Sheldrick, Yvette Zena

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY244248 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Rosemary Musgrove

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her partner and children aged eight years and eighteen months in Goring by Sea, West Sussex. The whole of the ground floor of the property, together with two bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor, are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children. Registration also includes overnight care for two children. The childminder attends local toddler groups and takes children to the local library and

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 park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. Each day there are activities to help them gradually acquire the skills necessary to control their bodies. For example, children enjoy the climbing frame in the childminder's garden, trampoline activities and regular visits to an indoor centre containing wheeled toys, slides and balls. The childminder follows good hygienic practice which she explains to the children. They understand and can describe the importance of washing hands after visiting the toilet, in order to avoid getting germs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident, however she has not obtained written permission for emergency medical treatment. The childminder is happy to care for a sick child, however if other children are being minded, parents are always consulted, in order to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

avoid unwanted contagious diseases from being spread. Children become increasingly aware of their own bodies and learn that in hot weather they need to have plenty of regular drinks. They help themselves to drinking water or juice throughout the day from a jug in the garden or individual drinking bottles. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of a balanced diet and takes account of individual dietary needs and parental preferences. Children benefit from a wide range of healthy snacks and home cooked meals including pasta dishes, chicken, meat and vegetables.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a home which offers a relaxed environment and spacious indoor and outdoor areas. This means the children can move around freely and independently, for example they can select from some resources that are easily accessible and enjoy the sit on and ride toys. Children have access to a range of clean, suitable toys and are motivated to play with them, these include small world people, interactive resources and role play equipment. Children enjoy their play in a safe and secure environment. A risk assessment of the house and garden has been carried out and the majority of necessary steps have been taken to keep children safe and to minimise risks. Children are closely supervised at all times when playing in the fully enclosed garden. Children are kept safe on outings, by a clear set of procedures that are used by the childminder.

p.3

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 Children are protected by the childminder who has a reasonable understanding of signs and symptoms of child abuse, however she does not have adequate knowledge of current child protection procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They make themselves at home, relate well to the childminder's children and socialise with other children through attendance at toddler groups. The childminder has a basic knowledge of child development and this means that the children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered. Children select and take part in a range of activities, for example small world play, cooking and visits to the local park. Children can take part in a range of messy activities including play dough, painting and colouring. The childminder supports children before they start school and they benefit from a range of learning experiences, including counting, colouring and singing. Toddlers have the chance to explore the sounds and colours of manufactured toys which they investigate with interest, for example fairground equipment and interactive

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

vehicles. Children have the opportunity to explore and extend their early language and communication skills. During role play sessions the childminder interacts positively with the children and encourages them to make choices and to talk about what they are doing. Regular visits to the nearby park and library help children to become aware of their local environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of equality of opportunity and ensures that all children have access to all toys, however resources and participation in activities that reflect an awareness of different cultures are limited. She has a sound understanding of special needs, and although has no experience of caring for children with special needs, would be happy to consider looking after a child with behavioural problems, if she felt able to meet their needs. Children benefit from an approach to behaviour management which is calm and considered. Appropriate strategies are used, depending on the age and understanding of the child, for example distraction, withdrawal from the situation and clear explanations that focus on how other people feel. Children benefit from the childminder and parents working in partnership, in order to achieve a consistent approach to any behavioural issues that may occur.

p.4

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 shares verbal information with parents on a regular basis and evidence shows that parents are happy with the care provided.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from plenty of space, time and resources and they receive sufficient adult support to help them feel secure and confident, this means the children can extend their own play and learning through interaction with the childminder. The childminder has the majority of relevant documentation in place and this is generally well-maintained and organised, though not securely stored. Information about the child's day is shared either verbally or in writing with parents who are informed about the care their child receives. This contributes to and enhances the continuity of the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to attend further training in child protection and to ensure that an accurate record of children's attendance is maintained. The childminder has introduced a daily record of the children's attendance, this is accurate and well maintained and helps to ensure the safety of the children. However, she is yet to complete further training in child protection and is willing to do this by the end of the year.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004, Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standards 6, 7, 9 and 11. This was investigated and recommendations were made for the registered person to implement safety procedures and records relating to outings; to ensure arrangements are in place to reduce the risk of sun burn: to ensure all minded children are treated with equal concern and respect and that appropriate behaviour management techniques are in place. The registered person remains registered as a childminder.

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets

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 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • extend knowledge and understanding of current child protection issues and procedures • ensure children have access to a range of resources and activities that promote equality and anti-discriminatory behaviour

p.6

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

p.6

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