Bolton, Paula

Inspection report for early years provision

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201854 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2007 Inspection date Lynn Amelia Hartigan 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 satisfactory. 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 1998. She lives with her husband and four children aged nine, seven, and five years and a baby aged five months. They live in the village of Great Horkesley, near Colchester. The whole of the premises is used for childminding, with the exception of the second floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for one child aged 10 months. During the inspection there was one child aged 10 months present. The childminder walks or drives to the local shops, toddler group and park as part of the daily routine.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 become aware of their personal hygiene as they learn about keeping themselves healthy through their daily routines. The childminder encourages children to wash their hands following the use of the toilet and before snacks and meals. Children are offered their own towels and flannels, to further protect them from cross-infection. An efficient nappy changing procedure also ensures children are protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Providing opportunities for communication with parents ensures children are protected with regard to illness and medication. A well stocked first aid kit is available and the childminder has completed a relevant first aid course. However, the children's health could be compromised as written parental consents regarding medication and emergency treatment are not readily available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual needs are well supported, babies who require a sleep are made comfortable in a travel cot within a well ventilated bedroom. Each child is offered clean bedding and their soothers. The childminder is vigilant and checks on them regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating as the childminder promotes healthy choices and encourages them to eat nutritious snacks such as fruit. All meals are home made and freshly prepared as required. The childminder is respectful of parents' wishes regarding their children's dietary requirements and is happy if they choose to bring their own meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to enjoy fresh air and exercise daily as the childminder ensures they are provided with opportunities to play outdoors in a well resourced garden. Children have fun using the swings, slides, trampoline, skipping ropes and balls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's commitment to welcome children and their parents is good. Children are made welcome and feel a sense of belonging as the childminder ensures the home is welcoming and child friendly. The children have the use of a playroom and lounge that have an abundance of toys available to them. The playroom is brightly decorated with children's art work and posters. Children's individual needs are met as appropriate, well maintained resources and equipment are available to support their development. The selection of toys both indoors and outdoors and their accessibility ensures the children can make choices and self select.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a clean, safe environment as the childminder gives priority to protect children. She ensures the home is risk assessed and that the premises meet with requirements. Fire safety is also considered and a written policy and procedure is in place for parents to view. Children's safety when out walking is also given priority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The well-being of the children is protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. A well documented policy is in place for parents, existing injuries are

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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 recorded and the childminder has a good procedure to ensure children are collected by a known adult.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have excellent opportunities for many play experiences as there are an abundance of good quality toys and resources available to them within the lounge and playroom. The childminder makes purposeful use of the space available and the house is extremely welcoming and child friendly. Children's work is displayed at child height around the home, in particular the playroom. Young children receive excellent support as the childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is able to implement it successfully within her flexible plans for the day. Young babies and toddlers enjoy messy activities such as play dough, painting and are offered large chunky chalks for drawing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very intuitive of the children she cares for. She is dedicated, enthusiastic and exceptionally attentive. Young babies receive excellent attention and meeting their needs is her top priority. For example, babies are offered a selection of toys, the childminder speaks to them continuously, quietly showing them how things work. The childminder effectively distracts babies when they become distressed and successfully engages them in play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from many organised trips as the childminder is committed to ensure they have an opportunity to visit a wide range of places such as the park, toddler groups, local zoo, and library. The childminder's commitment to ensure the children develop their physical skills and enjoy fresh air means that they go out for a walk daily, even in the rain. If needed children wear Wellington boots and enthusiastically splash in puddles. There is also an extensive range of organised resources within the front garden. Children are able to freely choose when they go into the garden, carefully supervised by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder documents the children's development and daily activities with accuracy. Photographs of children at play and a selection of the children's art work is available for parents and are delightful keepsakes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to access a good range of resources that reflect diversity. Children are treated equally but as individuals. The childminder is committed to recognising each child's culture, religion and home life and this is stated in the policy that is shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children who require additional support would be welcomed and advice sought from parents to accommodate the children's requirements. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with additional needs, she understands the importance of liaising closely with parents and any outside agencies involved with the family. Resources and the organisation of the home ensures inclusion for all children.

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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 Children understand the boundaries within the childminder's home through clear guidance from her. They develop good relationships with each other and the childminder. As a result they cooperate and play well together. A positive and consistent approach towards behaviour management ensures that children feel valued, secure and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that parents are informed about their children's activities as she provides them with information about her working practice, within an file. Verbal feedback is given on a daily basis and the childminder completes a daily journal for each child. This informs the parents of the children's day and activities. Parents are positively welcomed into the home, however, not all required parental written consents are in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is enthusiastic and is committed in providing a good standard of child care. She ensures her home is welcoming and effectively organised to support children's play. The play space indoors and outdoors enables children to explore and play safely. They benefit from being cared for by a motivated and dedicated childminder who can effectively support and meet the needs of the children in her care. The organisation of the day supports the children's individual routines and as a result children receive good care and attention. However, at the time of inspection the childminder had not applied for a variation to care for two babies and therefore was not meeting regulation requirements.

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Organisation

Well maintained documents and information regarding the children ensures the childminder is aware of and can support the children's individual needs. These are appropriately stored and are confidential.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to ensure attendance records were kept up to date. Good maintenance of attendance records ensures children's attendance is recorded appropriately.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that the required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet National Standards. 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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Complaints 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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure to work within the conditions of registration, as detailed on the registration certificate • ensure written consent is in place re medication and seeking emergency medical advice and treatment.

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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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