Butler Wendy Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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255952 Unique Reference Number 04 July 2006 Inspection date Lindsey Ann Cullum 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 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult sons, in the town of Wymondham, Norfolk. All areas of the downstairs of the property, plus the bathroom upstairs, are registered for use by minded children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The family have two cats and keep tropical fish.

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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. Overnight care is not provided. The childminder is currently caring for nine children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification, Early Years Care and Education level 3, qualification.

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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 and well maintained home. The daily routine helps children to gain an understanding of the importance of personal hygiene, as they are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating snacks. Children are protected from the risk of cross infection as appropriate hygiene practices are used, for example, paper towels are provided downstairs for hand drying and the childminder wears gloves when changing nappies. Children's health is promoted as the childminder makes parents aware of her policy regarding the care of sick children and has information available on infectious diseases and exclusions from the setting. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and updates the contents of her first aid box to ensure children's well-being should any accident occur. Children's health or medical needs are discussed with parents and relevant information recorded,

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Helping children to be healthy

enabling appropriate care to be provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied range of activities which contribute to their good health. Daily opportunities are provided for outdoor physical activity, including time spent in the garden where children have space to run freely, ride wheeled toys or play games which promote their co-ordination skills. Regular walks around their local environment, for example, to the park or the shops enables children to benefit from fresh air and exercise. The daily routine offers a balance of active play and quiet time for rests, promoting children's health. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their needs. Limited facilities are available for children to rest in comfort, for example, young children sleep in a buggy whilst older children use a sofa, compromising children's physical and emotional development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are adequately nourished. Parent's provide food for their children which caters for their dietary needs and parent's wishes are respected by the childminder. Meals are eaten together in a relaxed, social atmosphere where children learn table manners and become independent at feeding themselves. The childminder engages in conversation with children during mealtimes, introducing healthy eating principles and uses topics or activities such as cooking, to raise children's awareness of the importance of a healthy diet. Drinks are readily available to children and the childminder is mindful of the amount children drink to ensure they have sufficient to keep them healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, welcoming environment where they feel comfortable and secure. Effective use is made of space within the home so children can move around freely and access a range of stimulating activities, contributing to their development. Resources are stored at children's level so they are able to select what they would like to play with, fostering their independence. The childminder closely monitors the children's activities, ensuring these are appropriate for their age, in order to maintain their safety. Children play with a range of good quality, clean and safe resources. Equipment needed for the care of young babies is provided and well maintained, contributing to children's safety.

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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 are safeguarded by the childminder's understanding of the risks and good levels of supervision. Hazards such as those presented by electrical sockets, dangerous household substances and low glass have been identified during the childminder's risk assessment of the premises and suitable safety measures implemented to protect children. The childminder accompanies young children going upstairs to the toilet in order to protect them from harm. An emergency escape plan is displayed on the premises and practised with the children so they are familiar with the procedure in the event of a fire. Written procedures covering emergencies, a lost or uncollected child are shared with parents, keeping them fully informed of the practices in place to protect their children. Children enjoy regular outings with the childminder who has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clear strategies in place to keep them safe, for example, ensuring young children hold the childminder's hand or the buggy when out walking. Children learn about road safety and the dangers of talking to strangers during discussions whilst out with the childminder. All the required documentation is in place to promote children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder understands her role and responsibilities in child protection. She has attended relevant training to update her knowledge and has a written statement which she intends to share with parents in order to safeguard children. Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder has thought about what steps she would take in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and comfortable in the childminder's care. They settle well due to the familiar daily routine which is flexible to meet their needs. Warm and trusting relationships are developed with the childminder which builds children's confidence. Children enjoy family life and interact well with other members of the household who are caring and considerate towards the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a varied range of resources and activities which promote their leaning and development. The childminder sets out some toys and activities prior to children's arrival, enabling them the freedom to pursue their own interests. Further items can be chosen from accessible storage, promoting children's independence. Children enjoy a range of craft activities, for example, painting or gluing and are actively encouraged to use their own ideas, fostering their creative skills. They engage in physical play in the garden and are provided with suitable challenges to promote their physical development. Outings, for example, to the library, shops or walks enable children to learn about their local community and provide additional learning opportunities. Children socialise as they meet with other children during visits and activities with another childminder and her minded children. Babies are provided with a variety of toys

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

which promote their sensory development, for example, musical toys. The childminder responds warmly to their gestures and noises and is attentive to their needs, enhancing their development. Children's capabilities are known by the childminder who ensures activities are provided which help children to progress in a fun and relaxed environment. As a consequence, children are making good progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has incorporated some of the aspects into the activities she provides for younger children. She plans some activities to ensure children get a balanced range of opportunities. Older children also contribute their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 ideas, fostering their confidence. The childminder makes use of ideas gained on training to enhance children's learning, for example, making a card game where children can explore different textures. Children assist in the making of the games and enjoy playing with something they have created, contributing to them feeling valued and involved in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder's friendly approach, with equal concern for individual children in her care, helps them to feel valued. Children benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding appropriately to their personal needs during the day. The childminder actively seek parents wishes for the care of their children and ensures these are respected, providing consistency between childminding and home life. All children have access to appropriate toys and play materials which contribute to their learning and development. The childminder has not worked with children who have special needs but would seek advice, if necessary, so that she could meet their needs. Resources, activities and discussion help children to become aware of the wider world and develop a positive and caring attitude towards others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and well behaved as they are well occupied and interested in the activities on offer. They are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder provides careful explanations of why behaviour is inappropriate. She uses activities such as a homemade matching game to promote discussion amongst older children about how certain types of behaviour would make them feel, enabling them to gain a greater understanding of how their behaviour impacts on others. The childminder has a behaviour management statement in place which she shares with parents to inform them of the positive strategies she uses to manage children's behaviour. Children are encouraged to share and play co-operatively through the childminder's caring and sensitive support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnerships that have developed between the childminder and their parents. The childminder liaises closely with parents to make sure she is familiar with their wishes and the children's needs, enabling appropriate care to be provided. Children's continued well-being is assured through the valuable daily discussion with parents, which keep them up to date with their child's progress, routine and activities enjoyed that day. The childminder displays her registration and qualification certificates and shares several written policies with parents to advise them of the care that is provided. Systems are in place to receive comments or complaints from parents, enabling them to raise concerns if they are unhappy with any element of their child's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well cared for and supported during their time with the childminder as she provides a homely, welcoming environment and makes good use of her time to play with them, promoting their learning and development. Play areas are set out prior to children's arrival with a choice of resources to stimulate children's interest, contributing towards children feeling comfortable

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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 and secure within the childminder's home. Regular use of the garden provides an alternative learning environment.

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Organisation

The childminder is a suitable person to care for children. She demonstrates a strong commitment to developing her knowledge and working practices by attending relevant training, for example, recently completing an NVQ Early Years Care and Education level 3 qualification. She has a clear understanding of the National Standards which is reflected in the care she provides for children. Detailed contracts, consents and child record forms are completed, promoting the welfare of each child cared for. Children are not fully safeguarded as the childminder does not maintain an accurate daily record of children's attendance. A range of written policies are shared and discussed with parents to inform them of the service provided and the care their child receives. Overall, the needs of the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve the emergency access arrangements, share policy documents with parents and maintain the confidentiality of children's records.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder ensures the front door can be easily unlocked in the case of an emergency. Written policies and information on care practises are provided for parents at the time of placement and all children's records are now stored confidentially. These actions promote children's safety and welfare.

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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 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): • make sure the daily record of children's attendance is accurate at all times, to promote children's welfare and safety • develop sleeping facilities, to promote children's physical and emotional development.

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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 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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