Bradshaw, Julia

Inspection report for early years provision

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503174 Unique Reference Number 28 June 2006 Inspection date Christine Stewart 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 July 2001 and lives with her husband in Bromborough on the Wirral peninsular. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. On the first floor the bathroom, smallest bedroom and front bedroom are also used. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder has two pet dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under 8 years. When working with her assistant the childminder can mind six children under eight years of whom four children can be under five years. The childminder is currently minding seven children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed NVQ level 3 early years childcare and education training. She has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean setting and good hygiene procedures are implemented to help prevent the spread of infection. The food preparation areas are kept clean, children all have their own flannels and the equipment is in good order. They learn to understand about germs as they wash their hands after stroking the dogs and before snacks and meals. Children know and follow simple routines to keep their environment clean, for example, they remove their outdoor shoes on arrival. Written policies are in place regarding arrangements for sick children, these are shared with parents and their co-operation ensures their children do not attend when they are unwell so reducing the spread of infection to others. The childminder is qualified to administer first aid to children and keeps detailed records of accidents which occur both on and off the premises.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical activity such as lively music movement sessions which help them to gain awareness of space, and to develop control and co-ordination over their bodies. The garden is used when weather permits and children can access the large equipment and benefit from robust outside play and fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of a nutritious diet; she introduces new foods in consultation with parents to support children's well being and development. Food is all home cooked and includes plenty of fresh vegetables to promote children's physical well being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play happily in the welcoming environment where they have a designated play room, with age appropriate toys and resources to choose from. Wall displays and charts provide further interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good amount of space, which is well organised for children to access a broad range of activities to promote their development. The camera system that is installed ensures that children can always be seen and they are in close proximity to be heard keeping them safe at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder makes sure that all hazards are isolated and encourages children to clear away activities when they have finished playing with them to reduce tripping hazards and allow children more freedom for movement. The childminder uses her good understanding of children's differing capabilities well to provide a safe environment. For example, older children play with equipment that may be unsuitable for babies in an adjacent room. Good procedures are followed for children's safety when out and about, such as the childminder conducts risk assessments of new venues before taking the children to ensure all reasonable steps are in place to protect the 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 well protected by the childminder's good understanding of safeguarding procedures. She has attended child protection training and has a good knowledge of signs and symptoms of abuse. Her written policy on child protection is shared with parents so that they understand her duty to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access a good and varied range of play experiences all of which contribute to their learning and development. Activities available to them are age appropriate and meet their individual needs. Children access outdoor play activities either in the childminder's garden, or by going out with the childminder to local places of interest. They enjoy planned outings which extend their learning and are fun, such as visits to the planetarium and the zoo.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and secure in the childminder's care. She fosters relaxed and warm relationships with the children which helps to promote their self-esteem and create an atmosphere in which learning can be developed well. Interaction between the childminder and the children is good, as she spends time playing, listening and talking to the children, helping them to learn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's creativity is fostered as they explore with paint and express themselves using musical instruments, beating loudly and softly on the drums. Children are encouraged to use their senses, for example, when comparing the smell of the strawberry yogurt to fresh strawberries. A lively and humorous musical movement session enables the children to enjoy indoor physical play and gain awareness of space, of themselves and of others. The childminder has a good understanding of child development which is reflected in the appropriate and balanced activities she plans which keep children occupied and interested.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides an inclusive environment were all children enjoy a wide range of play experiences. Children's individuality is valued and respected which develops their self confidence and self-esteem. The childminder shows due regard towards the care of children with special needs and liaises closely with parents to ensure their individual needs are met. Children celebrate different festivities, for example, visiting China Town during the Chinese New Year Celebrations and all sharing a traditional dinner at Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good because the childminder is consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour using positive strategies appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children take turns and wait patiently when sharing the paint, they listen and follow simple instructions to tidy up, they say please and thank-you as they learn to be polite. The childminder and the older children have drawn up the house rules which they agreed together, they are displayed on the wall in the playroom. This helps children to understand cause and consequence of their behaviour, and promotes respect for each other.

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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 Children benefit from the positive working relationship developed with their parents. Effective systems, both verbally and in writing, are in place. This ensures that information required to meet children's individual needs is known shared.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well organised environment. The childminder meets the needs of the children well because she has a sound knowledge of the individual children, provides well planned activities and effectively uses the space available. The children benefit from a balance of active play times and quiet times such as story-time.

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Organisation

Written policies are in place and are shared with parents. Daily information is exchanged verbally and in writing, keeping them informed about the service and their child's development. All required documents to protect children’s well-being are maintained, however, the register does not accurately reflect the children, assistants and co-minders present each day.

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Organisation

The childminder continues to attend training to further her knowledge to support children's well being and help them make progress.

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Organisation

Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three recommendations were made and are now in place. The childminder was asked to expand resources to reflect and promote positive images of people with disabilities. She has now obtained further resources which help children to value diversity. She was asked to devise a system to maintain and record any complaint. This is now in place and will help parents to make informed choices for the well being of their children. She was required to remove a large ornament from the hall. This has now been removed making the area safe for children to play in.

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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

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

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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): • ensure that the daily register of attendance is accurate, up to date and includes the attendance of assistants or co-minders

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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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