Westmore Gillian

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY300078 Inspection date 15 June 2005 Inspector Jill Nugent

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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 5, 9 and 12, in a house in London Colney, St Albans. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family have a cat and a rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding two children under five, one of whom is under one. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a hygienic manner which contributes to their staying healthy. The toys and play areas are kept clean and family pets are well looked after. Babies are kept comfortable through the appropriate use of wipes and tissues. The childminder takes care with food hygiene so that children are kept healthy. Children benefit from her maintenance of medical records, although parents have not been asked to sign to acknowledge when medicine has been administered. The childminder has not yet obtained permission for seeking emergency medical treatment. Children are protected from infection as the childminder does not look after any who are ill. Children are well nourished. Some bring their own food but are given healthy snacks, such as raisins and breadsticks, if wanting an alternative. Children are encouraged to eat healthy food. Any meals provided include fruit and vegetables. Children are able

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

to access drinks at all times. They enjoy outdoor play in the garden. Young children especially like the baby swing. They can use play equipment in the local park. They take rests according to their needs throughout the day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use resources that are safe and suitable. They can choose from a range of toys and games to suit all ages. They play in a safe environment. They are supervised closely and have restricted access to the upstairs rooms. A new extension will provide children with toilet and rest facilities on the ground floor. Children sleeping upstairs are checked regularly by the childminder. Young children learn not to touch any decorative objects in the house. They are secure in the house as the front and back doors are always locked. The childminder has thought out an evacuation plan in the case of an emergency. Children are kept safe on outings. They are strapped into the buggy or put on reins if necessary. They are kept safe in the garden. Extra plants have been put in to keep young children from venturing off the lawn. The water features in the garden are inaccessible. Children are further protected because the childminder is aware of child

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection issues. She has information and contact numbers if needing advice.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy opportunities to explore objects in treasure baskets. They feel secure sitting and playing with the childminder. They happily toddle around choosing toys. They particularly like playing with the ball pond. Sometimes they are encouraged to make connections in their play through talk. The childminder has not yet obtained a

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 copy of the Birth to Three framework. She is interested in finding out about increasing the range of activities available to develop children's skills. Children enjoy visits to a local childminder's group. They are forming close relationships with other children. They take part in different activities, such as music and singing. They have fun exploring activity packs borrowed from this group. When out and about, the childminder converses with children to help them learn to communicate. Older children become increasingly aware of mathematical language in this way.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern. They have increasing confidence and seek out the childminder for reassurance. They are given time to settle and receive much attention to help them feel secure. They develop a sense of belonging as the childminder tries to keep to their daily routines. Children benefit from her good relationships with parents and carers. Parents are given information about her practice on an initial visit. They exchange information with her daily. The childminder plans to set up link books to improve communication with parents. Children's particular needs are discussed so that they can be offered appropriate care. Children receive good support. Young children are given finger food to help them to become independent eaters. They have an increasing awareness of a wider society through using resources which reflect diversity. They particularly enjoy the attention

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

of the childminder's own children after school. The childminder manages her time well so that each child's needs are attended to while in her care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed her Introduction to Childminding Practice training. She recently attended a National Childminding Association activity day and is interested in following up new ideas. The necessary documents are all in place and she is careful about confidentiality. Overall children's needs are met. There is plenty of space for children to move around freely. They will benefit from the increased space in the house on completion of the new extension. They have good access to a large garden with patio area and lawn. The childminder ensures the well being of all children and they are happy and content in her care.

p.4

Improvements 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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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 permission from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment and ensure parents sign to acknowledge the administration of any medicines • develop the range of activities available to young children, for example, through the use of the Birth to Three framework

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