Noden, Jane Yvonne

Inspection report for early years provision

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145419 Unique Reference Number 15 December 2006 Inspection date Jan Healy Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 16 years in the town of Trowbridge, Wiltshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for six children three of whom are three years of age, two children are two years of age and one baby of six months.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, as she keeps the provision clean, for example, by vacuuming the carpets daily, for the benefit of crawling babies. Rubbish is discarded daily and nappies are placed in a sealed bag and are taken off the premises, for the good health of all. The childminder takes appropriate measures if children become ill whilst in her care, as their parent is contacted to collect the child, which helps prevent the illness from spreading. Spare sets of clothes are available for the event of an accident and paper tissues are readily accessible, which are discarded after a single use. The children are taught to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and dummies and teething aids are not shared. The childminder is confident to deal with an accident as she keeps her training up to date. All accidents are recorded whether they leave a visible mark or not, and parents are

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Helping children to be healthy

informed about any injury to their child.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy and nutritious snacks are available for the children, who learn that particular foods will help them grow strong, whilst other foods will not. The childminder gleans relevant information from parents with regard to children's dietary requirements, as she provides them a hot lunch. She is aware that there are some children who suffer with a food allergy or intolerance, so she seeks information from a local supermarket, as to the exact ingredients of all their food, so the childminder is able to plan menus in advance for parents perusal.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and parents receive a warm welcome from the childminder upon arrival, through positive body language and facial expression. Space is well organised so the children are able to play both table top games and large floor jigsaws. The premises are efficiently ventilated, keeping children comfortable and are clean and well maintained. A landline telephone is keep in good working order, so the childminder is able to contact parents or emergency services if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resources are safe, age appropriate and are of a suitable design and condition. They provide for a stimulating environment as the childminder rotates them, so the children are frequently able to choose from a varied and fresh range. The childminder makes use of a library, so the children have the benefit of a wide range of books, including reading, picture and resource books. She also makes use of a toy library, where she is able to choose from an extensive range of toys that provide challenges, for example, number and word games.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe whilst in the care of the childminder, as she has the experience to recognise when a child is maturing, and puts in safety measures to avoid dangerous situations. She ensures electrical sockets contain a cover and keeps hot liquids out of children's reach. The premises are secure and an effective procedure is in place for the safe arrival and departure of children, as the childminder is aware that this is a vulnerable time for children. An emergency evacuation

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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 plan is considered for all the exits of the house, so the children leave swiftly and safely in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The parents have access to a written child protection statement, so they are kept fully informed about the responsibility the childminder has in keeping the children free from harm. She actively seeks knowledge and understanding with regard to the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect through training courses. She is very caring towards the children and as she knows them well, she is quickly alerted to a concern, which she is confident to deal with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder is kind and affectionate towards the children who emulate her behaviour. She listens to what the children have to say, sitting at their physical level and making eye contact, helping the children to feel important and enhancing their self-esteem. Play opportunities for the children to extend their social skills are extensive, as they wear a wide range of dressing up clothes during pretend play and they dance to music. They are learning to recognise and to name various shapes and to extend their mathematical development by singing counting rhymes and songs. They engage in construction using Lego and Duplo, building models of their choice. Children benefit by being taken on outings to the local park, where they strengthen their muscles during climbing activities, and take the opportunity to meet other children during visits to toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Play materials reflect diversity, helping the children to understand about differences and similarities, such as a stimulating range of books covering subjects for instance religion and belief, and jigsaws which show positive images of both boys and girls and men and women from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Appropriate praise aids the children to feel good about themselves and helps to enhance their confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that some children have a learning difficulty and works in partnership with parents to help identify such an individual need, so action is taken to promote children's welfare and development. Activities are adapted if necessary, so all the children are able to join in with what is available, such as the seeking of left handed scissors.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder practises positive behaviour management, establishing clear boundaries, for example, there is no jumping on the furniture, so the children know what she expects from them, avoiding confusion. To ensure consistency, the childminder shares her policy with the parents who respect her advice when sought. Incidents are recorded as the childminder uses this information to identify what instigates such behaviour, so it is eliminated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A trusting partnership is shared between the childminder and the parents, who report that they are happy with the care their children receive. Information is sought to help children settle quickly, such as the child's favourite games, what they like to drink and eat and about their sleep routine. A daily diary contains details about each child's day, helping to keep parents

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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 informed about their progress or about any concern noted. However, a written complaints procedure is readily available, but contains the incorrect address and telephone number, so therefore requires updating.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has the experience, skills and ability to care for young children, and is knowledgeable about child development, which aids children's progress, as she is able to provide for their needs. The childminder keeps Ofsted up to date about any changes to her circumstances, such as the age of the adults living on the premises, so suitable checks are carried out.

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Organisation

An attendance register details the times of children's arrival and departure, so historical records are available for checking, which also helps to ensure children's safety in an emergency. Children have ample space in which to play and have daily opportunities for outdoor activities at the local park. The childminder attends training sessions, helping to keep herself up to date about current thinking, including child protection, equal opportunities and behaviour management.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her documentation, so all are readily available for inspection. Records are stored confidentially and are shared on a need to know basis, respecting children's personal details. The childminder retains relevant documentation, such as accident records for a reasonable period of time, for the good health of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was requested to seek car insurance, which covers business use, for the good of children, and to seek written permission from parents before children are transported in a vehicle, which are now in place. The low-level glass in the furniture has been checked for safety, to prevent injury to children. The childminder has extended her range of resources which reflect positive images of diversity, such as books, dolls and jigsaws, aiding children's understanding about similarities and differences. The childminder now requests the written permission from parents for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice, to prevent the delay in care.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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

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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): • update the complaints procedure with the correct address and telephone number of Ofsted

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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

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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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