Jones, Elaine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 320030 Inspection date 11 May 2005 Inspector Alison Margaret Walker

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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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her four children aged 18, 16,12 and 11 in Whitkirk, which is a residential suburb of Leeds. The dining kitchen, playroom and downstairs bathroom are used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 10 children aged between 1 year and 10 years on both a part time and full time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and playgroup to take and collect children. She attends a local soft play area on a regular basis. The family have two boxer dogs and a chipmunk. 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 enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day they walk to and from school. Regular outdoor play, visits to local parks and soft play gym improve children’s physical skills. The childminder has a good understanding of the types of physical activities to provide to enhance the children's overall development. She gives them high levels of support to give them confidence to try out new skills and set their own limits. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They have a high level of understanding of why they must wash their hands after stroking pets, doing a craft activity, before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder reinforces the importance of washing hands to stop germs spreading for example 3-year-old child asks why the childminder is wiping down the changing mat, she explains that she had just changed a nappy

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Helping children to be healthy

and it must be clean and germ free for the next time she uses it. Three-year-old then goes to the toilet, washes her hands and says she has her own towel and the soap smells of peach.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and the impact on their bodies. They help themselves to drinks of juice throughout the day. Baby is given a drink when he wakes. Three-year-old says she drinks a lot when she has been running, she says it makes her hot and thirsty. She has a conversation with the childminder about the baby who is teething. Child talks about brushing her teeth and drinking milk makes them strong. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children enjoy a cheese sandwich, salad and fresh fruit. The childminder buys special food for a child that has an allergy to certain food ingredients. The childminder has effective arrangements in place for first aid. There is a fully stocked first aid kit available in the house and a separate one for outings. Written

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Helping children to be healthy

comprehensive policies are in place regarding sickness, accidents and administration of medicines which are shared with all parents. However, the recording of administration of medication needs to be improved.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home and uses safety equipment extremely well. Her home is very safe and child friendly benefiting from a designated playroom. There are very appealing posters and creative displays of the children's work. Children are able to move around very safely, freely and independently. Play space is organised exceptionally well to ensure that the 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 closely supervised. The childminder gives very high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining their safety outside the home. They discuss and practice road safety on a daily basis when walking to and from school. Three-year-old explains they hold hands and stop, look and listen before crossing the road. Children independently select activities from an excellent range of very good quality toys and equipment, which fully meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. For example toys with smaller pieces are kept well out of reach of babies and toddlers. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare very well. She has robust written policies which are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

very comprehensive and fully implemented. The childminder ensures that her first aid certificate is regularly updated, she practices fire drills each month and she has a very secure understanding of child protection guidelines in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children have very good relationships with the childminder and they enjoy her company. This is because she gives the children high levels of individual attention, praise and encouragement. As a result the children are very settled and are keen to communicate with her. When playing in the home corner three-year-old asks the childminder what is her favourite food. They receive positive praise for their achievements and are asked purposeful questions to make them think. When listening to a story the childminder asks can you remember when we saw a frog, what colour was it and what did it do. She asks child about the stickers she is using to make a picture. How many more do you need and is that one bigger than this one. The child responds with keen interest. Children are developing their confidence, self-esteem and relationships very well. They are able to freely select resources. For example two children access dressing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

up clothes. Three-year-old sensitively helps younger one put his shoes on the correct feet and get a dress over his head. They relate well to each other and play in harmony together. They are very motivated, interested and eager to find things out for themselves. The children are challenged to use what they know and to learn more continually developing new skills such as one-year-old feeding himself with a yogurt and mark making confidently with a crayon. Three-year-old skilfully makes butterfly picture with different coloured stickers. This is following on from a theme at her playgroup. She explains very clearly about the caterpillars changing into butterflies and goes to find The Hungry Caterpillar book. The children are involved in an excellent range of interesting and enjoyable activities both inside and outside the home, such as painting, dressing up, role play, playing musical instruments, visiting the park, library and soft play gym. Children really enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

playing musical instruments and dancing to the rhythm. The children are cared for in a well organised setting, where there are consistent daily routines for eating, resting,

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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 playing and going out. This helps the children feel secure and enjoy their day. They make good progress in all aspects of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are fully recognised as individuals and the childminder meets their differing needs extremely well. The children are developing a good understanding of responsible behaviour. The childminder is a positive role model, she has a calm approach and gives clear explanations of what is right and wrong. For example fifteen-month-old child attempts to climb on to the toy box, he is asked to get down and told why, then praised for getting down. The children are confident, independent and use their initiative. They have very warm relationships with the childminder and relate well to each other. The children have access to an excellent selection of resources which reflect positive images such as vibrant welcome poster in different languages, dressing up clothes, books, role play and cultural dolls. The children are beginning to learn about their own and other people’s cultures and beliefs as they regularly do interesting activities

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about different celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Diwali and St George's Day. Photographs show children eating Chinese food with chopsticks and making Diwali pictures. The parents have very strong and trusting relationship with the childminder. She is fully committed to meeting their needs and working in partnership with them. They are listened to and kept well informed about the provision and their children’s progress. Information is shared on a daily basis. Parents appreciate the high quality care and the flexible service provided by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good working knowledge of the National Standards and supporting criteria. She understands how to interpret them in the best interests of the children she cares for and they form the basis of her very comprehensive policies and procedures. These are individual to her setting and they have a positive impact on the care and welfare of the children. All the required documentation is in place and this contributes fully to the management of the childminding service provided. All information on the children is stored confidentially but easily accessible if needed in an emergency. This is regularly shared with parents and updated. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and has also attended several courses to enhance her childcare knowledge such as equal opportunities and child protection. The children have clear and consistent routines. They are very happy, settled and

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Organisation

confident. This is because the childminder is well organised. She uses her time, space and resources thoughtfully and effectively to create a stimulating, interesting and safe environment for the children. They are motivated and interested in their

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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 environment. They communicate well with each other and the childminder. The children are closely supervised by the childminder and she always ensures that the adult-child ratios are maintained. The childminder is fully aware of all legal requirements for example she has notified Ofsted that her son has reached the age of 16 years so the necessary vetting procedure can take place. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children that attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since last inspection the childminder has expanded her toys and resources to reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. These are effectively developing the children's knowledge of different people, cultures and the world around them.

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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): • keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to 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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