Innes, Linda Diane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 303026 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Catherine Julie Stainthorpe

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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 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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 14 years. They live in Thorpe Hesley in Rotherham. There are schools and pre- school facilities for younger children in the locality. There is access to shops, public transport and children's play areas. The whole of the downstairs of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under the age of 8 years. She currently cares for 6 children under 8 years old. There are currently 4 children

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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 attending who are over 8 years. Children attend a variety of times and days during term time and school holidays.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder talks to them about good health issues. She makes sure that children are know why they must wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. She provides suitable hand wash and drying facilities. For example a step stool, liquid soap and clean towels are readily accessible and therefore children are encouraged in self help skills and in developing independence. Children begin to understand the importance of a healthy diet. They are able to help themselves to filtered water during the day. Details of the home cooked, nutritious meals and snacks are displayed daily on the wall menu. The childminder works closely with parents when providing food for their children. She takes into account parents wishes and children's likes and dislikes when meeting individual dietary

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Helping children to be healthy

needs. The childminder has effective arrangements in place to protect children from illness and infection. She communicates with parents throughout the period of illness and carefully considers the impact of any contagious illness on other children and her own family before admitting a child back into her home. As a result of her actions children are cared for in a healthy environment, where the risks of cross infection are reduced. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to good health. There are lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. For example the childminder has developed a play area in her garden where children can climb, swing and develop physical skills and confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is generally well promoted in the setting. Areas of the home used for childminding are spacious and well organised. Children can move around safely, freely and independently as they select from the clean and well maintained toys and activities. The childminder talks to children about staying safe. For example she reminds a child that the large toy car he held above his head may fall and hurt him and that children must not use the new climbing frame outside until she tells them its is completely ready for use. The newly developed outdoor physical play area is subject to regular risk assessment. The childminder generally has a good level of understanding with regard to child

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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 protection. She informs parents of her role and responsibility and is able to confidently inform of procedures should she become concerned about a child in her care. The childminder's consistent high levels of supervision ensures children are protected from people who are not vetted and approved.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They show growing confidence and self assurance and this is as a result of the childminder's consistent kindness, support, praise and encouragement. Opportunities are taken for younger children to visit the local parent and toddler group and this provides valuable social experiences for them as they learn to interact with other children. The childminder plans daily to provide a wide range of play opportunities for the children which form an important part of the well established routines of the day. Children are allowed to play independently. For example the child is engrossed in an imaginary game with cars and play people. They are also very well supported by the childminder as they share favourite books, talking and listening together about the familiar stories. During school holiday times, the childminder plans additional trips to local places of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interest which have facilities to meet the needs of all the children. For example outings to the Magna Centre, and Farm Park. Photo albums show children enjoying themselves on these outings and other fun filled activities which include playing in the snow, face painting, baking, taking part in celebrations and festivals together. As a direct result of these activities and events, children learn vital social and interactive skills and become more aware of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder shares and keeps information relating to children's individual need's. She builds trusting relationships with parent's and their children which are evidenced by the established long term placements. She shows concern about the children she cares for and is caring and supportive both inside and outside her working hours. Children feel good about themselves. They are encouraged to become aware of the world around them and to learn about each other. For example toys, dolls, books and dressing up clothes reflect diversity and show positive images of boys and girls from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varying needs. Children are clear about what is expected of them as they go about their daily activities. Strong emphasis is placed on kindness and respect for each other. The childminder acts as a good role model and remains calm and sensitive when dealing with the children. Simple ground rules are in place and these are consistently

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Helping children make a positive contribution

reinforced both by setting a positive example and through discussion. The childminder is confident in challenging any negative aspects of behaviour and works with children and parents to do so in a positive manner. As a direct result of the

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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 childminder's positive approach, children are happy, settled and secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is experienced and knows the children she cares for very well. This means children are settled and comfortable with their surroundings. They move around with confidence as they use the well organised space and resources. Policies and procedures are used to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children and their records provide all relevant detail. However there are some important areas identified for improvement, for example some written parental consents are not in place and paperwork systems are outdated. The childminder has very good relationships with parents and shares information about the children daily. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder obtain parental consent to take photographs of children engaged in play activities and that she develop procedures to inform parents of how to make a complaint. There are now written consent forms in place and the childminder has provided parents with relevant information should they wish to make any complaint. As a result of the above improvements are made with regard to working with parents and therefore this impacts positively on the care of the children.

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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): • revise, amend and update paperwork and ensure all relevant written parental

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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 consents are in place

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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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