Metcalf Katrina Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296726 Inspection date 19 September 2005 Inspector Pauline Margaret Todd

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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 with her husband and two children in the town of Wymondham, Norfolk, a market town close to the city of Norwich. The whole of the childminder's house, apart from the study, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children under 8 years at any one time and is currently minding 2 children before and after school. The childminder goes to the local schools to take and collect children and takes children to the local parks. The family has a cat which lives outside.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home where they gain an understanding of the importance of keeping healthy. The children are fully independent in their personal care and wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Pets are cared for hygienically. Children are adequately protected against the spread of infection because the childminder follows appropriate nappy changing and cleaning procedures. Children's health details and medical requirements are clearly recorded but there is no sickness policy to ensure children who are unwell are cared for appropriately to protect others from illness and infection. The childminder has current first aid knowledge to ensure children's well-being should an accident occur. Permission has not been obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for the children to ensure the wishes of parents are complied with.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides children with food and drink in adequate quantities to promote their healthy growth and development. Snacks and meals are well presented with all children sitting together at the dining table to encourage good social skills. Menus are displayed for parents to see but insufficient information about the food arrangements is recorded to ensure the wishes of parents are followed. Children help themselves to water from their beakers and cups to ensure they drink sufficient amounts to keep them healthy. Children take part in outdoor activities to help them develop their physical skills. They play in the garden and visit the local parks to ride their bikes and use their bodies energetically. They show an awareness of their own needs with regard to rest and relaxation and lie comfortably on the floor and settee to undertake quieter activities or watch a television programme.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel at ease and secure in the safe, warm, welcoming and well-organised environment. The childminder makes good use of the space to offer a range of activities to promote children's development and confidence. For example, children play freely in the lounge and undertake craft activities at the dining table. All children are able to move around safely, freely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised hazards. For example, stairgates are used to ensure the safety of young children. Detailed plans for fire safety and emergency evacuation are displayed to help protect children, although the plan has yet to be practised. Children can reach their toys and play equipment easily from containers in the lounge and storage units in the bedroom to encourage self-selection and independence. There is an excellent range of good quality equipment available that covers all areas

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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 of children's development. Items conform to safety standards and are clean and well maintained. Young children are assisted by the use of appropriate equipment, for example, high chair, travel cot, steps. Children's welfare is satisfactorily safeguarded by the childminder having an appropriate understanding of child protection procedures to ensure children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed, well settled and enjoy a close, caring relationship with the childminder which fosters their emotional development. She is friendly, polite and kind to help them develop their confidence. There is a good sense of fun present and the children laugh at the warm clothes they brought to change into after school as the weather is now hot. This childminder listens to what they have to say and values what they have to offer to promote their self-esteem. She constantly talks to them about what they are doing and gives them a great deal of support and encouragement. The children get on very well together and take an interest in the welfare of younger children present. The children undertake a variety of play and planned activities to develop their imagination and creativity. Children make choices and extend their own ideas to promote their confidence and independence. For example, they devise a skittles

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

game from bricks and balls. They spend their time playing purposefully, are interested in the toys and play equipment available and show high levels of concentration when using scissors to cut shapes from maize and sticking them together to make animals. Young children have access to musical toys, shape sorters, push along toys, a rocker and items of different textures to promote their sensory development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gives children lots of praise to help them feel good about themselves. For example, as they undertake the craft activity. Children show preference and interest in the things that they do and all have access to the full range of play equipment. Children learn about diversity by using some items of play equipment that reflect a variety of cultural backgrounds. Children have satisfactory opportunities to learn about their local community as they visit the local parks. Children's specific needs, likes, dislikes and fears are adequately recorded to ensure appropriate care is given. The childminder is aware some children may have special needs and will make sure adequate steps are taken to promote their welfare and development. Children are well behaved, polite, take turns and share equipment. The childminder recognises signs of children becoming bored and gives them good direction. For

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Helping children make a positive contribution

example, suggest they try the craft activity. The childminder has produced a clear,

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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 basic behaviour statement to share with parents however, it does not give details of the house rules to ensure consistency and help children know what is expected of them. Children benefit from the positive partnership that has developed between the childminder and their parents. There is a useful two-way sharing of information daily to promote children's well-being. The childminder gives satisfactory written information to parents but some policies require development to ensure parents are well informed about the routines and childcare practices.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. There have been no changes to the childminder's circumstances since her registration and she remains suitable to look after children. Children are well cared for and supported while they are with her because she makes excellent use of her time to prepare activities and meals in advance. She organises her space and resources very well to create a stimulating and accessible environment. Accurate records are kept to ensure the childminder carries out her work effectively and detailed contracts and consents promote the welfare and care of the children attending. The register is accurate and up-to-date and show when children are present on the premises to ensure their safety.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the children attending are being met.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for the children • improve the information given to parents about childcare practices including policies for sickness and behaviour management.

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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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