Johnson, Michelle Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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209924 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2006 Inspection date Karen Cooper 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and 11 years. They live in Burton-on-Trent. The location is convenient for shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight and is currently minding one child on a full time basis and nine children on part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they are taught the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children know to wash their hands before meals, after craft activities and after using the toilet. Effective procedures are in place to reduce the risk of cross infection, for example, there are good procedures in place for changing nappies and the provision of liquid soap and clean towels for children when they use the bathroom. The childminder is trained to administer first aid and all the required documentation is in place for accidents and medication. However, written consent from parents to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and to administer medication is not obtained therefore, children’s welfare is not fully protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met effectively, as these are discussed with parents and details of specific dietary needs are recorded. Children are provided with regular drinks which ensure they are kept hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are well supported and children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and well-being. The childminder recognises the importance of physical activity and how it promotes children's good health and development. Children enjoy good access to a spacious garden. They benefit from being able to use a wide range of play equipment which helps them to develop confidence and positive attitudes to physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a comfortable home where space is organised to allow them to move around freely and independently. There is a dedicated playroom for children and they have access to a good range of quality toys and resources which ensures that their needs are well met. Furniture and equipment is safe, kept in good condition and safety checked prior to use. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the use of toys to make sure they are safe and used appropriately by the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety; she is vigilant and supervises children well. Children benefit from a range of safety measures already in place to minimise hazards and enable them to explore their surroundings safely. For example, safety gates are used to prevent access to the stairs and kitchen, the fridge is fitted with a lock and low level cupboards are fitted with safety catches. There are clear procedures to ensure children are collected only by authorised people. For example, passwords are used when necessary for extra protection. Thorough procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when on outings. The childminder takes appropriate information with her including parent contact numbers in the case of an emergency. Children learn about fire safety and know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are provided

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order.

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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 Children's welfare is protected through the childminders appropriate knowledge of child protection issues and of the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child. She is careful to restrict other people's access to her home and all visitors are requested to sign in and out of the premises. The childminder has attended child protection training and is fully aware of her role and responsibility in protecting children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder plans and provides a wide variety of interesting and challenging activities supported by quality resources. As result children are settled and happy. Older children are able to make decisions about their play, select activities and develop their interests. The childminder ensures children have a varied day and they enjoy activities which contribute to their creativity and imagination, for example, dressing up, art and craft activities and construction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The organisation of the home and use of appropriate resources helps younger children become increasingly independent. The childminder has attended training for the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this knowledge effectively to involve children and further their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are valued and the childminder helps them to feel good about themselves by frequently providing positive support, praise and encouragement. Their self-esteem and confidence is promoted because the childminder encourages them to take part in activities in a safe and supportive environment. They benefit from good interaction with the childminder and have formed good relationships with the childminders family. The childminder is reassuring to children and listens carefully to what they are saying.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Their care needs are discussed with parents and routines and preferences are followed, this helps children to settle in and feel comfortable. Older children are confident in stating their preferences and the childminder encourages them to make choices and take responsibility for their own decisions. Children learn about diversity through the broad range of resources, play opportunities and activities, which reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. The childminder is sensitive towards inclusion. She recognises the importance of continuing discussions with parents to ensure all children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are kind considerate and thoughtful to each other. They willingly share and take turns and the childminder encourages them to play harmoniously together. The childminder is a positive role model to children, she is polite, friendly and courteous. Children's conversations are listened to and valued, and each child is praised for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and this has a positive impact on the children's well-being. Information is shared daily and parents are kept informed about their child's daily events and

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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 progress. Good settling in procedures are designed to help children settle more easily, and to ensure the childminder is aware of their needs and care routines. Several parents provided references for the childminder for this inspection and it is evident from these how pleased they are with the care and service offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced through the effective organisation of space and resources. They have the opportunity to rest, play and eat in comfort and benefit from well-established routines which have a good regard for their individual routines. The children are confident and feel at home and at ease within this family environment. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and understanding of childcare practices by attending relevant courses and workshops. For example, 'Birth to three matters' guidance, child protection, equal opportunities, sign language and health and safety. The childminder uses this knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences.

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Organisation

Children's good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement is promoted effectively through the use of recording procedures which are shared with parents. However, children's attendance is not recorded on a daily basis therefore their welfare is not fully safeguarded. The childminder provides a full range of policies and procedures including one for complaints. These are regularly reviewed and updated. All documentation is stored securely and organised to maintain confidentiality. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was requested to extend the range of resources and activities provided to promote equality of opportunity. The childminder has extended the range of resources and ensures children learn about diversity through a variety of play opportunities and activities which reflect diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. For example puppets, books, figures and craft activities. This helps children become aware of their own needs and the needs of others.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency treatment and to administer medication • ensure attendance records are kept accurate and up to date

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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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