Lindley, Heather

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

268407 Unique Reference Number 02 April 2007 Inspection date Dianne Lynn Sadler 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 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight years, ten years and twelve years in Staffordshire. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding nine children. The family have two birds.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and are cared for well in a clean, welcoming environment. Children are learning the importance of simple good health and hygiene practices through daily routines. They understand, for example, the need to wash hands after toileting to remove germs using liquid soap and paper towels kept in the bathroom. Children receive appropriate care when they have an accident or become ill. The childminder has attended appropriate first aid training and has implemented well written policies, procedures and records.

p.2

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 Children are well nourished. They enjoy a good range of meals, snacks and drinks that are healthy and which actively promote their growth and development. Children enjoy snacks which include fruit and sandwiches, provided by the childminder, whilst parents provide their main meal. The childminder stores packed lunches appropriately and ensures their contents are healthy and nutritious. Children can access drinks throughout the day, provided in their own individual beakers, which are well labelled with their names and kept in the kitchen. Older children are able to refill their beakers with squash or water once empty. The childminder has a good awareness of special dietary requirements, which are recorded well. This ensures children's individual dietary needs are met well according to the wishes of parents.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a balanced range of physical activities and experiences both indoors and outdoors every day. For instance, they walk to and from the local school and access the garden. They also benefit from visiting places of interest such as Tamworth Castle and Ash End Farm. Children enjoy music and movement sessions indoors, which develops control of their bodies. They are also learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They access fresh air and exercise daily and discuss healthy eating. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. All children can relax by selecting quieter activities such as 'connex' building bricks or the television in the lounge and younger children have access to a travel cot if needed.

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. Children benefit from using a dedicated play room and the childminder ensures children can move around freely, safely and independently. This helps them to settle and feel confident. The risk of accidental injury to children is minimised because the childminder takes positive steps to prevent accidents. For instance, all hazards have been identified and made safe and children are well supervised. Children are also learning to keep themselves safe. For instance, the emergency evacuation plan is practised by the children on a regular basis and they discuss and practise good road safety. Children are safe when taken outdoors. For instance, the childminder has their details written on laminated cards, which she takes out with her.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of good quality furniture and play equipment suitable to meet their different needs. Children are able to access these freely and safely, which fosters their independence and choice. Toys are stored in boxes and on shelves at the children's level in the play room. The childminder uses effective methods to ensure that toys and resources are well maintained and rotates the toys that are available on a daily basis to ensure children have variety and use toys appropriate to their age and needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and their welfare promoted effectively because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection. She follows a well written policy and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle and play well in the setting because the childminder is able to give them appropriate support and shares her time equally between them. Children benefit from a stimulating and interesting environment in which they are happy, content and secure. Children are developing positive relationships with both each other and with adults. The childminder provides a broad range of activities to help children develop in all areas of learning. She has a

p.3

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 good understanding of how children learn and progress and a sufficient understanding of the early years guidance, 'Birth to three matters'. For instance, she plans and records some of the activities offered to younger children, showing how the activity relates to the different elements of the guidance.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder's home. They are well motivated and interested in activities and experiences that are purposeful and developmentally appropriate. Some activities are planned and organised, whilst others are initiated by children themselves. For instance, older children make finger puppets and then organise a puppet show, whilst younger children use their senses to explore and experiment with different fabrics. All children are developing their imagination through play and are learning to make their own decisions. For example, they turn large cardboard boxes into boats and pretend to be customers and shopkeepers, buying food at the shops. They also enjoy making spring flowers and Easter cards using collage materials such as coloured paper, glitter and wooden Easter ornaments.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported by the childminder who listens to what children say, responding appropriately. Children's language and communication skills are promoted well by the childminder through constant conversation, questions and individual attention. Therefore children are effectively developing their vocabulary and self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and treated with equal concern. The childminder takes care to ensure the environment and activities offered meet the needs of all children present. The childminder has an adequate knowledge of equality issues. Children are becoming aware of the wider society through some play resources which reflect positive images. For instance, small world toys include dolls of different cultures. Children are also becoming aware of different religious festivals and celebrations, such as Chinese New Year.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave appropriately. There are clear expectations and rules and children feel secure knowing what they can and cannot do. With support from the childminder children are learning to share resources and take turns. All children are developing good self-esteem. This is because the childminder values the children's work which is displayed on the wall in the play room and rewards their individual efforts through consistent verbal praise and encouragement.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for and supported appropriately by the childminder. She promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to sufficiently meet the individual needs of all children. Parents are made welcome in the setting. Information is verbally shared daily to ensure that they are aware of the provision and the activities that their child participates in. Parents also receive an informative prospectus which includes well written policies. However, the complaints policy is not sufficient and there is no system to record complaints. This may compromise children's welfare.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from using a dedicated play room which provides a stimulating and interesting environment, where resources are displayed and easily accessible. Their care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. Children enjoy playing in an imaginative environment,

p.4

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 where activities are well planned. The childminder has considerable experience of caring for children and is eager to improve her knowledge and understanding by undertaking training. This ensures children are cared for by an appropriate adult. She has a high regard for the well-being of children and arrangements effectively promote their health, safety and enjoyment. Her supportive manner ensures children feel at home and at ease. They are confident and able to initiate their own play.

p.4

Organisation

All policies and records and most procedures are in place, and most are effective in practice. This adequately promotes the welfare, care and learning of all children, according to the wishes of their parents. All documentation is shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. All documents are reviewed regularly and stored securely.

p.5

Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure details of emergency contacts are adequate and improve the system for recording the administering of medication. She also agreed to ensure children can play safely outside and make the high-level bunk beds inaccessible to children. Significant improvement has been made in all areas ensuring children are safe and their welfare promoted. For instance, she has adequate emergency contact details, keeps well written records relating to medication, supervises the children at all times in the garden and uses a stairgate to prohibit children from accessing the bedrooms alone.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to improve opportunities and resources to support imaginative role play and construction. Good improvements have been made, ensuring children can use their imagination through play and can develop their physical skills using construction toys.

p.5

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.5

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.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • update complaints policy and develop systems for the recording of complaints.

p.5

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 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.5

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.6