Waddington, Christine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321312 Inspection date 03 July 2006 Inspector Karen Cockings

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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 husband and two adult children in a small town on the outskirts of Sheffield and Barnsley. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding, together with the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two dogs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently minds one baby.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable family home, where the childminder maintains good standards of hygiene to keep them healthy. She follows safe hygiene practice, which protects children from the risk of infection. For example, she washes dummies immediately when they fall on the floor and ensures that equipment, such as changing mats and cots, is kept clean. She makes suitable arrangements to protect children from the potential health risks posed by contact with the family's two dogs. The childminder recognises signs of tiredness in young children and ensures that they can sleep comfortably. As a result, babies are well rested and alert. Children benefit from regular walks and outings, which contributes to their good health. She takes babies for long walks in the surrounding countryside, finding routes that are suitable for pushchairs. There is also a safely enclosed garden where

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Helping children to be healthy

children can enjoy outdoor activities. Babies develop physical skills and begin to gain control of their bodies as they reach for and grasp toys and feeding cups. They enjoy feeling their feet while being held in the childminder's arms. She makes nappy changing a pleasurable time for them, giving them opportunity to kick their legs freely. The childminder recognises the importance of promoting healthy eating patterns. She plans well balanced menus, which include a range of healthy options, such as porridge, fruit and scrambled eggs. She has gathered together useful information about "five a day" and nourishing recipes to try out with children. She is fully aware of the need to be vigilant regarding children's individual dietary requirements and has attended food hygiene training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a responsible attitude towards children's safety and takes appropriate measures to maintain a safe and secure environment. She ensures that outer doors are kept locked and safety gates are in place to restrict unsupervised access to potentially hazardous areas, such as the kitchen. The gate also helps to keep the family pets away from where children are playing. The childminder has not yet cared for any older children but she demonstrates in discussion a satisfactory awareness of how she can help them to learn about safe practice, through explanation and example. She describes how, during outings, she will teach children about keeping safe near roads and in public areas. Appropriate steps are taken to protect children from fire hazards. Appliances, such as smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place and an emergency evacuation procedure has been devised. The childminder plans to practise it regularly with children.

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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 Toys and resources are of good quality and checked for safety and cleanliness. Suitable equipment is available to keep younger children safe and comfortable. For example, babies can sleep comfortably in a travel cot and sit safely to play, with suitable toys nearby. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has an adequate understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She knows about some of the potential indicators of abuse and has information available for reference if she has concerns about any child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settle well in the childminder's care. She recognises the importance of planning a gradual introduction to the setting and encourages parents to stay for a while if they wish. This reassures children and helps them begin to build a trusting relationship with the childminder. She interacts warmly with children, talking gently to them and giving smiles and cuddles. Regular visits are made to local toddler groups, which provides children with different play experiences and opportunity for contact with others outside the family. The childminder understands her role in helping children to learn new skills and move on to the next stage in their development. For example, she encourages babies to reach for and explore resources, and to develop muscular strength by giving them opportunities to kick their legs freely. She recognises the importance of giving them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

lots of stimulation and interacting playfully with them. She uses books and stories with children from an early age and she describes how much children enjoy singing sessions at the toddler group. These activities help children to develop language and social skills. The childminder is becoming familiar with the Birth to three matters framework to support her work with the very young children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is responsive to children's individual needs, making sure she finds out about their normal routines and preferences. For example, she knows how and when babies like to sleep and tries to organise her day to maintain continuity for them. She recognises the importance of working closely with parents and provides some helpful information for them about her service. In addition to ongoing conversations about daily events, the childminder keeps a well presented diary about children's progress. This includes photographs and is written from the child's point of view, making it a delightful record for parents to treasure. Children are taken on regular outings into the local community, which helps to develop their awareness of the world around them. They have access to some resources showing positive images of other cultures, although this is an area identified for further development. The childminder is keen to provide an inclusive

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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 setting, where children feel welcome and involved. A positive approach is taken towards the management of children's behaviour, with an emphasis on building their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder believes in giving children encouragement and praise to help them to behave well and to feel good about themselves. She teaches them to consider the needs and feelings of others and to respect property.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well organised environment, where the childminder plans daily routines to meet their individual needs. She uses the available space well to ensure that children are comfortable. For example, she moves the cot into a shadier area of the house so that babies can sleep and play at comfortable temperatures. She ensures that she is able to focus on them and give them her full attention. Although she is relatively new to childminding she is building strong foundations for the future development of her service and she is keen to attend further training. She has good links with other providers for support and advice if needed. Recording systems are in place and are maintained appropriately, although the childminder has not yet had to use accident and medication records and it is not clear whether she has obtained written permission to seek emergency treatment. There are written

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Organisation

policies and procedures to support important areas of practice. They are shared with parents, which ensures that they are well informed about the service provided. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the childminder was registered. 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

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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 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): • continue to develop the range of resources and activities to raise children's awareness of the wider society • review record keeping to ensure that all written parental consents are in place.

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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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