Price, Tammy

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY282426 Inspection date 04 May 2005 Inspector Charlotte Jenkin

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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged one year and nine years in Calne, Wiltshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's 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 four children at any one time

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 and is currently minding three children part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She makes full use of the local amenities and attends the local parent/toddler group, visits the library and park. The family have no pets or animals.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has suitable procedures in place for recording accidents and medication administered to children, which means children's health is protected. There is no consent gained from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment, which puts children's welfare at risk in the event of a serious accident. Children learn the need to practise good hygiene, for example washing their hands after going to the toilet, which the childminder re-enforces. The sickness policy is shared well with parents and is effective in preventing the spread of illness, and the minded children are in good health. The childminder gains information from parents regarding children's dietary needs and encourages healthy choices for snacks, although this is not promoted and discussed well with parents, so children are not yet choosing healthy foods. She is aware of the benefits of eating a balanced diet and children are able to access drinks

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

at all times and, therefore do not get thirsty. Children do not have enough access to outdoor activity, and consequently do not develop knowledge of the importance of physical activity and challenges to their physical skills, due to the childminder not making full use of her garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder creates a welcoming environment for the children with toys available for self-selection. Children independently access good quality toys and equipment and these are suitable to their ages and stages of development, and they are developing appropriate skills in all areas. Children move around the house generally safely, freely and with little risk as the childminder is aware of, and minimises potential hazards to them. However, the premises are not secure and the children are able to open the front door, which puts them at potential danger from strangers. Children are well supervised when on outings and suitable restraints used, for example buggies or reins and they are supervised at all times, as the childminder has reviewed her practice in this area. Children's welfare is generally well protected and safeguarded, due to the childminder's suitable knowledge of child protection issues and the procedures to

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

follow. She has a current first aid certificate, which means children are in safe hands in the event of an accident.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled at the childminder's house. They are generally confident and select toys, and make choices in their play, for example various books, role play equipment and construction toys. They relate well to the childminder and have opportunities to socialise with other children through weekly visits to local toddler groups. The childminder interacts with the minded children and generally responds to their interests, for example reading books to the children. She engages them at times and talks about the pictures, and children develop suitable language and mathematical skills. Children develop some independence and are able to make choices, for example when the childminder takes them to the library, they are able to choose the books they wish to take out. The childminder offers a suitable range of activities that are generally developmentally appropriate, however her limited knowledge of child development

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

means children's development in all areas is not promoted, especially creativity. The constant background noise of the television is very distracting to the minded children and they are often unable to concentrate during activities for suitable periods.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a suitable range of resources that promote positive images of diversity in their daily play and this increases their awareness of the wider world. Children learn about their local community and visit local toddler groups and the library. Children develop suitable relationships with the childminder, who finds out about their individual needs, and makes them feel positive about their own identity. Children are developing good self-esteem and relationships with the childminder. The child minder uses age appropriate methods for managing children's behaviour, and children generally behave well and are beginning to share and take turns with encouragement. Children do sometimes get restless, and the childminder is not aware of the possible causes of this, especially her role in engaging them in activities and sustaining their interests. Children are developing independence and help

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

themselves to drinks when thirsty, and with praise and encouragement are proud of their achievements, for example when learning toileting skills. Parents receive written information regarding the childminder's policies and procedures and the childminder caters for individual children's routines, respecting parents wishes. They have daily exchanges of information regarding their child's day, which helps to ensure continuity of care for the children.

p.4

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 childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. Children have access to developmentally appropriate activities, but these often lack challenge. The childminder has suitable experience and qualifications and attends local talks to become more familiar with updates in the early years, for example is due to attend child protection training and a talk on the Birth to three framework. Space is organised to meet the needs of the children and they are able to select toys and equipment, and confidently initiate their own play. The garden is well organised, however not used to its full potential. The childminder keeps most required documentation regarding the children in her care, and policies and procedures are well shared with parents. Parents have regular daily talks with the

p.4

Organisation

childminder and share valuable information with her about their child, for example fears or changes in routines. The childminder meets the required adult: child ratios and children have appropriate support to feel comfortable in her care.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the range of resources she has for promoting positive images of diversity in children's daily play. She has some dolls and play people of differing abilities and cultures and regularly visits the library to borrow books. Children therefore increase their awareness of diversity. She has also made arrangements to record incidents and children's existing injuries. This means children's welfare is protected more.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received a complaint about this childminder in December 2004. The concern was regarding the lack of supervision of a minded child whilst being dropped off at school. The concerns relate to National Standard 6 Safety and National Standard 12 Partnership with parents. The childminder has now reviewed her practice in respect of the care she offers to children and in working with parents, to ensure she respects their wishes. An action was raised in relation to National Standard 6 to ensure that children are under direct supervision at all times. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.5

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.5

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 children's welfare is not at risk in the event of an accident by gaining written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment • ensure children's safety is not jeopardised by ensuring the premises are secure at all times • ensure children have access to a range of activities that promotes their development in all areas, for example, by using the Birth to three framework • promote positive behaviour with the minded chidlren, by developing knowledge of the causes of inappropriate behaviour • develop children's knowledge of the importance of physical activity and offer challenges to their physical skills by making full use of the garden and offering regular access to it

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