Atkinson, Susan

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298257 Inspection date 29 September 2005 Inspector Diane Roberts

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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 2004. She lives in Shap, Cumbria. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house, apart from the living room at the front of the house, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under 5 for one day a week. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder has a two cats and one rabbit. The cats have access to the house and the rabbit is housed in a hutch in the rear garden.

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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 childminder supports children with special needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a wonderful range of activities that contribute to their very good health. They are inspired by the very well equipped conservatory, developed as a play room by the childminder. Children benefit from a healthy lifestyle with activities that greatly improve their physical skills. The childminder makes sure that all children can independently access the garden through the patio doors as she covers the low step with carpet ensuring children's safety and comfort. Children are able to delight in the garden in all weathers, playing with the extensive range of outdoor play materials. Children join in activities with great enthusiasm and develop new skills, for example they crawl through the play tunnel and tap balloons through to the other side. They find the ball pool in the conservatory highly stimulating and great fun as they crawl over the balls or throw and roll them to one another. Children's hand-eye

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Helping children to be healthy

co-ordination is effectively developed by the provision of an age appropriate dart board. Children find exercise fun as the childminder sets a very good example by being involved in their play. Children are encouraged to play on the different sized cushions and furniture, walk or crawl everywhere independently, have throwing and catching games and explore the different activity areas in the conservatory. Their fine motor skills are developed by handling scissors, pencils, different sized brushes and crayons. Babies are inspired and challenged by the very good range of play materials that strengthen muscles and co-ordination whilst stimulating their sense of touch and sight. Children are highly cared for in a warm, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They have a clear understanding of washing hands before eating, handling human food or animal feed or using the toilet, due to

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Helping children to be healthy

the childminder setting an excellent example and being a very good role model. Children are sensitively encouraged to wash their hands and are skilfully shown how to wash and dry them effectively as the childminder clearly explains why it is necessary and makes it a fun experience, praising extensively. Children's efforts are always acknowledged, valued and respected encouraging their independence and supporting their emotional well being. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They benefit from the childminder being a trained Chef and having a commitment to healthy eating by the use of high quality fresh food and drink. Children are sensitively prompted to try different foods and a familiar alternative is always available. When shopping, children are encouraged to choose their own fruit and are assisted in the preparation of them before eating. Children learn about what they need to keep them healthy and

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Helping children to be healthy

energised and what helps them to grow. Children are provided with regular snacks and meals throughout the day and have free access to a range of healthy drinks. The childminder works in close partnership with parents, following children's individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are welcomed and settled by the very friendly childminder. The highly stimulating environment is bright and cheerful and reflects children's learning. Children are very well cared for in a warm and homely environment and benefit from the excellent interaction of the childminder. For example, children have freedom of movement between the very well equipped conservatory and the dining room. They are able to choose from a great selection of play resources and creative materials of excellent quality and are encouraged to safely put away toys that are not being used. The childminder enthusiastically joins in with play activities by playing with children at their level. In all areas of the conservatory, the storage of toys and resources enables children to access them independently and safely. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring that children are carefully supervised and safe at all times and regularly

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

carries out comprehensive risk assessments, implementing any findings. Children use safe and suitable play materials learning how to use them safely. For example, children enjoy using the age appropriate dart board with lots of adult support, learning basic safety rules such as only throwing darts when it is safe to do so and learning how to aim at the board. Children are protected as child protection procedures are fully understood by the childminder. She has updated her knowledge and understanding of child protection by attending relevant training. A comprehensive collection of procedures and robust lines of communication with parents, are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thrive in the stimulating childminding environment where they enjoy a very good standard of care and encouragement. They participate in a regular daily routine which is finely adapted to their individual needs. Children benefit from the application of an activity programme which includes a range of activities and learning opportunities that are inspiring and challenging. The childminder uses her secure knowledge of child development effectively to deliver a broad selection of adult-led activities such as baking, crafts and story reading. Children also have ample opportunity to develop confidence and curiosity through more independent exploration and play, for example crawling through and playing in a play tunnel. Children have good fun, looking at one another through the viewing nets of the tunnel or from behind different coloured balloons. Children's self-esteem is enhanced because their achievements and their interests are valued. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder builds on a child's interest by talking extensively about the subject and extending resources to include the relevant play materials. Children of all ages and abilities, enjoy good access to a wide selection of appropriate, good quality toys and play materials. Their cognitive skills are enhanced by the plentiful selection of puzzles and books. There are extensive opportunities for outdoor and physical play. The care of babies and toddlers is very good with detailed information being shared with

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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 parents. However the childminder's knowledge of the use of the Birth to three matters framework is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met. The childminder obtains relevant information about children’s specific needs and works closely with parents. Children are provided with a range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder actively encourages all children to access a full range of toys and provides craft activities to celebrate festivals. Children develop a good sense of belonging and self-assurance since they form familiar, trusting, safe and secure relationships with the childminder. Children are valued, comforted well and thrive on the interaction with the childminder. They learn to show particular preferences in what they do, for example, deciding what to play with and what to eat and drink. Children play together harmoniously and show care and concern for each other. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behave well and respond well to the childminder's sensitive handling of any behaviour management situations. Children feel a sense of belonging. They are made to feel very welcome at the setting and gain confidence and self-esteem as the childminder rewards achievement through positive praise. Children thrive on the interaction and attention from the childminder by having fun when playing and through the individual attention provided. They are confident to try out new ideas and make themselves at home. Children benefit from the positive working relationships developed with parents. Children's general welfare is fully promoted since the childminder consults closely with parents on any issues or concerns and the required documentation is in place. Children are looked after according to parent’s wishes as individual sleep routines and daily routines are followed. Parents are informed daily about their child's routine

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and play activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs and provide continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, learning and play is fully supported by the childminder, as she gives them individual attention. Children feel at home and at ease in the bright, welcoming, well-organised environment. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning and are gaining independence. Children's developmental needs are met as they are provided with an extensive range of toys, resources and stimulating activities throughout the week and the opportunity to socialise with others. Children benefit from the childminder's experience, knowledge of child development

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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 and training in food preparation and Health and Safety. Their general wellbeing is maintained by the use of relevant documentation and from the procedures in place. Information is shared daily with parents to keep them informed about the service, their child's routine and activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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.

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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): • to ensure that children's needs are fully met, raise awareness and develop knowledge of 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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