Bullock Deborah Tina

Inspection report for early years provision

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200996 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2006 Inspection date Jennifer Turner 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 a childminder since 2000. She lives with her husband and three sons aged six, 10 and 13 yrs in a three bedroom terraced house in Radford Semele in Leamington Spa.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet hamster and gold fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years and is currently caring for four children all of whom attend on part-time basis. She walks to the local school to take and collect children. She is a member of the local 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 good. Children take part in a range of routines and positive practices that promotes their good health effectively. They are independent in their access to the facilities in place for their personal care. The younger children have appropriate provision for nappy changing and to promote toilet training. Children are aware of the importance of washing their hands throughout the day, especially after using the toilet, activities, and before eating. There is a statement on the contracts regarding the care of sick children and she discusses with parents the importance of keeping children who are unwell at home. This ensure positive steps are taken to minimise cross infection. If the children sustain an injury following an accident parents are notified and she is able to treat them effectively because she has completed a first aid course.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have good space to move around and develop their physical skills. They visit other facilities in the area, which enhances their physical skills and they enjoy their time in the garden playing ball games or bouncing on the trampoline. Children have regular access to the local park that has good space for them to play with a range of equipment both large and small. For example, they take buckets and spades to play in the large sand pit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's meals are provided by their parents. The children have regular snacks, which are well presented and promote healthy options. They have different fruits for their snacks and the childminder encourages them to eat their main meal first. Dietary needs are discussed with parents and recorded; ensuring that any allergies are monitored effectively. Regular drinks are provided for the children throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children arrive into a welcoming environment where toys are easily accessible and there are facilities available for them to rest and sleep according to their needs. Older children can safely access toilet facilities, thus helping to promote their independence. Children's safety is promoted because they use equipment and resources that are safe and suitable for their age and ability. The childminder enhances her range of toys, when needed, by using the local toy library.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has a good awareness of potential hazards in and outside the home. For example, she ensures cleaning fluids are stored inaccessibly to children, gates are fitted to the stairs and kitchen to prevent unsupervised access. Children learn to keep themselves safe when they are out with her and they know that they should not talk to strangers. They know to look right and left when crossing the road and to hold the childminder's hand or side of the push chair when out walking. Children know what to do if there is a fire, because they have practised the emergency escape plan which is displayed in the hall.

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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 promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and of her responsibilities in this area. She gives parents a copy of the guidelines for reference and she keeps relevant telephone numbers accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely settled and content in the childminder's care despite some of them having only recently started attending her service. They enter confidently and make themselves at home and are familiar with the relaxed and flexible routines that allow for a balance of active play and relaxation as the childminder understands how children need to relax after the rigours of the school day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given time to play independently and benefit from being able to take part in a wide range of worthwhile and interesting play opportunities. The childminder ensures children have a varied day and enjoy activities which help develop their play and learning, for example, creative play is available daily, as are puzzles and construction. Children attending after school like making cakes, playing on the computer, watch TV and art and craft activities. They are able to select their own games and activities, use their initiative and take responsibility. However, the outcome for children under 3 years could be further enhanced by using an approach in line with ‘Birth to three matters’.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing in the garden where they planted seeds and grow cress. They visit local parks to do tree rubbing, collect leaves and twigs to make collages. The organisation of the home and use of appropriate resources helps younger children become increasingly independent. Children's self-esteem and confidence are promoted because the childminder encourages children to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. Children benefit from good interactions with the childminder, she has a good rapport with them and a gentle approach. She is reassuring to children and listens carefully to what they are saying. Children’s activities and achievements are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are included and valued by the childminder. They learn about each other's differences and similarities because the childminder talks to them about situations as they occur and uses books and resources to explore different cultures. She loans resources from her local toy library to enhance what she already has. The childminder ensures that she is aware of and addresses children's individual needs through discussions with parents. Although the childminder has never cared for children with a disability and or learning difficulties she welcomes them into her home and recognises the need to work closely with parents and other agencies to support children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. They are aware of the unwritten ground rules of the childminder's home and require minimal reminding of these. The childminder informs children of strategies that apply during their play and obtains their agreement to these. For example, children must

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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 share and take turns with the computer. She has a calm approach to any unacceptable behaviour and addresses any potential issues appropriately by using 'time out'. This further positively influences children's behaviour. They learn right from wrong because the childminder explains the consequences of their actions on others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good exchange of verbal information between parents and the childminder helps to ensure appropriate care is given to children. For example, she tells parents what their children have done during the day and talk about their likes and dislikes. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's routines and activities and they have the contact details of the regulator in the event that they wish to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a organised and efficient management of the care and provision provided and because the childminder enjoys her role. They have access to a secure and well maintained outdoor play area. Children are confident and feel at home and at ease with the well-organised environment where they are able to self select and make decisions about what they do, which promotes their personal development very well.

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Organisation

Most of the required documents and records are in place, however due to the lack of written policies and procedures parents are not fully aware of the ethos of her service. Documentation such as contracts are reviewed and kept up to date by the childminder and stored appropriately. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection a number of recommendations were made. The childminder was asked to devise and practise an emergency escape plan. Her plan is now displayed and children practise the drill regularly. She has increased the range of positive images resources and to increase the opportunities for children to investigate and think. She has purchased and loaned a number of resources which now ensures children have a better awareness of the world around them. Activities are planned where children are able to investigate how things grow and changes in the seasons. She has also obtained the appropriate insurance cover in order to use her car to transport children. The childminder was also asked to obtain parental consent before administering medication. This has been addressed and parents now give written consent before medication is given to the children. She was also asked to ensure confidentiality is maintained

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Improvements since the last inspection

and has addressed this by ensuring children's personal details are stored securely and that information shared by parents is not discussed with a third party.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been one complaint made that required Ofsted to take action in order for the childminder to meet the National Standards. Ofsted received information relating to National Standards 1 (Suitable Person), 2 (Organisation) and 6 (Safety) alleging that the childminder exceeded her registered numbers. Ofsted issued the childminder with regulatory

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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 actions in the form of a Notice of Failure to Comply, requiring the childminder to ensure that registered numbers are never exceeded. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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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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): • devise written policies to formulate the current practice • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with ‘Birth to three matters’.

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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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