Jordan, Nicola

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321203 Inspection date 04 September 2006 Inspector Suman Willis

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and nine years in the town of Knebworth, close to Stevenage. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding seven children, four under five, all attending on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the library, and the local parent and toddler group.

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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 family has two dogs and one rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing their physical skills as they walk daily to and from school. They use wheeled toys in the garden and have access to a slide. Younger children are developing their mobility skills as they manoeuvre themselves around the furniture and learn to climb on and off chairs. Children are developing their small manipulative skills, and their hand and eye co-ordination as they use a variety of resources, such as pretend tools to fix a door. Children rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Consequently children's large and small physical skills are promoted. Children stay healthy because of the very effective procedures in place such as wearing disposable gloves when changing nappies, and using disinfectants to clean tables after activities. Written permission from parents is obtained for administering medication and emergency aid, thus ensuring that parents are fully informed and

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Helping children to be healthy

children stay healthy. Good child sickness policy developed by the childminder enables them to be cared for appropriately. Children are developing a good knowledge of health and hygiene practices as they have their hands wiped after activities and before meals. Older children are encouraged to be independent as they freely access the toilet and wash their own hands. Consequently children stay healthy and cross-infection is minimised. Children are very well nourished. They enjoy healthy snacks such as bananas and apples. Children eat well balanced meals, for example, pasta with chicken, broccoli and carrots. They have regular access to drinks enabling them to quench their thirst with ease.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and child-friendly environment. Their work and photographs are proudly displayed on the dining and playroom walls, thus promoting their self-esteem. The two rooms used by children are well organised so that children can move around freely and safely. They freely access a wide range of age-appropriate resources which are checked for safety and age appropriateness. Children's safety is mostly promoted as risk assessments are carried out, and procedures to maintain children's safety are generally good. For example, appropriate resources such as cupboard locks, stairgates and socket covers are in place. However, certain areas of risk have not been identified thus children's safety is compromised. Younger children know that they have to be strapped into their booster seats when sitting at the table, thus re-enforcing safety. Children learn to keep

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves safe as they reminded of safety rules such as why they must walk and

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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 not run. They are developing a good understanding of road safety as they walk to and from school. Children are very well safeguarded because of the good knowledge and understanding the childminder has about protecting children and these are effectively shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They are interested to learn through play because the childminder provides a wide range of resources which promotes their development. Children are keen to participate in a variety of activities which provide challenge. For example, they are excited about painting and enjoy creating pictures of their hand prints while choosing how they are going to do this. Children make their own choices as they are given options of the colours they want to use. The childminder is enthusiastic in her approach and offers appropriate support, older children are encouraged to describe how the paint feels on their hands. Consequently children make good progress and are keen to acquire new knowledge and skills. Children are encouraged to use their own initiative as they engage in pretend play, one child happily pretends to fix the childminder's door for which he is thanked, and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

this makes him feel valued. All children are encouraged to work together and older children help younger children with confidence. They all work together and happily create a puppet show with the help of the childminder. Children have developed a very good relationship with the childminder and her family, and approach other adults with ease. Children distinguish between right and wrong as they share and take turns throughout their play. Therefore children are eager to respond to challenge and develop positive relationships with their peers and other adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging because the childminder seeks valuable information from parents and works around their individual needs. For example, children who are unsettled are comforted by the childminder, who offers lots of cuddles and support. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are fully included in the life of the setting because the childminder has a sound understanding of working with parents and other agencies. Children develop a good understanding about their community as they walk to and from school and visit the local park and shops. Their knowledge about the wider world is extended through play materials, books, activities celebrating festivals from around the world. Children are developing a good understanding of responsible behaviour as older children are encouraged to help younger ones. They share paint brushes and wait their turn for help patiently. All children and adults work harmoniously together

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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 because the childminder promotes herself as a good role model and is enthusiastic in her positive approach. Children are delighted as they are offered lots of praise and encouragement which develops their self-esteem. Children benefit from the strong partnership developed between the childminder and parents. Effective communication between the childminder and parents enables parents to be fully involved in their child's care. Parents are informed of the childminder's complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by a childminder who has a good knowledge and understanding of child development. The childminder is keen to update her skills and review training. She implements changes in legislations to ensure that children's needs come first. She also gathers information about relevant topics through books thus ensuring that children are well cared for and encouraged to reach their full potential. Children are fully supported in their care, learning and play due to the childminder's ability to organise her home and time, this enables all children to take an active part in the setting. Consequently, the childminder contributes to children's good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. All policies and procedures are in place, stored confidentially, and shared effectively with parents to ensure that children are able to make a positive contribution, and that their care is

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Organisation

fully promoted. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that that hazards to children are minimised; this refers to the entrance door and the fire place.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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