Bailey Michelle Rose

Bailey Michelle Rose Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

200901 Unique Reference Number 21 March 2007 Inspection date Shami Kumar Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and ten years of age. The family live in Nuneaton in Warwickshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and the front bedroom and bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have three pet cats.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time. At times she works with an assistant and is currently registered to provide care for two children under one. Currently the childminder is minding eleven children under eight. Most of the children attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She walks to and from local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the park and attends the local carer and toddler group and other community resources on a regular basis. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health and welfare are of a high priority to the childminder. She ensures they play in a clean environment where they learn from an early age the importance of good personal hygiene. The childminder uses effective well-organised daily routines such as washing their hands after toileting, before meals and after messy activities. Some children use liquid soap to wash their hands and others prefer to use wipes. They have their own individual towel which is colour co-ordinated with their plate. The childminder provides all the equipment they need to wash their hands independently. The childminder remains alert to reinforce good practice and talks to the children about washing the germs of their hands. The childminder follows effective procedures and practices, which meets children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children are well protected because the childminder follows robust health and hygiene

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

routines, for example, she follows excellent hygiene practices when changing children, cleans the changing mat with anti-bacterial wipes and the cats feeding bowls are kept out of reach from children.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children's health and well-being is well supported as a well-stocked first aid box is accessible within the home. This means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident. The childminder has a thorough written sickness policy and procedure in place that ensure children do not attend when they are ill. The childminder is meticulous and all the required records and documents are in place to ensure that children's medical needs are met and information is shared with parents. The childminder has clear written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and she maintains concise accident and medication records. Children's health is significantly enhanced because the childminder gives utmost attention to meeting their individual routines, likes and dislikes. For example, she takes care to ensure that she follows sleeping routines for babies and is aware

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

of how they best settle to sleep and how they prefer to be fed.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy their food and are encouraged to make healthy choices. They receive a wide range of very good home cooked meals, which are both healthy and nutritious. Imaginative menus are devised and displayed by the childminder so that parents are also aware of what meals are provided for their children. The childminder provides home cooked meals such as roast dinners, pasta, fish accompanied with various fresh vegetables and fresh fruit for snacks. This helps children to develop healthy eating habits from a young age. Children's likes and dislikes and individual dietary needs are catered for effectively as the childminder liaises closely with parents. Babies are held sensitively whilst being fed and any bottles and weaning food is stored and prepared appropriately. Any special dietary requirements or allergies are discussed before care begins and recorded on children's records which ensures parents' wishes are

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

respected. Children develop their social skills through eating together at the table. Children have regular access to drinks throughout the day which ensures that they are well hydrated and babies are offered boiled water. Children develop an excellent understanding of a healthy diet through conversation. The childminder talks to them about the importance of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables during the day. A daily diary containing details of the children's food intake is given to parents each day.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are involved in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate outdoor activities. They benefit significantly from being out in the fresh air as they choose from imaginative and creative activities as well as physical play activities out of doors. For example,

p.3

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 they feed the ducks, play in the sandpit and experiment with water. They enjoy going on day trips to various parks and zoo. They benefit from regular fresh air and exercise, necessary for their well-being as they walk to and from school and nursery. Older children take part in many activities that promote their physical skills, such as using the climbing apparatus in the park. Younger children use the slide and swing to develop their skills and ride wheeled toys. Their finer motor control is actively encouraged through activities such as threading games, shape sorters and completing jigsaws, which are suitable for their age and development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where any risks are identified and minimised. The children move around safely and the childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents. For example, by ensuring sockets are protected, low-level glass conforms to standards and dangerous substances are out of reach from children. She has been pro-active in ensuring her home is as safe as possible. The childminder conscientiously preserves children's well-being by continuously monitoring safety issues in and around the home, and by supervising children closely. Children learn house rules and good practice to avoid accidental injury, for example, they are reminded not to touch anything electrical and not to climb on the furniture. Older children learn to be caring towards the babies as they play with small items on the table when they are nearby.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about fire safety and the role of the fire man and fire engine. Children also take part in regular fire drills and are made aware of where to exit if necessary. Appropriate fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors and a fire blanket are fitted and these are regularly checked to ensure that they are in good working order. Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder does a regular visual check of toys and resources, to ensure they are clean and safe. However, children's safety is compromised as there are hazards in the garden which pose a risk to the children. The childminder ensures children travel in a double buggy and that there is a harness for each child. She ensures that children walking hold onto the buggy, wear reins or wrist straps, whichever

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is appropriate to their needs. She prefers to walk with the children and they learn to keep themselves safe as they discuss the dangers of water and road safety. She explains to them about where they are able to cross safely and why they should not run of on their own. All relevant documentation is in place in relation to outings.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and keeps all relevant reference material close to hand. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has an understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and has knowledge of her role in relation to them. She has a written policy that supports her practice.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and settled and have very good relationships with the childminder. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. Children independently access their toys and resources because they are well-organised. They confidently explore from a good range of toys, games, craft activities and books. They experiment with different textures such as paints, pasta, play dough, water and sand. They play with musical instruments, construction

p.4

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 sets and enjoy completing large puzzles. The babies eagerly flap their arms and legs as they try to grasp the toys on the mobiles. They eagerly play with the soft toys, pop-up toys and activity centres. Children develop their imagination, investigation and creative skills through activities such as engaging in making collage pictures, Mothers Day cards and Easter baskets.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore and experiment through a range of activities that are carefully organised to match the needs and ages of the children attending. Emphasis is put on children developing their skills and knowledge, and they respond enthusiastically to the activities the childminder provides. For example, the babies have fun being supported to sit for short periods and stand on their feet so that they are able to look around. They gain new skills and knowledge as spontaneous opportunities are seized to extend their learning, for example, children learn the different colours and shapes, and count different play objects. The older children enjoy going to the library and choose books and they go to the museum where the childminder points out interesting aspects to them.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence and self-esteem is well enhanced as they are offered praise and acknowledgement for their efforts and achievements, for example, the childminder praises the babies when they lay and play happily. Children develop their knowledge of the natural world as they participate in activities such as looking at the different flowers and trees. They talk about what happens to rubbish when it is collected and looking at how things change when they are cooked. The children particularly enjoy baking cakes and they often help to prepare their lunch. Children experience a warm, caring relationship with the childminder. She shows value in what they say and do and she involves herself and interacts appropriately to support their learning. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the foundation stage and takes this into account when planning activities for the children. Early

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

communication skills are extremely well supported with good quality adult to child interaction. Children's individual needs are catered for well as the childminder is very aware of the stage they are at and knows them well.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is skilled at supporting children and encourages them to share and take turns. She is consistent in her approach and has developed strategies to deal with inappropriate behaviour. She uses distraction for the younger children and talks and reasons with older children about their behaviour. Children are given clear explanations as to why some behaviour is unacceptable. The childminder acts as a good role model to the children and has a calm and patient manner with them. She supervises the children closely to ensure that children play well together and they are beginning to develop an understanding of what is right and wrong. The childminder talks to the children about being responsible and being kind to each other. They learn to care for, and respect, each other and the childminder uses effective use of praise, encouragement and explanation which develop children's self-esteem.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gives children regular opportunities to learn about the world they live in through outings and activities. For example, they attend the local carer and toddler groups which encourages them to mix with other children and develop their social skills. The children chat freely about what they see when out on walks and discuss interesting aspects such as feeding the ducks, the animals and the flowers they see. Children gain a good understanding of the wider world through imaginative resources and activities. These include dolls, books, puppets, and posters which portray people from different backgrounds and disabilities. They have many opportunities to look at books that depict characters with disability and diversity.

p.5

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 also learn about diversity as the childminder introduces different festivals such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Christmas and Easter. The children enjoy making cards, masks, lanterns, candle holders and discuss why people look different. Although no children with special needs currently attend, the childminder has good experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and fully understands the issues involved.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder enables children to develop a strong sense of belonging whilst in her care., for example, she gives spontaneous hugs and cuddles to the babies and pro-actively responds to their babbling and smiles. The childminder treats the children as part of her extended family and she understands their differing needs such as routines, the importance of having their own bottles and weaning food, and having their own individual towels and plates. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals, with their needs being discussed carefully with parents before childminding starts. The childminder tries to ensure through the written details provided and from her own observations that she is aware of the level of care each child requires.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed good relationships with parents who are kept informed of how their child is progressing, both verbally and in the form of a daily diary. She ensures records and policies and procedures are clear and shares information to ensure consistency. She actively encourages parents to feel involved in their child's day and development. For example, she sends text messages to the parents and often takes photos on her phone which she sends to them. They receive regular information about daily routines and activities, and the childminder takes time out at the end of the day to discuss their child's progress. Parents write positively about the care the childminder offers and they are very complimentary regarding her provision. The childminder has cared for many children on a long-term basis, which is a reflection of her commitment to the families.

p.6

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the excellent organisation. The childminder has developed policies, documents and records that support her very good childcare practice. Children are happy and settled allowing them to confidently initiate and extend their play. The layout of the childminder's home is very well organised for children to play safely, and they benefit from an environment where they receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Children can easily access many of the toys and resources and the childminder's home is ready for the children as they arrive each morning.

p.6

Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for by a qualified and experienced person. They experience individual attention, with the childminder maintaining good supervision. This helps them to feel secure and develop a positive relationship with the childminder. The childminder is committed to attending childcare training and development courses which include first aid and a food hygiene course. The childminder has a high regard for developments in early years and successfully follows an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage curriculum. Children's welfare is promoted within the setting as the childminder has suitable contingency plans in place to cover absences and to ensure children always have appropriate supervision. She ensures that the required ratios are always met when minding with an assistant and has arrangements in place for minding two children under one. The

p.6

Organisation

childminder's day is very well planned, allowing children times for sleeping, quiet and active play.

p.6

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 The childminder works in partnership with parents and regularly shares information which promotes good levels of continuity in care. Well-written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are well met and all relevant information is shared with parents. The childminder completes a daily diary for the babies regarding their care arrangements. She organises her paperwork effectively to ensure it is confidential but easily available. Parents views and comments are welcomed and positively encouraged. They have written open letters and cards recommending her as a childminder. They are happy with the care and progress their children are making and acknowledge that she provides a stimulating range of activities for them.

p.6

Organisation

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

p.7

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to obtain prior written consent from parents to administer any medication. This aspect has now been addressed and therefore, children's health and welfare is promoted.

p.7

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.

p.7

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.

p.7

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.7

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.

p.7

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): • take positive steps to ensure that hazards in the garden are minimised.

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7