Seymour, Helen Marie Mary

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY257222 Inspection date 17 August 2005 Inspector Mandy Mooney

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and seven year old son in a three-bedroom house in Lee, close to Sutcliffe Park and local shops and bus routes. Generally, the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding purpose, although the whole premises are accessible. There are currently two children aged two years and seven years on roll. The childminder offers a drop off and collection service for Horn Park school, Colfes school and St Olaves Prep school.

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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 The family has a rabbit and a cat. She holds the level two qualification in childcare and is in the process of completing a Degree in Early Childhood Studies. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children relax and play happily in a comfortable, homely environment. Cleaning and hygiene routines protect children's health and help prevent spread of infection. Children are encouraged to develop good personal habits by washing their hands before meals and after touching the animals. Even the youngest of children receive a simple, yet effective explanation as to why they shouldn't touch the cat's litter tray. Children take part in an extensive range of physical activity both in the home and at local clubs. They confidently use a wide range of age appropriate and challenging equipment in the garden, for example, a trampoline, tunnel and climbing frame. Children are able to enjoy challenges and try moving and using equipment in different ways as the childminder provides a good level of support and guidance. They enjoy frequent trips out to gain fresh air and exercise as they learn about

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Helping children to be healthy

keeping healthy. Older children are able to access water independently and all children are encouraged to make choices about snacks and meals. The childminder ensures the children are well nourished. She provides a balanced range of freshly prepared foods and children enjoy a wide variety of different vegetables and fruit, however, the range of cultural dishes offered to children is limited. Children have a good understanding of what foods are good for them because the childminder talks about healthy eating and the effect this has on their bodies, for example, helping their bones to be strong. Children have plenty of space to rest and relax and opportunities to talk about their day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has created a bright and welcoming home environment, which enables the children to feel happy and settled. Children use a good range of safe, high quality and developmentally appropriate resources. These are well organised at the child's level to encourage decision making skills and independent access. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well maintained and organised premises which has good safety and security precautions, for example, the childminder carries out daily checks of the garden and house before children arrive to ensure all areas are safe and free from potential hazards. The childminder has a well thought out evacuation procedure, however, this has not been practiced with the children. She acknowledges this would further enhance safety standards. Children

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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 are encouraged to be responsible for their own safety, for example, when crossing the road on the way to school and knowing the boundaries when playing in the park. Children are well protected. The childminder is familiar with many of the possible signs and symptoms that could indicate abuse and ensures she has up to date written procedures to follow in the event that a child protection is raised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Older children benefit from having many opportunities to take part in a wide variety of interesting and exciting sports and creative experiences. They are well supported by the childminder in making choices about what they want to, for example, they are members of the golf, rugby and keyboard clubs and within the home they take part in an extensive range of interesting and well organised activities. Younger children enjoy regular outings, including frequent visits to a local pre-school group and to the park and woods. The childminder supports their play by interacting with them on a one to one basis. They also benefit from being able to socialise with a regular group of children. Children form warm relationships with the childminder and enjoy her friendly, relaxed manner. They are comfortable in her home and confidently select toys for themselves and choose the activities that they wish to take part in. They enjoy the freedom they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

receive to explore and develop their own games and are well supported by the childminder to extend their play. Children approach the childminder readily for attention and enjoy the praise and encouragement they receive. They benefit from the careful planning of each day; she provides an appropriate balance of rest and play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle with ease and confidence as the childminder makes them very welcome and responds to them as individuals. Children are able to make full use of the provision as the childminder involves all children in activities and the family routine. Children behave well and feel emotionally secure because the childminder responds to them warmly and respects each child's individuality. Children are helped to develop good social skills because they are involved in discussion about sharing and turn-taking. Children play happily and interact well. They are developing a positive self-esteem as the childminder talks to them and shows much interest in their welfare and development. Children have access to resources and activities that promote understanding and respect for differences, such as puzzles and books. They take part in activities that help them learn about customs and cultural differences, such as celebrating birthdays

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and learning about Easter. The childminder has positive attitudes that promote

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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 inclusion and help individuals to feel valued. Children's needs are well met because the childminder is very attentive, caring and respectful. Partnership with parents is good. Children enjoy consistent care as the childminder talks regularly to the parents about the children's needs. She gives verbal feedback on a daily basis for all children and keeps a written record for the younger children, ensuring she is able to make suitable arrangements for the children in the coming week and this also ensures parents are kept informed of what their children have been doing. Children feel included and part of the family because the childminder plans well and supports activities to meet their individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good level of experience in childcare and continually improves the service offered to children by completing relevant qualifications in childcare, such as the NVQ level 2 and the Early Childhood Degree. She has good understanding of ages and stages, enabling her to plan and organise suitable routines and activities for the children. This enhances children's play and learning experiences. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children's needs are met effectively as the childminders home is well organised. Children have space for lively, active play, quiet activities, rest and relaxation. Children are able to choose their activities and whether they wish to play inside or out in the garden. They can relax on the sofa or take part in games and creative play. The childminder sits with the children and encourages conversation and social skills.

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Organisation

The organisation of meal and snacks times helps children to feel included and part of the family. Children are able to easily access toys and play materials because they are sorted into sets and the childminder asks children what they would like to play with and responds to their requests. Children enjoy a good range of play and learning activities because the childminder manages her time well with each of the children. She organises group play so that each child is supported to take part and is helped to make the most of the resources available. The childminder keeps appropriate records and a file of information which is organised to be available for sharing with parents.

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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): • review the variety of food offered to enable children to try different cultural dishes • improve safety systems further by practising the evacuation procedure with children.

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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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