Walters Karen

Inspection report for early years provision

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208025 Unique Reference Number 20 June 2006 Inspection date Diana Pidgeon 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 1990. She lives with her husband and three grown-up daughters on the outskirts of Chesterfield. Shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor, first floor bathroom and bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has 13 children on roll who attend part-time. Of these, eight children are under five years of age, three are between five years and eight years and two are over eight. Children attend at different times and days according to individual needs. She cares for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The childminder walks to and from local schools with children and attends local toddler groups.

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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 good health is safeguarded because the childminder takes positive steps to prevent cross infection. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where appropriate cleaning routines ensure good hygiene is maintained. The family pets are in good health and the arrangements for their care are hygienic. Children begin to understand and actively participate in routines to maintain their health and personal hygiene, for example washing their hands with soap before eating. Although a clean towel is provided in the bathroom daily, when this is shared by several children it does not minimise the risk of cross infection. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder can respond effectively to accidents. She holds a current first aid qualification and has the appropriate equipment readily available to deal with any minor injuries. Arrangements to care for children when they are sick or require medication

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Helping children to be healthy

are clear and meet the child's best interests.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat healthily either the food that parents provide for them or the choice provided by the childminder. Meals provided are nutritious and take account of any individual dietary needs. Children enjoy fresh fruit at snack time in the home and are beginning to learn that this is good for them. Good access to drinks throughout the day means children do not become thirsty. Children's physical development is enhanced through regular visits to the local park and the use of large play equipment. Younger children benefit from regular visits to toddler groups where they can explore freely and ride wheeled toys safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children' safety and welfare is well maintained because the childminder regularly checks the premises and resources for potential risks. A range of safety measures such as stair gates, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in place to protect children. They move safely and independently around the areas used, freely accessing a wide range of developmentally appropriate toys and resources. High levels of supervision are maintained, while allowing children opportunities to develop their personal independence appropriately. Children learn how to keep themselves safe, for example by putting some toys away before bringing others out so they do not trip on them. Older children learn about road safety and how to evacuate the premises in an emergency as the childminder takes time to practise these skills with them. Consequently, children begin to take responsibility for their own safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective procedures are in place to ensure children's safety when they are away from the childminder's home. Secure arrangements are in place for the collection of children from school and for the supervision of younger children at community groups. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She has a good understanding of the signs that would concern her and is able to respond appropriately according to the latest guidelines. This ensures she would act in the best interests of the child and therefore promote their welfare.

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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. Children's care and development are promoted because they spend their time purposefully engaged in meaningful play. Daily routines meet the children's needs and take account of their different patterns of attendance. For example, all younger children benefit from some opportunities to socialise outside the home and to enjoy community events. This means all children have a balanced range of experiences that allow them to learn independently and to participate in more structured activities. Children happily and enthusiastically play imaginatively with a well resourced dolls house, acting out their own ideas. Interaction with the childminder helps to introduce new vocabulary, counting and promotes communication skills. Children choose what they wish to do and readily select paper and crayons for drawing. Their physical skills are developing through the use of play dough, which they manipulate in their hands, so

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

strengthening their muscles while having fun. Effective use of a good range of sensory toys, especially for children with disabilities, means they learn through the use of all their senses.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. The effective partnership with parents ensures clear information is regularly exchanged so that everyone is very well informed. For example, policies and procedures are clear and available and there is good information provided about the childminder's service. Thorough settling in procedures are used, which ensures all relevant information is exchanged and recorded so that children's needs and parents' wishes are known. Consequently the childminder has an in-depth understanding of each child's interests, preferences and achievements so that she can plan to promote all areas of their development. Relationships between the children, the childminder and her family are warm and welcoming. Each child is respected and valued as an individual and the childminder goes to great lengths to ensure all children are included. She works effectively with parents and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

other professionals to support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. For example, she has agreed care plans, works closely with support workers, provides suitable toys and equipment and undertakes any relevant training. All children learn some basic signing, for example simple greetings. This positive approach to inclusion ensures all children are able to participate fully because activities are adapted or appropriate to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They understand what is expected of them, because clear and consistent boundaries are in place and reinforced sensitively by the childminder. Young children learn to share and take turns, to respect the toys and equipment and to be kind to others. Children are praised frequently and this ensures they understand when they are doing well. Young children receive support to deal with their emotions and frustrations so that they learn to manage these appropriately. Children enjoy lots of opportunities to learn about themselves, others and the local environment through the wide variety of activities provided. For example, all children use local facilities such as the parks and community groups where they mix widely with others and learn to appreciate similarities and differences within society. This is further extended in the home where children use a suitable range of toys and play

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Helping children make a positive contribution

equipment that introduces them to cultural diversity.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Paperwork is stored in good order and maintained in line with requirements. Some policies and procedures that are personal to the setting are in place and used to guide the childcare provision. Record keeping is sufficient and shared appropriately with parents. However, detail recorded within accident reports, regarding any treatment given, is not comprehensive. Also the format of the new medication form does not make entirely clear that parents have given prior consent because of the position of the signature box. This means full information may not be exchanged and so affect the continuity of care.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation of her time and resources. This ensures children receive lots of adult attention and support to participate in activities that help them make good developmental progress. Through a commitment to attending training the childminder ensures she is aware of current childcare issues and guidelines. Space in the home is effectively organised so that children have use of rooms that are child friendly, comfortable and homely. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has taken positive steps to address the two recommendations made. With regard to her registers, the childminder has improved the detail recorded by including a list of all the children cared for and their dates of birth for reference purposes, recording accurate times of attendance and including additional information such as visitors. This ensures the records maintained are effective in safeguarding children. She has raised her awareness of how to support children with learning difficulties and disabilities through reading relevant guidance materials and working closely with other professionals. This ensures appropriate action is taken to promote the welfare and development of the child in partnership with parents and other agencies.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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): • improve the detail in the accident and medication records • ensure arrangements for older children to dry their hands minimises the risk of cross infection.

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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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