Jenkins, Janette

Inspection report for early years provision

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505474 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2006 Inspection date Susan Rogers Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1995. She lives with her husband and one child aged 14 in Woodville, Derbyshire. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and to the local park. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s welfare is protected as they benefit from frequent drinks. The childminder provides very healthy meals with a good balance of nutrients designed to meet the children's preferences and nutritional needs. Children are learning about healthy eating as they have a home cooked meal, and a healthy lunch that includes sandwiches, fruit and yoghurt. Children enjoy eating their food in a positive social setting, since they use suitable tables and chairs during meal times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected in the sun since parents give permission for their children to have sun protection cream applied; children wear hats and play in the shade. Children have significant opportunities to exercise through walks to school, outdoor play, and visits to nature centres, soft play and parks. Children have good opportunities to develop their fine motor skills, they use construction equipment, play dough and craft equipment. They are well provided for whilst they sleep, consequently they are well rested when they wake.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about effective hygiene since they are given useful explanations regarding their hygiene routines, as the childminder explains why they need to wash their hands after using the toilet. Most of the routines in the home are very specific and help to protect children from the spread of illness and infections, however children share the same towel for drying their hands and which compromises their health. Children are well cared for if they are ill since the childminder is vigilant of their individual health needs and contacts their parents if she has concerns. They are protected if there are concerns over their health as the childminder has a first-aid certificate, and would react appropriately if there are concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very much at home and comfortable in the childminder’s care. They develop well as the premises are welcoming, with children’s work and information relating to childminding displayed. Children’s learning is extended through the welcoming environment with a room designed for their use. For example there are toys that are well-presented and furniture that is specifically included for their comfort that includes floor cushions and a small table and chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s development is encouraged as toys are well suited to their age and stages of development. For example, children play with challenging equipment providing them with a rich learning environment, that includes a play farm, construction toys and writing equipment. Children therefore achieve through their play, since the equipment is well chosen and meets their specific needs. The equipment is exciting and thoroughly encourages children’s learning. For example, all of the children played with a little pig play glove, that encouraged all children to participate in a story that provided a stimulating learning environment.

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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 has completed a thorough risk assessment of her home that ensures children’s play is well-protected. Children experience a definite sense of belonging as they have a specific room set by for their use which is well equipped with a wide range of activities that are suitable for the age of children that attend. Children are well-protected against the dangers of fire, since the childminder has written evacuation plans, and has well-maintained fire prevention equipment in place. Children are learning about the dangers of fire through suitable explanations regarding the reasons for evacuating the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well-supervised as the childminder is consistently involved in their play, and stays with them at all times. The childminder assesses children’s capabilities and encourages their development by allowing them scope to explore, but at the same time remaining vigilant of their activities. Children are well-protected if there are concerns over their care, parents are aware of her obligations, the childminder has attended child protection training and can identify concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children contribute to each others learning by their consistent interaction with each other. They approach their activities with relish and enthusiasm, learning quickly as their play is fulfilling and meaningful. Children have exceptional communication, talking to each other consistently whilst they play. For example, two children enjoy stimulating play as they talk to each other enacting simple scenarios whilst playing with a toy farm. Children use their excellent communication skills to ask well-measured questions to further their greater understanding of natural events, and the objects around them. Children are immensely confident and therefore derive high levels of enjoyment from their activities, since they capably determine their own levels of involvement in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are tremendously enthusiastic regarding all their play activities. Their learning has tremendous enhancement as they are thoroughly supported by the childminder, who has an excellent appreciation of the ‘Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage through her professional training. They are confident as they are well practiced in their play which ensures that experience enjoyment and fulfilling learning opportunities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a richly rewarding environment where they are comfortable and well cared for. They frequently enjoy cuddles and comfort and sit on the childminder knee whilst they have a story read. They have very well-developed preferences and are enthralled when their favourite books are read to them. Children learn quickly as the childminder has an excellent knowledge of their play preferences and different stages of development and ensures her care reflects the different needs of the children. Children have exceptional concentration skills and derive satisfying play experiences as they remain with their activities for a significant length of time.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children with disabilities and learning difficulties have good care, as the childminder has an effective understanding of how their needs are met through an assessment of their capabilities, and an appreciation of the different characteristics of their stages of development. They are encouraged to appreciate the needs of minority groups through the good range of positive images and the celebration of various festivals and traditions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is excellent they are considerate of each others needs, with older children recognising that younger children need their support. Therefore, children are kind to each other and eagerly include others in their play, realising that this is enhanced with the inclusion of others. Children are consistently employed in meaningful learning opportunities which promote their positive behaviour. Children are learning to take responsibility for their environment as they readily organise toys of their preference and clear away those that they have finished with.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is an excellent partnership with parents that encourages children to settle well in the childminder's care. They settle well as the childminder organises consistent care through a gradual process. Children enjoy continuity of care as parents have ample opportunities to share information regarding their child’s care through conversations, photographs and written information which records areas of children’s development.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children thrive as a result of the tremendous commitment shown by the childminder towards additional professional training. The childminder has an excellent understanding of ‘Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage, using her expertise to ensure that children gain consistent meaningful learning opportunities. Children are very well-protected if there are any emergencies as the childminder ensures they are always cared for by cleared persons.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a wealth of additional learning opportunities as the childminder organises many local outdoor visits that extend the children’s enjoyment. Although the play activities are child- led the childminder ensures that there is sufficient structure within the children’s day for many instances to extend their learning. For example, when older children return from nursery school there are immediate learning experiences available, as stimulating activities are organised so they can continue learning through their play. Children learn quickly through positive feelings of belonging as their day is well structured and planning allows for flexible sleep times, but specific times for meals and outings. Overall the setting meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to provide children with an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory

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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 practice. Children are now learning about the needs of other cultures and traditions through the positive images that represent minority groups and are readily available for children's play.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 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): • promote the good health of children by reviewing the hand washing procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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