Wilson, Rachael

Inspection report for early years provision

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268377 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2006 Inspection date Kashma Patel 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and 11 years in Nuneaton. The childminder works with another registered childminder in her home. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, except for the front lounge and hallway. There is an fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and has two children on roll. When minding with the co-minder they may care for a maximum of six children of whom five may be under eight-years-old. Currently they are caring for two children between them. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks and transports children to local schools to take and collect children. She also attends the local library and takes children to parks and shops.

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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 supports children with learning difficulties. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted in the home because they are learning the importance of good personal hygiene through well-planned routines. They are aware that they need to wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom to stop germs from spreading. The childminder promotes children's health by ensuring that furniture and equipment is cleaned with a anti-bacterial spray.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good knowledge of nutrition and plans varied menus for the children, which is both healthy and appetising. Children are encouraged to help prepare snacks and learn about healthy food. They are aware that some food such as apples are good for them and sweets are bad for their teeth. They have access to drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day, which ensures that they are well hydrated

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to fresh air and exercise whenever possible to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy walks to the local parks where they are able to run and play freely. Time spent in the garden area using climbing equipment and ride-on toys enables them to learn and practise physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure in the childminder's home because she has a good awareness of health and safety and takes reasonable steps to minimise risks. All exposed sockets are made inaccessible and electrical wires are out of reach. Children are learning about fire safety through discussions with the childminder, fire equipment is checked and maintained in good working order to ensure that children are kept safe. They are well supervised on outings, the childminder has appropriate car insurance and written consents to assist with safeguarding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of stimulating toys and equipment which promotes their independence. They are encouraged to tidy up toys before taking more out to ensure they have sufficient space to play safely. Children have good access to equipment such as books and puzzles because they are stored on low level shelves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder clearly understands her role in child protection and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should there be a concern. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder is skilled at planning a wide range of stimulating and challenging activities which are based on children's interests. She ensures that toys and equipment are age appropriate and provide sufficient challenge. The children respond well to the childminders enthusiasm and motivation. They enjoy role play, music and messy play which extends their creativity and imagination. Children also enjoy baking biscuits and decorating them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children interact positively with the childminder and seek her company in their play. Younger children enjoy playing with jigsaws and looking at books with her. The childminder extends children's learning by careful explanations and demonstrations for example older children were learning how to sew.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities outside the home where they learn about the natural world, they collect leaves and twigs for their art work. They also enjoy trips to the local library and the farm where they learn the names of different animals and look at them in the books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that there is no bias in her practice in relation to gender, race or disability. All children are treated with equal concern. There is a good range of toys and equipment such as dolls, puzzles and books to promote children's understanding of the wider world. Children with learning difficulties receive appropriate and sensitive support to help them progress in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a calm and supportive approach and learn right from wrong through careful explanation and consistency. They are encouraged to play together, take turns and share. Children are supported and praised which develop their confidence and gives them a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s individual needs are met because the childminder works well with parents to develop close partnerships so that all children achieve to their full potential. Parents are provided with written information and receive daily verbal communication to keep them informed of their children's progress. A log of complaints is not in place to reflect the new regulations. Therefore, parents do not have an awareness of action to take should they have concerns about the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder works well with her co-minder to ensure that appropriate adult to child ratios are met and maintained to allow children to receive good individual attention. Children benefit because the childminder is well organised and plans her day to ensure children have a variety of good quality activities and opportunities both inside and outside the home. The childminder

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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 ensures that the needs and welfare of the children in her care is her first priority by ensuring that all adults who come into regular contact with the children are suitably vetted.

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Organisation

Children's learning needs are well met and supported by some good quality documentation, which is well organised and shared with parents. There are some polices and procedures which safeguard the children. The childminder takes overall responsibility for maintaining appropriate records.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to increase the range of resources promoting diversity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has increased her range of resources promoting diversity. She has a good range of dolls, puzzles and books which promotes children's understanding of the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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): • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken.

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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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