Hancox, Victoria Joy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316812 Inspection date 11 April 2006 Inspector Kathryn Mary Harding

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and one child and works with another childminder, in a small village in Shropshire. The downstairs rooms are used for childminding purposes and consist of a kitchen /dining area, conservatory and lounge. There is a downstairs toilet available on the ground floor. There is a large enclosed garden area available for outside play. The childminder is registered for five children under eight years and eight children under eight years when working with the other childminder. They are currently caring for 15 children on a part-time basis.

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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 one cat and a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm clean setting where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene and personal care through the daily routines. The children take part in organised activities that promote good hygiene practices, such as why it is important to wash hands. Good procedures for nappy changing are in place, such as the use of disposable gloves and aprons, but the child's privacy is not always maintained. The childminder provides healthy and nutritious snacks and meals such as fruit, breadsticks and vegetables and takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to meet their dietary requirements. Children are offered regular drinks such as milk or water so that they do not become thirsty. Weekly menus are displayed so parents can see what their child will be eating. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

learn about healthy living as they talk about healthy food options and the importance of exercise. There are outdoor activities to help children develop control of their bodies, for example a climbing frame and ride on toys. Children take part in a range of activities, such as threading and construction sets to help develop their fine control skills. Regular walks improve children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is warm and where there is sufficient space for the children to play in. Most safety precautions such as stair gates are in place to help keep children safe, but there is a possible hazard from the fireguard not being attached to the wall and some noxious substances being present. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and resources, which meet safety standards and are regularly checked. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as they talk about road safety when outside the home and are encouraged not to run, when inside the house. The childminder has sound knowledge of child protection matters and has a leaflet available regarding what to do if there is a child protection concern. The childminder gives all parents a copy of the leaflet and has a child protection policy in place.

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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 The provision is good. Children engage in a wide range of activities which promote their overall development very well. They are happy, settled and interested to learn. Close and caring relationships between the childminder and the children have formed, which increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. The childminder has written weekly plans of activities linked to the Stepping Stones and the Birth to Three principles. Observations are undertaken on the children ensuring the childminder can identify the next steps in the children's learning and then a related activity is planned. The childminder ensures that children have good opportunities to take part in lots of creative activities. Resources are stored at child height, in transparent containers and are easily

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

accessible for children. They choose and make decisions about their play, encouraging them to be independent learners. The childminder supports the children appropriately in their play. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan and adapt activities to promote younger children’s learning, such as when making Easter cards.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to choose from the range of toys regardless of gender. In order to promote children's understanding and awareness of the wider world the children look at different festivals such as Holi and do activities linked in with the festival. The childminder ensures that children are treated as individuals and meets their specific needs effectively and adapts activities so all children can take part. Children learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour, as the childminder has clear strategies in place to deal with unwanted behaviour. Their understanding of right and wrong is increased as they are given explanations as to why something is not acceptable. They are encouraged to share the toys and are given clear and consistent boundaries so promoting consideration for each other. Lots of praise and encouragement is used with the children enhancing their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

self-esteem and self-worth. Partnership with parents is good and the childminder keeps parents well informed about how their child has been and what they have been doing and where they are planning on going. The childminder shows all parents the policies of her service. The childminder provides daily diaries for parents of younger children. This ensures consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder demonstrates a high regard for children's well-being and offers them a good level of support. This is enhanced as the children have two carers, as the

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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 childminder works with another childminder. The childminder is keen to enhance her practice and is prepared to attend training and workshops and has obtained the Nursery Nursing Examination Board, child care qualification. The children are at home in the well organised environment and are confident to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder works well to promote children's health, enjoyment and achievement. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure that children are cared for consistently. Confidentiality is maintained as all paperwork is stored in a portable lockable filing cabinet. Overall children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • ensure that the fireguard is made safe • ensure that all noxious substances are inaccessible to children

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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:

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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 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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