Lloyd, Catharine Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294736 Inspection date 02 June 2005 Inspector Angela Hufton

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and 2 school-aged children in an end-terraced house in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor with sleep and toilet facilities provided in this area. The setting is close to local schools, parks, transport and shops. She meets with other childminders and attends local toddler groups. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under the age of 8 and currently cares for 3 children. Children with special needs are supported by the childminder. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a

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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 current first aid qualification, food hygiene certificate and has a level two qualification in Early Years Care and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable, clean home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care through the daily routine, such as the need to clean hands after using the toilet to prevent the spread of germs. Children are effectively protected from illness and infections through the childminder's use of a clear 'sick child' policy, which is shared with parents. Children receive appropriate care if they become ill; medication and recording procedures are in place to promote their care. Children enjoy snacks of fruit including bananas and raisins. Individual children's tastes are taken account of and they learn about healthy food through involvement in preparing food and drinks. Children's specific dietary needs are catered for, ensuring they receive appropriate meals and snacks. Children benefit from a wide range of play activities which contribute to their good

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Helping children to be healthy

health. They have regular access to outdoor play to help them develop control of their bodies, for example riding wheeled toys or digging in the snow to make snowmen. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and soft play centres improves children's physical skills and develops their awareness of the need for exercise to stay healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected from harm in a safe and well maintained environment. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised through suitable precautions and procedures. They move around the home safely, freely and independently. Children understand how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire because fire practices are regularly carried out. They independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Suitable measures are in place to promote the safe care of children while out on visits, trips or in the event of emergencies. They are well protected by the childminder's close supervision and she ensures her home is secure. Children learn about keeping themselves safe, such as how to cross the road using the green cross code. They are protected from harm; the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection, in line with Area Child Protection Committee procedures, enabling her to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protect children in the event of concerns.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle easily at the childminder's house promoted by her warm and encouraging relationship with them. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at childminder meetings and outings. Children are independent as they choose between a variety of toys and activities which appeal to them. Their choices and efforts are respected promoting their self-esteem. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their creative, social, physical and intellectual development. Although children take part in activities that are planned for their overall development these are not specifically linked to individual learning needs. They have fun dressing up, going on picnics, threading beads and painting. These all support their development. Children have consistent routines, they rest and take part in quieter activities as

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have some opportunities to learn about the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of other's. For example, they talk about Diwali and Chinese new year and how it is celebrated. Children have limited access to resources to further extend their knowledge of the similarities and differences between people. Individual choices and opinions are valued and children are respected. Their needs are met well and children with additional needs receive appropriate care and support. Children show care and concern for each other and play happily together. They behave very well. Children are learning what is right and wrong and their good behaviour is valued and encouraged. Children benefit from a close relationship between their parents and the childminder. A good range of information is sought from parents to ensure individual needs are catered for. Daily discussions, regular meetings and feedback ensures children's

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have good levels of support and supervision enabling them to develop independence, such as accessing the toilet; the childminder being close on hand in case they need help. This aids children feeling secure in the setting. They are effectively protected from people who have not been vetted. Children take part in a good range of activities in the well organised home to promote their learning.

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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 A range of written policies and clear procedures are used effectively to benefit the care, learning and welfare of the children. These are shared with parents to ensure they are kept informed and their child's well-being promoted. The childminder is committed to improving the service she provides by attending training, including food hygiene. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • continue to develop planning to ensure a good broad range of activities are provided to meet individual learning needs, such as through use of the Birth to three matters framework • develop the range of resources and activities provided to promote children's knowledge and understanding of the similarities and differences between people in the local community and the wider world.

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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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