Taylor Sharron June

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

206043 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2006 Inspection date Sheena Gibson Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and seven in Spondon, a suburb of Derby. Local amenities are close by with shops, schools and parks within walking distance. There is a playroom identified for childminding purposes; the lounge, kitchen and downstairs toilet facilities are also used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years. Currently there are eight children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and local childminding group. She receives support from the local authority. The family has a dog and a rabbit.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very well cared for and their health effectively supported as they are looked after in a clean environment. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that good health is well promoted. For example, she implements an effective cleaning policy that means surfaces are kept hygienic and toys are regularly washed. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practice through discussion about remembering to wash their hands after visiting the toilet, before meals and after petting the dog: pictorial signs in the toilet are effective reminders of this. Children are well protected from the spread of illness and infection. A detailed sick child policy is in place and a copy given to parents to ensure consistency. Children are well cared for if they are unwell. They rest in a quiet area and are comforted whilst waiting for their parents to collect them. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and is therefore able

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

to effectively deal with any minor accidents, which supports children's physical and emotional health.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is effectively supported. The outside area is very well organised to encourage children to want to play in the fresh air and be active. They enjoy a wide variety of activities, such as playing ball, riding bikes and skipping. They also access appropriately sized climbing and balancing equipment, providing sufficient stimulation and challenge for the older children. As a result children effectively develop physical skills whilst keeping fit. Children are well nourished. A written record of their dietary requirements, likes and dislikes, ensures that their needs are well met. They learn about the importance of healthy eating through discussions with the childminder who sensitively encourages them to eat fruit and vegetables. They help to prepare snacks, supporting their keenness to eat well.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in an environment that is very welcoming. They access a room that is designated as a playroom. It is light and vibrant, designed and organised with children's comfort and enjoyment in mind. The childminder is attentive to children when they arrive which helps them to settle quickly. They are keen to hang their coat on their peg and begin to play. Their work is displayed in the play room, promoting a sense of belonging. Children are always within sight or hearing of the childminder. This means they are able to move around safely and independently which increases their confidence. Security of the home is generally good, although the external door is not always locked which could be a potential risk. Equipment is appropriate for the children being cared for and enables them to eat, rest and play comfortably. For example, a low sofa means that they can sit comfortably and read a book; a travel cot means

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

that babies can sleep peacefully. Children thoroughly enjoy using a vast array of toys and games that are clean and safe for them to use. They are effectively stored so that all children can make safe choices.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe from most potential hazards through the childminder risk assessing the environment. Practical precautions have been taken to support this. For example, gates, both

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 inside and outside, are strategically placed so that children stay safe. Children are appropriately protected as they are involved in fire evacuation procedures. They are beginning to take some responsibility for their own safety through daily routines such as learning to safely cross the road. Their welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities towards child protection, which has been raised through appropriate training. She has a good understanding of the appropriate action to take if she is concerned about a child.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle quickly and are happy in the childminder's home. They are confident and eager to access the wide range of age-appropriate resources. These are well presented and effectively support all areas of children's learning. The flexible routine supports children's individual needs and enables them to make choices, initiating their own games and developing their increasing independence. The learning and development of children under three is well supported through the effective implementation of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. They enjoy a wide variety of activities that promote new skills and consolidate those skills already learned. For example, they enjoy doctor's surgery role play, using the telephone and pretending to write appointments on the wall chalk board. Babies enjoy playing with toys that stimulate the senses; they have a wide variety of heuristic items, such as sponges and cones. They also enjoy a cuddle

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with the childminder, whilst she reads a story. All children enjoy using the mirror, helping them to recognise their own identity. Children who attend after school enjoy games and activities that are more challenging and appropriate for their age, such as complex construction.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a very good relationship with each other and form lovely friendships. They chatter to each other about their play and help each other put on dressing up clothes, having a lengthy conversation about the best way to do it. They have many opportunities to count and gain maths skills through games and activities, such as 'Fuzzy Felt abc'. Their language is effectively promoted through conversations with the childminder who asks them questions that help to extend their thinking and vocabulary. Children's imagination and creativity is well fostered through a wide range of small world play and craft activities where they create their own imaginative games and artistic drawings or models. They regularly visit the local toddler group where they meet with other children and adults, gaining further experiences and supporting their social skills.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder has taken many positive steps to ensure that she is well informed about their particular needs. For example, she obtains detailed information from parents regarding their child at the point of registration and during settling in periods. Children who have special needs or a learning difficulty benefit from the cooperative working relationships between the childminder, their parents and other agencies. Children benefit from an environment where they are stimulated and having fun. They have a sense of belonging as they access toys and books freely; they also choose which of their art to

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 display and what to take home. They feel valued as the childminder listens carefully to what they have to say and is interested in what they do. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of how everyone positively contributes in society. Resources and activities, which promote and represent the wider community, are evident and well used.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in an environment that is relaxed, supportive and stimulating, which promotes positive behaviour. Realistic expectations and being involved with house rules means that children take some responsibility for their actions. Praise given for effort and success boosts self-esteem and confidence. The childminder involves parents in decisions about behaviour management, where necessary, promoting consistency. Children benefit from the very good working relationship between the childminder and their parents. Comprehensive systems are in place to promote consistency and positive relationships. For example, very detailed information, in the form of a handbook, is in place regarding the childminder's service, policies and procedures. Children's care and progress is shared with parents regularly in writing and verbally, promoting their positive care and well-being.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a practitioner who is well qualified, has good experience and is suitably checked. Their learning and development is well promoted as the childminder is knowledgeable and skilled. They benefit from the childminder's keenness to improve her own practice through training and ensuring that she is up to date with practice issues. The playroom is vibrant and child based. Children are enthusiastic about going to play in it and they make choices from a wide, varied range of toys, all of which are in good condition.

p.5

Organisation

Comprehensive documentation is in place and shared with parents. As a result children's care is consistent and in line with parents wishes and regulations. Regulatory records, policies and procedures are in place, well organised and available for inspection. As a result, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection the childminder was given recommendations around: obtaining written permission from parents before administering medication to children; developing written information about the setting, including a synopsis of policies, for parents; recording children's details on an individual basis in relation to siblings. These have been very well addressed with detailed and accurate information being gathered and shared. As a result children's welfare is well maintained.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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 good. 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): • take positive steps to further increase the safety of children by ensuring that the external door is always locked.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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