Mulliner, Rebecca Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298226 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Margaret Baines

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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 has been a registered childminder since December 2004. She lives with her partner and their young daughter is a semi detached home on the outskirts of Lancaster close to local amenities. The ground floor and one bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor are available for childminding. Children have access to a secure rear outdoor play area under constant supervisor. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification and she receives support from the local authority. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for five children on a part time basis, three of these children are in

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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 full time education and are cared for after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment which through effective practices limits the risk of infection. They are encouraged to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care such as washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom. They benefit from good practices such as using their own drinking cups and their own facecloths to prevent the spread of infection. Should a child become unwell whilst in the care of the childminder she has a good understanding of how to deal with such an occurrence and would ensure the child's immediate needs received the appropriate attention. Children enjoy lots of fresh air to promote their well being; they go for walks in the local area and play on the patio. They benefit from a range of healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetables, bread sticks and crackers. Children enjoy regular drinks of juice, water and milk in consultation with parents. Children are encouraged by the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder to make choices and to develop their understanding about being healthy through effective practice and very good opportunities to enjoy activities in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are looked after in a safe secure environment where they can move around without risk of harm. They do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen however their access to the cutlery drawer should be restricted to further minimise risk of harm. Children are transported safely as the childminder gives attention to providing the correct restraints and car seats. Children learn about fire safety through the sensitive explanation given by the childminder. They learn what is expected of them in order to leave the premises safely in an emergency. However the children have yet to practice the evacuation procedure. Dedicated rooms for sleep and play provide children with both quiet and more vigorous play areas which ensures that activities for older children do not adversely affect the care of the younger children. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises choices to ensure children only play with appropriate toys suitable for their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

stage of development. Children's welfare and protection is further assured by the childminder's clear understanding of the requirements for recording and reporting any concerns in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures. The childminder has a written

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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 policy which she shares with parents to inform them about her responsibility should she have any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and happy because the childminder relates very well to them to ensure they feel secure. They particularly enjoy the activities available for them, for example the small world toys and the connecting activities. They also enjoyed snuggling up to the childminder whilst she read a story. Children spend their time purposefully as they have good access to books and games which assist their language an mathematical development. Children benefit from regular music and movement sessions both in the home and at the toddler group that the childminder takes them to. Older children are encouraged to engage in activities designed to meet their needs. The childminder has particularly made a good effort to source and provide resources that older children enjoy. For example they have books, craft resources, games and television programmes to provide an appropriate level of interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s development is enhanced by the childminder's knowledge and qualifications in childcare. They are encouraged to reach their potential by having good opportunities to try new experiences and to share their success with both her and each other. She praises their achievements frequently and promotes their self worth effectively. The childminder has yet to receive the Birth to Three pack, a framework to assist with implementing this aspect of practice and which could be utilised to enhance her provision. Very good opportunities exist to ensure children flourish within this environment. They enjoy their time and have their individual needs met well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals which helps them to give them a sense of belonging. They are able to experience a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity through images and experiences offered to them. For example the childminder reads stories about children in other countries and has made available to them some resources which reflect a diverse society. Additional resources will enhance the experiences and understanding for the children. Children effectively learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and very good examples set by the childminder who is calm and caring. She takes the time to explain and uses appropriate strategies taking into account individual levels of understanding. Children are therefore beginning to show care and concern for each other by learning to share toys and to take turns.

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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 The childminder ensures that she receives detailed information from parents to enable her to provide effectively to meet children's individual needs. She in turn shares information about her self and her family so that good links are forged between them and this benefits the children who feel secure within her home.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel settled and content within this family home which provides an organised environment with play and rest areas clearly defined. Information is shared with parents on a regular basis in the form of both verbal and written communication. Parents have access to the polices and procedures in place however written parental permissions for some aspects of practice are yet to be obtained. The childminder has a good awareness of children's developmental needs which ensures that she plans activities appropriately taking into consideration the ages of the children she cares for. She strives to create a stimulating environment where children thrive. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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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 that children do not have access to hazardous items stored in the low level kitchen drawer to promote the safety of children when accessing this

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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 area. • provide children with additional resources to reflect diversity in a positive manner to promote their understanding of the wider world. • encourage parents to provide the necessary written permissions to ensure that children's individual needs can be met appropriately.

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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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