Baxter, Anita Linda

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY100186 Inspection date 26 April 2005 Inspector Sarah Harrison

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 14, 9 and 8 years old in Northamptonshire. Local amenities such as shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding as well as the rear bedroom for sleeping children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and currently minds six children who attend 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 a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well nourished through snacks and healthy drinks enjoyed throughout the day. They have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder has established a good working relationship with parents and information about the children is shared well between them. This results in children's individual needs being met and understood by the childminder. Children know and understand about good hygiene practices from regular discussions with the childminder and participation in good day to day routines, although hand washing at relevant points in the day, such as before meals and after playing in the garden does not always occur. Children experience a wide range of opportunities for physical development either in the childminder's garden or when taken on outings to the zoo, swimming pool or to groups to mix with other children. This promotes their physical well being and

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Helping children to be healthy

ensures that they continue to develop their large muscle groups whilst gaining and extending control of their bodies. Children are encouraged to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The house and garden are clean and well maintained. Equipment is kept clean and safe and is appropriate for each child in terms of their age, development and personal needs. Children have access to a wide range of suitable resources, toys and equipment which are stored in a dedicated space. They choose activities which suit their individual needs and requirements and this helps to develop their independence. All necessary health and safety measures are in place and together with appropriate records, serve to ensure that children are protected from harm. Children know and understand how to keep themselves safe. They are given opportunities to practise the emergency evacuation procedure and understand the reasons when this may be needed. They benefit from good procedures which ensure their safety when on outings. Children take responsibility for themselves as they learn

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

how to keep safe through regular discussions with the childminder about issues such as road safety and stranger danger. The childminder has attended various training courses and clearly understands her responsibilities towards child protection and as a result, children are protected from harm and helped to stay safe.

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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 Children relate well to the childminder and each other. They play well together, sharing toys and developing negotiating skills. Children have opportunities to develop in all areas of learning through activities provided. They enjoy outdoor play using the apparatus available to them and are skilful at creating imaginative games of their own. Space in the garden is used well to create distinctive areas of play for children to enjoy. Children learn to manage different surfaces and levels. Children are happy and content in the care of the childminder. Their self–esteem is high and they are able to ask her questions confidently, secure in the knowledge that they will be listened to and acknowledged. Through the self–selection of activities, children are encouraged to make decisions for themselves and their independence is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

nurtured. At other times, children experience one to one support from the childminder to enhance their play or when a learning opportunity arises. She sits and plays with the children, asking them questions and listening to their replies. Activities are planned and play experiences provided, based on the childminders knowledge of individual children and based on their current level of development and understanding. She builds on this in order to help each child develop emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are known and understood through information gained from discussion with parents. A good partnership exists between the childminder and parents. Well presented written information informs them of the provision and the care offered. Individual children’s records help the childminder assess the developmental and learning needs of each child along with special care requirements. This ensures all children receive appropriate care. Children gain an understanding of the wider world and learn to respect themselves and each other. A range of toys and books help children understand about different cultures although resources reflecting other areas of social and physical diversity are lacking. Children have a good understanding of how to behave appropriately when in the care of the childminder. Through regular discussion, the use of written house rules and by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

challenging negative behaviour as it occurs, the childminder ensures that both children and their parents are aware of her expectations with regards to behaviour. Children know right from wrong as they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and at home in the well organised environment. Detailed written information is shared with parents in the form of a policy document that they keep at home. The policy document provides detailed information on all areas of the childminder's practice. It offers parents the chance to understand the provision and ensures that they can assess the type of care provided. Clear polices and

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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 procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Children's welfare is further promoted due to the childminder's commitment to developing her practice. She has undertaken extensive and appropriate course in the area of childcare and child protection. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to develop documentation to ensure that the children’s individual needs are met and to develop her knowledge and understanding of First Aid and child protection. This has been achieved through undertaking relevant courses and obtaining suitable literature. As a result children’s welfare and safety has been enhanced.

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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): • encourage children to learn about personal hygiene through daily routine • develop resources reflecting positive images of diversity and disability

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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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