Payne, Catherine Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY297191 Inspection date 26 April 2005 Inspector Julie Washer

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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 satisfactory. 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 with her husband, two daughters aged 10 years and 19 months and her son aged 7 years in Hertfordshire The whole of the house is used for childminding. 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. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group. The family have one pet dog.

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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 welcomes children with special educational needs. She is member of an approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example regular visits to the local park improve children's physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The risk of cross contamination is reduced as children develop an understanding of why they must wash their hands after handling the pet dog, and after using the toilet. Children are protected from illness and infection because good procedures are followed by the childminder when children are unwell. There is no written parental permission for seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. Children benefit from a healthy diet and they are offered drinks throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to

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Helping children to be healthy

provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. For example, the childminder talks to children about road safety and always holds younger children's hands during walks and outings. There is no written parental consent to take children on routine outings and the daily record of attendance is not kept up to date. Children independently select from a range of resources that are set out for them. They are provided with a choice of toys that are safe, frequently cleaned and regularly checked by the childminder. Most of the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has an adequate understanding of child protection procedures,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

however, she does not hold a current first aid certificate.

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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 are helped to settle in well by the childminder who is sensitive towards their individual needs. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of belonging and trust. Children experience a range of activities which contribute to their development inside and outside the home. For example, children enjoy playing picture and word games, dressing up and using mark making materials. They respond to challenge provided by the childminder such as, looking at books and discussing the pictures. Regular outings promote learning and stimulate the children's interest in the wider world. They benefit from visits to the library, the local park, the pet shop, toddler group and feeding the ducks. Children's all round development is supported well as the childminder sensitively interacts with them. For

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

example, she is interested in what children do and say, talks and listens to them and asks questions to make them think which extends their learning. Their independence skills are promoted as they choose from a range of toys set out for them and as they help to tidy up.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides an adequate range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, they talk about Easter and Shrove Tuesday and learn about their local community through routine outings. Children enjoy warm relationships within the childminder's home. They behave well and are valued and respected as individuals. Good use of praise and encouragement promotes children's confidence and self-esteem. Children are developing an understanding of the needs of others. For example, they are encouraged to share and take turns. Children benefit from the childminder's positive relationships with parents. For example, information about the children is shared on a daily basis and confidentiality is respected.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel secure and at ease in the organised environment. This means they are able to choose resources and extend their play and learning. The childminder observes adequate ratios at all times to ensure the children's safety and individual needs are met. Most documentation is in place which promotes the welfare and care of the children. The childminder organises the children's day to provide interesting activities and accommodate their individual routines which enables them to make good progress in their all round development. She is currently attending a registration course to further extend her skills and knowledge. This will enhance the quality of her childcare practice and promote the welfare and development of the children in her care.

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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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure a daily record of attendance is kept of children's arrival and departure times, request written permission from parents to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and for taking children on routine outings • complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children, and which is consistent with any guidance issued to local authorities by the Secretary of State.

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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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