Mrs Clare Edwards

Inspection report for early years provision

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304470 Unique Reference Number 02 January 2007 Inspection date Rachel Ruth Britten Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and nine-year-old child in Crewe. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a secure yard for outside play. There are currently two pre-school children on roll, both of whom were present at the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local school and toddler groups where possible and takes children to local parks and soft play centres.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's physical health is good because the childminder teaches children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating or cooking activities. They are quickly becoming independent in using liquid soap, managing the taps and drying their hands thoroughly on clean towels in the downstairs bathroom. The childminder also makes good use of wipes, plastic mats, aprons and bibs to ensure that children keep as clean as possible whilst engaging in messy activities, such as gluing and sticking. She provides accessible tissues and a bin in the play room so that children can blow their noses and she reminds them if necessary to cover their mouths when coughing. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise, walking to toddler groups or soft play centres wherever possible and regularly participating in yoga and music and movement activities in the large play room. They also climb, run and ride in the yard or the nearby play

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Helping children to be healthy

park and help to grow plants and tend flowers growing in the planters in the yard. These activities promote children's physical health.

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Helping children to be healthy

The accommodation promotes children’s health and emotional well-being very well because it is warm, clean and spacious. Children know where things are in the play room and where to put their things. They take off their outdoor shoes, put them on the shoe rack and go straight into the play room to play. The childminder provides security and a varied activity routine. She is well organised and very attentive, giving direction, reassurance and praise which adds greatly to children's contentment and enjoyment. All play spaces and surfaces are extremely clean and tidy, with clean towels and cloths used. Clean bedding and crockery are also always used and equipment, such as potties and toilet seat inserts, are meticulously clean.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from becoming ill through well understood procedures and records to ensure this. First aid supplies are ready to use and the childminder has recently updated her first aid qualification. She has a good working knowledge of childhood illnesses and has obtained written parent consent for any emergency treatment, should this be needed. She has also obtained written parent permission for named medications which may need to be used and keeps a signed medication record for every administration given.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a varied, nutritious and balanced diet and learn about healthy eating because the childminder talks about this, tries to make it fun and encourages children to help prepare and eat good food. Sweets are never given unless children bring them from their own homes and meals are made from fresh ingredients, with a minimum of processed foods given. For example, children eat meat and vegetable stew for lunch, followed by yoghurt and tangerine on the day of inspection. Their mid-morning snack is dried fruits which are served in a plastic bowl so that pre-school children can eat them independently and hygienically. Water is always available as children play and the childminder talks to children about the importance of healthy eating and regular drinking.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works hard to establish mealtime routines, so that children eat at the table and learn to use good manners. Children sit quietly and talk with the childminder, who is very successful in encouraging children to eat well. Special diets and allergies are catered for and

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Helping children to be healthy

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 elicits information about these through enrolment forms and discussion with parents. She is flexible and thorough to ensure that these are adhered to without singling out a child for different food unnecessarily. For example, the childminder is experienced to manage a high fibre and fruit requirement for digestion problems or a low dairy diet for eczema.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor environment. They enjoy free movement in the large play room and lounge and have a good variety of floor and table top play space available to them at all times. The front door opens directly into the play room and is, therefore, kept locked and chained at all times and no callers are permitted indoors without their identification being known or seen. All areas are kept very clean and clear of hazards, particularly the path through the lounge and kitchen to the bathroom and back door to the yard, so that small children can move about safely and freely. The childminder is committed to safety through thorough supervision and through minimising risks. For example, she takes pre-school children to the toilet and is always outside with children as they use ride on or climbing equipment. The play room is completely safe and small children are strapped into their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

chair inserts when sitting at the table. This means that they can be safely left for a few moments while the childminder fetches any drinks or meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Throughout the house, stair gates, fire guards, socket covers and cupboard locks are properly used to ensure children's safety. Medicines, knives and glasses are all inaccessible and the childminder has working smoke alarms and the fire blanket ready to use. Resources no longer in use are tidied away by everyone before a new activity is started. The childminder has also thought through and practised her plans for emergency evacuation of children from the house. This ensures that all children are familiar with what to do. In addition, the childminder has responded to a real emergency away from home, when her own child was referred to hospital, necessitating the collection of the child minded children. The childminder made use of the contact numbers stored in her mobile phone and the children were promptly and safely collected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder is highly vigilant whether on foot or in a vehicle. The childminder demonstrates a practical approach to safety outside on the roads and pre-school children know that they must hold hands unless they are strapped in a buggy. The childminder makes sure seat belts are on, uses reins and booster seats appropriately, talks to children about dangers on the road and explains the need for safety seats, adhering carefully to recent legislation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of suitable and safe equipment and toys because the childminder selects and organises resources using her clear understanding of each child's needs and stage of development. Items are stored in boxes on the floor of the play room where children can easily select from them and see what there is. In addition, the childminder makes sure that children can find something to do as soon as they arrive. For example, there are dressing up clothes, small world figures, books and dolls, all within reach. Equipment and toys are kept very clean and in order, with children being involved in helping with this.

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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 Children are well protected from abuse because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She has acted appropriately, contacting Ofsted and social services and making detailed confidential records when a concern about a minded child was brought to her attention. She also knows what to do if an allegation of abuse is made against her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very content and secure and are making positive relationships from the outset because the childminder actively encourages children to share and cooperate together. She plays on the floor, at the table and outside with them to facilitate this and is organised and skilled at keeping children motivated and interested. For example, two and three-year-olds role play with the dolls and dressing up clothes, pretending to be getting married, going shopping, or being doctors, treating the dolls with injections. The childminder joins in, asks questions and extends their play, doing different things with each one if they do not want to role play together. In this way, each child's needs are being met and they are developing independence and self-confidence as well as social and creative skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children persist very well and show interest in what they do because the childminder is well prepared and skilfully presents a wealth of activity ideas which develop children's knowledge and understanding in many essential areas. For example, the childminder is currently teaching pre-school children about the weather and appropriate clothing. She has prepared a large collage and activity sheet for them to use today. As they decorate pictures of wellies, umbrellas and raindrops, they are talking about the weather and why they choose to wear wellies when it is wet. The childminder also talks to them about colour, shape and number as they go along, so that they count the raindrops on their picture and decide what colours to make each section of the umbrella. They are practising their small motor skills as they use glue spreaders and pens and as they carefully apply small pieces of tissue to their collage. They consolidate their new

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

knowledge by drawing a line between weather symbols and appropriate clothing to show which ones belong together. They are delighted when they correctly link sun glasses and hat for when it is sunny, wellies for when it is raining, and gloves and scarf for when it is cold.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework materials and has incorporated some craft ideas from this into her work with pre-school children. She also makes use of materials she has acquired from other sources, for example, on speech development. She has high expectations of what children can achieve and is successful in her efforts to ensure that children learn through the variety of social and play experiences which she enjoys providing. Little television is watched, but plenty of role play activities are used to enhance children's understanding of domestic and family life. Alongside this, the childminder creates opportunities to talk about and work on early literacy and mathematical development. For example, two and three-year-old children count the ridges in the scarf they are using as a pretend walkway. In their craft activities, they make an alphabet collage and begin to make the letters of their name

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as well as other letters. As a result, children are making very good progress in their verbal, literacy and mathematical development.

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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 quickly develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem because the childminder gives them choices and opportunities to talk, take part and be independent within a clear written routine for each day. For example, children are expected to help tidy away their toys and set up the floor mat for the gluing and sticking activity, but can select any toys that they want to play with afterwards. They can choose to look at books or rest quietly on the sofa if they are tired, but most days they also spend some time socialising with their friends at toddler groups or go on trips to soft play centres, gardens, parks or farms. The childminder expects children to conform to the planned activities she provides, but gives them as much time and support as they need to complete these. Children are proud to take their work home to show

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their carers or have a photograph taken for the evidence portfolio. This means that children experience a good balance between routine and independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children in the setting have a good sense of belonging and feel secure because the childminder fully includes them in all aspects of domestic life. She talks to them openly and gives honest and appropriate answers to all their questions. Her own daughter helps with pre-school children in the school holidays or after school which adds to the welcome that children experience. The childminder encourages children to talk about their families and is forging close relationships with parents. These relationships are supported at the outset by written aims and objectives which are shared with, and given to, parents. This means that children are confident that all the adults involved in their care are communicating well and concentrating upon their welfare. As a result, they feel at home, help to tidy away, treat toys and equipment well, use good manners and play nicely with other children both at the house and when they are out.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have good opportunities to consider and value diversity because the childminder has an open approach to equal opportunities issues. She presents positive images of race, gender and disability through resources, such as dolls, play figures, dressing up and books. In addition, she devises themes when children can try cooking, craft, role play and dressing up activities relating to varied festivals and cultures. For example, Christmas and Easter crafts are undertaken and children learn about these festivals as they make things. Children also have contact with the childminder's husband who has a physical disability so that they are becoming familiar with the concept of disabilities too.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave extremely well because the childminder is always calm, vigilant and consistent in her approach. She listens to children, talks to them about what is happening and what their activity choices are, and has high expectations of them. She expects good manners, cooperation and attention and children respond well to her prompts for these. For example, she explains to a two-year-old that he must wait while she is talking to the three-year-old. She then listens to him as soon as she is free and praises him for his patience. Documentation also supports consistency in behaviour management if necessary because the childminder records in a book any incidents of unwanted behaviour and any injuries which children come with. This has been appropriately used, with good verbal liaison with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s needs are met well through good partnership with parents. The childminder is business-like and communicative with them and spends time giving and receiving effective

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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 verbal feedback. She shows new parents her information, policy document, certificates from training courses and activity plans. She is also creating written, picture and object evidence of children's progress for families to see for themselves. However, a system for recording complaints has not been created and it is not clear to parents how to contact Ofsted. This omission has not adversely affected any child thus far, but it means that there is no clear evidence recorded to show how the childminder responds to any complaints or suggestions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Consistency of care is promoted through good parent liaison. For example, where families have religious preferences, the activity plans are adapted to ensure that these are respected. Likewise, where children have medical or dietary needs, these are carefully met too. Some evidence of parents' impressions is available through recent references seen by the inspector. For example, 'thank you for all you have done over the last 10 months with our child - we could not have wished for a nicer childminder for our precious daughter'. A further recent reference states that the childminder is reliable, honest, caring and provides good continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a consistently high regard for the well-being of all children and builds upon her knowledge and experience over time. She has attended training for childminding, including first aid and behaviour management and is shortly undertaking a further course relating to the organisation of a childminding service. She is aiming high in her provision of childcare and plans her activities in order to maximise children's development in a healthy, safe and social atmosphere.

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Organisation

The childminder has a clear sense of purpose and direction and uses her time and resources very well to support children's care, learning and play. She manages the daily routine, utilising written activity plans and timetables for the week, so that she knows exactly where they are going and what they are doing. This ensures that all children have their individual needs met, are well stimulated and have her attention for the maximum amount of time possible. For example, toddlers enjoy visits to the park, toddler groups and music groups, as well as reading, dressing up, construction, art, role play, craft and small world activities at the childminder's home.

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Organisation

Procedures work well in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. For example, all necessary parent agreements, child details and records of accidents, medication and incidents are kept with each child's record or in suitable record books. There is a display file containing certificates, policies and useful information which give parents a flavour of the childminder's approach and responsibilities. In addition, the daily register is always completed as children arrive and depart, which ensures children's safety in the event of an emergency. The certificate of registration and insurance is displayed to reassure parents even further.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were two recommendations made at the last inspection in March 2004. These have both been acted upon to improve the health and safety of children. The childminder now has permission from parents to take children on trips either walking, using public transport or the childminder's car. She also has written consent for all medications to be administered and keeps signed records of every administration to ensure that parents are fully aware of exactly what has been given.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1st April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • maintain a record of complaints and ensure that parents know how to contact Ofsted.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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