Hobson, Nicola

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292544 Inspection date 20 May 2005 Inspector Tracy Larnach

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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?

This childminder registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and one pre-school aged child. They live in a house in Whitstable, Kent. The property is situated within easy reach of local shops, schools, parks, pre-schools and the beach. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she has a qualification in early years childcare and education (NNEB).

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Activities such as music and dancing helps children to develop control of their bodies. They are provided space for crawling and walking and opportunities to use climbing and ride on toys. Children enjoy daily walks. Appropriate clothing ensures they are comfortable outdoors and that they benefit from the fresh air. Children are able to practise new skills and this promotes their physical development. The childminder's understanding of appropriate types of activities and levels of support needed, gives children the confidence to try out new skills. Children are developing a healthy independence as they play secure in the knowledge that the childminder is nearby when they need help. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care through daily routines. The childminder provides

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Helping children to be healthy

children with individual towels for hand washing or uses disposable wipes. She takes sanitizing solution on walks and uses gloves for changing. The childminder tells the children why she washes her hands and they are beginning to develop an understanding of why hand washing is important. These measures all reduce the risk of cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy sociable snack and meal times sitting at the table talking about the food they eat. The childminder provides a healthy diet and children eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily. They have access to drinks throughout the day to keep them hydrated. Children's preferences and parents wishes are taken into account by the childminder and she provides snacks and meals that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. The children are well nourished.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder undertakes regular risk assessments to identify and minimise any risks for children in her home. She gives a high priority to helping children remain safe and to maintaining children’s safety both inside and outside the home. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures which are in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee

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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 well at the childminder's house. They are confident and make themselves at home. The children play happily alongside each other. They are learning to socialise with other children through attendance at local toddler groups. They are finding their voices and attempting to communicate. The childminder supports their language development by talking, praising and reinforcing their attempts at language. She is encouraging awareness of others by talking to the children about taking turns. Children are becoming independent as they choose from a variety of toys, books and activities. The children spend their time in purposeful explorative play and are given plenty of opportunities to practise new skills. For example the children delighted in rolling balls down a chute. They enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their development. Story telling is adapted by the childminder to promote younger

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children’s learning. The children particularly enjoy activities which contribute to their creativity, such as playing instruments, dancing, listening and moving to music. They were observed 'singing' and 'dancing' during their play. However, opportunities for the children to experience making marks with their fingers and toes in mediums such as paste, sand and paint are limited. The childminder has ordered the Birth to three matters framework to assist her in further developing the range of experiences she provides for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the local community and the wider world. For example the childminder talks about the environment when they go for walks together and they visit places of interest such as the zoo. Children are being taught to be kind to each other and developing an understanding of the feelings of others. For example, one child fetched the other's cup when she was thirsty. The children are provided with role play items so they have opportunities to mimic adults in activities such as shopping. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs well. She has a good knowledge of child development and ensures that multiples or similar toys are available so that children can play side by side. They are learning about boundaries and acceptable behaviour. Frustration and anger is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

dealt with by redirection and appropriate behaviour reinforced with lots of praise. Due to this the children behave well. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do. They have time to relax as well as be active.

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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 The children feel at home in the well-organised environment. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them with the parents to keep them well informed about her service and their children's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The childminder produced a comprehensive self assessment which shows that she monitors and adapts her service to meet the children's needs. This enables them make good progress in most areas of their development. 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 enhance the range of activities for the younger children, for example by using the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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