Conlin Tracy Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY308123 Inspection date 07 July 2006 Inspector Sheila Harrison

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged four and 12 years in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The whole premises is used for childminding except for the older child’s bedroom and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a pet rabbit and a cat. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children aged under eight full-time and an older child after school and in the holidays. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library, park and toddler groups.

p.2

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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning how to keep themselves healthy with simple good health and hygiene practices. They know the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children have their own named towels. They produce and display pictorial reminders to wash their hands in the bathroom. The childminder is well informed about each child's health as information is obtained from parents at registration on previous illnesses and allergies. Children are beginning to be aware of their own health needs as the childminder ensures the children’s skin is protected from the sun. Children’s health is promoted as the childminder has a portfolio of information on childhood illnesses and ensures parents are aware of her sickness and medication procedures. The childminder can respond appropriately to accidents as she has a current first aid certificate. The first aid box is fully stocked, easily assessable and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

taken on outings. However, children’s health is potentially compromised after an accident as the childminder has not received written permission for emergency medical treatment. Children are well nourished as the childminder encourages children to widen their tastes and try new foods. They have access to regular drinks and food that is nutritious. It complies with their dietary and religious needs. Children have good opportunities for learning about healthy eating as the childminder takes them shopping to learn about fruit and vegetables. They enjoy making smoothies with different fruits. Children enjoy sufficient amounts of challenging and worthwhile physical exercise. They walk to school early to allow time to play in the playground and they regularly visit the nearby woods for picnics. Children learn control over their bodies as they organise races and funny walk competitions. The childminder encourages them to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

feel their muscles and become aware of being out of breath after exercise. They wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and there are sufficient chances for children to rest and sleep in peaceful surroundings.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a welcoming home with sufficient space for children to play freely. Young children taking their first steps have a safe and comfortable place to practise their developing skills. Children use a wide range of equipment that is suitable and safe. The childminder regularly uses the toy library and swaps toys with other childminders to ensure

p.3

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’s interests are maintained. Children can easily access resources and make their own choices from a range displayed in the lounge. The toys are appropriate for the purpose and conform to safety standards. Children’s safety is promoted as the childminder takes positive steps to reduce risks within the home. Regular checks are undertaken and the premises are well maintained. Young children are safe on outings with the use of wrist straps and reins and they wear stickers with an appropriate telephone number. Children are learning to keep themselves safe they take a full part in the emergency evacuation procedures. They trigger the smoke alarm and decide which exit to use, taking the ‘grab bag’ of emergency supplies with them. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a suitable understanding of

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settle well at the childminder’s house due to the childminder's thorough settling in procedure. They are encouraged to talk about their families and home life. The childminder visits the child’s home which ensures children’s backgrounds are acknowledged and valued. Children’s self-esteem is encouraged as the childminder develops close links with the child's family. The childminder make passports for the children to take on their holidays and record their adventures to share with the others on their return. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposefully and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which are appropriate to their age and stage of their development. The childminder provides exciting opportunities for improvised play with large amounts of shredded paper, boxes and food containers. Younger children's enthusiasm to learn is encouraged as the

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder adapts activities to meet the children’s individual needs. Children’s towels are marked first with the child’s initial and when children can find the letter that starts their name this is expanded to the children’s whole name. Children begin to understand numerals and to count during walks in the surrounding area. They recognise colours through purposeful craft activities. Children enjoy painting a large box red and filling it with red objects. The childminder has an awareness of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and records the children’s development in diaries with photographs and examples of their artwork. Activities are adapted to the children’s mood or stage of development. Young children watch a foot painting activity from a distance but enjoyed washing their feet in the bubbly water with the older children afterwards. Young children can independently turn on the dance music on a large toy

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

tape recorder. The childminder actively encourages the children’s language development with songs and stories and she encourages the children to ask for what they want.

p.4

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 The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are well promoted as there is a positive partnership between the childminder and parents. There is an effective communication system to ensure parents are reassured about their children’s welfare at all times. Parents receive daily records of the children’s day and the opportunity to comment in the diary. Regular meetings out of the children’s earshot ensure a valuable two way conversation on the needs of the children. Parents are informed on the recent changes to the complaints procedure. Children benefit from a gentle and consistent behaviour management system. The childminder knows the different aspects of each child’s personality and can use sensitive tactics to help children behave well. She praises and encourages them

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

frequently. Good manners are encouraged. Children are developing an understanding of the wider world because the childminder introduces the children to different people in their neighbourhood and the wider multi-cultural society. Children celebrate important events in their lives including birthdays. They discuss and acknowledge other people's festivals. Children are encouraged to feel valued and free from discrimination as the play materials reflect diversity and show positive images of boys and girls.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at ease within a well organised environment. The childminder effectively uses her time with the children to ensure their well-being. She maintains a high adult-child ratio ensuring that children are well supervised. The childminder is committed to her role and is aware of recent changes to the regulations. Records are clear, up-to date, easily accessible and stored securely. The childminder enhances her skills by attending courses on specific subjects, for example, child protection and ‘Birth to three matters’. Information from the courses are used to inform current practice. Overall, the children’s needs are met.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.6

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 written parental permission is requested at the time of placement, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6