work out how to build big towers without them falling over. Children get take to local toddler groups where they learn to socialise with other

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of resources that increase their awareness of diversity such as multi-cultural small world toys and books. Whilst the childminder has limited experience of caring for children with a disability or special educational need she knows the children she cares for well and this enables her to meet their individual needs. Children are expected to sit at the table to eat, which encourages good social skills and makes mealtimes a sociable occasion. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and children are clear about what's expected of them. They receive praise when they are playing and this boosts their positive self-esteem. Children benefit from the professional and friendly relationships that the childminder builds with their parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the effective use of documentation such as consent forms and contracts. This helps the childminder to make sure children's care needs are met. Paperwork is well organised and meets all regulatory requirements. Children play happily in a safe environment as a result of the way that the childminder organises her home and makes sure they are taken out regularly. Since registering the childminder has completed a first aid course to make sure she can care for children appropriately in the event of an accident or emergency. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements 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 Not applicable

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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 satisfactory. 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): • promote good hygiene by encouraging children to wash their hands regularly and in particular, before eating • provide a range of activities including creative play opportunities using a framework such as Birth to three matters, which will promote children's development in all areas.

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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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