Gray, Julie Catherine

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY296403 Inspection date 06 June 2005 Inspector Heather Jeanette Knox

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 good. 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 two children aged three and eight years old. They live in a house in Peterborough close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. A bedroom is available upstairs for a child to have a rest or a sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. She regularly works alongside another

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 registered childminder. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are appropriately cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are asked to wash their hands before snacks and after going to the toilet. They enjoy physical exercise as they regularly play in the garden and use the equipment at the local park. Children’s medical needs are addressed as required although the childminder does not have written permission from the parents for emergency treatment. Consequently, children’s welfare in this aspect, is not fully safeguarded. Children are well nourished. They are offered frequent drinks and older children are sometimes able to help to prepare their own foods. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide a variety of healthy well balanced hot and cold meals and snacks. Children’s individual rest patterns are effectively acknowledged and supported as the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

childminder talks to the parents and follows their home routines for sleeping.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment where the childminder has identified potential risks and has ensured these are minimised. This means that children are able to move around the setting freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children to understand how to keep themselves safe. She maintains children’s safety outside the home by using straps and reins and by explaining to them the need to hold hands and stay close. This helps them to learn about road safety. Children are able to use a good range of safe and age appropriate resources. These are well organised at low level to encourage children to self select. New equipment has been purchased which gives the children new experiences and adds interest to their play. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

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 The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminders house. They make themselves at home and relationships between the children are good. They are able to take turns and share toys as they play matching games and divide out the play dough between themselves. The childminder effectively interacts with the children during their play. This allows children to feel relaxed and they enjoy sharing their views and ideas as they play. Challenging questions from the childminder helps children to use their own knowledge and abilities. Effective planning from the childminder encourages children to develop their experiences. Weekly themes on topics such as colours and shapes help to extend their knowledge and understanding of these concepts. In their play children use a wide range of different materials such as paint, glue and play dough.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and are able to independently select their choice of toys or activity. They successfully help to make pizzas for their tea and enjoy listening to different stories being read to them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and the understanding of others. For example, they discuss and celebrate, Chinese New Year, Eid and St Patrick’s Day. Children are encouraged to look at themselves and take part in activities such as making paper plate faces. All children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are satisfactorily met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has developed with the parents. The childminder regularly shares important information about the children, however, this is currently on an informal basis and could lead to the needs of the younger children not being met. Children are well behaved and are effectively learning right from wrong because the

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder setting consistent boundaries. She is firm and consistent with the children who are responsive to her requests. When appropriate, the childminder works alongside the parents to manage behaviour problems. Her good understanding of age appropriate behaviour management methods helps to promote positive behaviour. Children are calm and relaxed in the childminders care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and are at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder has a wide range of written policies and procedures. These are

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 effectively used to help promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are regularly shared with the parents to keep them informed of the service provided. She also ensures that she keeps up to date with new and current information relating to the care of children. The childminder successfully organises her day to ensure children are provided with challenging and stimulating activities. Parents are fully involved whenever possible. This contributes to the children’s well being and their pleasure and enjoyment. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the childminders first inspection since registration.

p.5

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 good. 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): • ensure that parents give written permission for emergency medical treatment. • review how information is shared with parents particularly those with young children.

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