Hawkins, Deborah Kim

Inspection report for early years provision

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209825 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2007 Inspection date Susan Rogers 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 1988. She lives with her husband in South Staffordshire within walking distance of local shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group, takes children to the local library and the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family have one dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and or disabilities. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 satisfactory. Children are well nourished as they benefit from healthy meals and snacks. For example, they enjoy a combination of fruit, fresh vegetables and home-cooked meals. The childminder has a wide appreciation of providing children with food that complies with their individual needs they are, therefore, well protected. They are well hydrated as they have ready access to available drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most of the routines are effective in protecting children from illness and infection. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. However the hygiene routines regarding the family pets are not always effective and, therefore, compromise children's welfare. Children are well protected if they have illness and infections as the childminder has an rigorous sick child policy and appreciates the different health needs of all the children that attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to develop their finer physical skills. For example, their skills are well developed as they enjoy threading buttons, tabletop games, drawing, painting, and shape sorter activities. Children have good opportunities to enjoy physical exercise; they walk to and from school, enjoy frequent activities in local parks and benefit from playing in a spacious rear garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's sense of well-being is promoted as the premises are welcoming. The childminder ensures they feel relaxed and comfortable as furniture is arranged to accommodate their play needs. Children's development is encouraged as they have easy access to their toys and equipment and use these to enjoy a variety of child lead activities. Their learning is promoted as the toys and equipment are suited to their different ages and abilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Most of the equipment and premises are safe, however, some of the equipment compromises children's safety as it does not comply with British Standards. Children play safely as the childminder is very aware of their individual capabilities and consistently observes their play. Children are protected whilst they sleep since the childminder ensures that she monitors children and discusses their sleep preferences with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected if there are concerns regarding their care as the childminder has an effective understanding regarding any concerns, has attended advanced safeguarding training and has discussed her obligations with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's sense of security is encouraged as they enjoy cuddles and hugs if they are distressed or feel tired. For example, the childminder is familiar with their individual needs and ensures

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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 they are able to sit on her knee to read a book or complete intricate activities. The childminder’s effective understanding regarding the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework, ensures that children are encouraged to make their own decisions and choices regarding their play activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s learning is promoted as they are encouraged to play with a variety of activities that include colouring, painting and craft activities. The childminder demonstrates exceptional skill in providing activities for children’s wide range of ages and abilities. For example, older children have the opportunity to enjoy a ceramics workshop and younger children enjoy activities that promote their dexterity and language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children communicate well as a result of well chosen questions that give them confidence to create imagined scenarios during their play. For example, the childminder discusses with children how they should take care of doll and they respond by making appropriate suggestions. Children's enthusiasm whilst they learn is well promoted as there is a constant flow of interesting and absorbing activities. For example, children enjoy an activity where they try on several different hats and decide which ones fit.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s play is well supported since the childminder has a meticulous understanding of their individual needs. They learn quickly as a consequence of the childminder consistently supporting their play and her commitment towards their learning needs. For example, she has developed her knowledge and skills and, therefore, encourages children's enthusiasm. Their learning is promoted as the childminder plans ahead to provide children with a wide variety of activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's well-placed questions encourage children to think about their play activities. They are encouraged to freely choose and arrange their own play. For example, they become involved in creative ideas where they imagine scenarios and use the equipment to further their enjoyment. Children have formed effective friendships with each other and recognise their play is enhanced when they include others in activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children take responsibility for their environment by clearing away the toys and equipment following their activities. They are learning to share and are encouraged to enjoy their activities with the inclusion of other children. Their self-esteem is encouraged since they are frequently praised and are beginning to understand the benefits of demonstrating positive behaviour. The childminder employs very effective strategies in managing any challenges. For example, the support of outside agencies is utilised to develop strategies in managing challenges. Consequently, children are encouraged to manage their own behaviour as a consequence of effective distraction techniques. They are learning to enjoy the benefits of play with other children. A constant flow of activities that excite and provide children with fun ensure that their interest is thoroughly maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the needs of the wider world since there is a variety of equipment and activities that reflect different traditions and cultures. They regularly celebrate and learn about different festivals. The childminder makes effective use of reference material and provides children with explanations they understand regarding other traditions.

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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 The childminder has an excellent understanding of providing care for children with learning difficulties and or disabilities. Their individual needs are successfully met as a consequence of the childminder working closely with outside agencies. She has attended relevant training and is consequently confident with well-developed skills in caring for children with specific needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's continuity of care is well protected as the childminder has effective means of maintaining contact with parents. Daily diaries ensure that parents have good quality information regarding the care of their child which actively promote their continued learning in their home environment. For example, children are encouraged to take completed art and craft activities home. The close links with parents maintain the children's well-being

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected as there are excellent procedures in place providing contingency arrangements ensuring children are always cared for by a vetted person. Children's development is well protected as the childminder meticulously develops her skills. For example, the policies and procedures are extensive and are used to contribute towards a quality assurance scheme.

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Organisation

Children's learning is encouraged since the school collection service is well-managed. The childminder uses these opportunities to promote children's conversation skills and encourages them to notice aspects of the world around them.

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Organisation

Children learn quickly since the childminder plans activities in advance to ensure they have a various learning opportunities. For example, children enjoy a variety of outings and indoor activities due to the meticulous planning. Therefore, their individual needs are protected as they have opportunities to develop a wide range of skills. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to review the policy and procedures to avoid the use of negative words and actions to manage children's behaviour. Children's development is now well protected as the childminder has reviewed her behaviour policy and uses praise and positive actions to manage children's behaviour.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. The provider is requested to keep a record of complaints made by the 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 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): • ensure that all equipment promotes children's safety • ensure that pet equipment and foods are inaccessible to the children.

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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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