Maxwell, Wendy Shirley Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY299317 Inspection date 28 September 2005 Inspector Tracey Marie Boland

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since January 2005. She lives with her partner and two children under five in Walsall. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes as well as the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has cats and ferrets. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. There was one minded child present during the inspection.

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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from clear, consistent hygiene routines which contribute to their good health. They are cared for in a welcoming, clean home where they are protected from infection by the childminders awareness of exclusion at times of sickness, which is shared with parents. All medication records are up to date and the childminder is completing her first aid course, however, emergency consent for medical treatment has not been obtained in sufficient detail, therefore, children may not be fully protected in the event of an accident. Children enjoy a variety of activities and play experiences that enable them to move and exercise their bodies. They use equipment at a local park and regularly walk to groups where they socialise with other children and use wheeled toys, climbing equipment and balls. Dietary needs are catered for and children learn about healthy eating through discussion. They are provided with healthy snacks, in line with any

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

specific dietary needs they may have. Drinks are freely available to ensure they do not become thirsty.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from appropriate safety routines within the home and when out. The childminder assesses any risk when visiting places of interest and the children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussion and consistent reinforcement. Children access a range of equipment and furniture that are safe, clean and well maintained. Children have ample space for free movement and play. A clear evacuation procedure is in place, known by the children and practised, and records are maintained with regard to the operation of the smoke alarms. Children are well protected. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection and of the procedure to follow if there are any concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and benefit from a wide range of interesting activities and play experiences. Children's independence is encouraged and children enjoy individual time and attention each day with the childminder. Adult interaction is very good. They have free choice when choosing toys and activities and toys are rotated to maintain their interest.

p.3

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 socialise with other children at groups within the area and their day is balanced to allow the children energetic exercise and times to rest throughout the day. Children learn, develop and compound new skills such as early writing and early reading skills through planned and spontaneous activities, both in the home and when visiting local groups or places of interest. They benefit from plenty of fresh air through time spent walking or visiting the park on a daily basis.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children individual needs are known by the childminder and incorporated into the day. Although children access some information about cultural differences and diversity this is limited, as very few resources are available. Therefore, children are not developing a sufficient understanding of the wider world. Children understand the clear boundaries in place within the home with regard to behaviour and they behave well. They benefit from the childminder's calm and consistent manner and her understanding of their development and their self-esteem and confidence is supported through her frequent praise and encouragement for their achievements.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and happy in an environment that is safe and welcoming. They enjoy a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities each day, which take account of their individual levels of development. Clear, concise policies and procedures are in place, shared with parents and reflect the care provided. Comprehensive information is maintained which ensures the care provided meets their needs. The childminder is committed to keeping her knowledge up to date, through additional training and has a good understanding of her role and responsibility when caring for children. Therefore, the overall needs of the children cared for are met.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints to report.

p.4

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 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.

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): • obtain written consent for emergency medical treatment. • develop resources that promote positive images of race, culture, gender and disability.

p.5

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.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