Walton Julie

Inspection report for early years provision

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224606 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2008 Inspection date Shirley Amanda Wilkes Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and children aged 15 and 12 years. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children There are currently seven children on roll, some of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder's home is within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed yard available for outside play. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is well protected by the childminder's knowledge of health and safety, pet safety and general good hygiene practice. Young children are supervised when using the toilet

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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 and learn the importance of good personal care and independence through discussion and daily routines. They wash their hands regularly, before eating, after using the toilet and messy play. Children use individual towels and appropriate nappy changing arrangements are in place all of which helps limit the risk of cross-contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed a first aid training course and a first aid box is provided. This enables her to deal effectively with any accidents which occur. Appropriate records to promote children's health are in place, such as an accident book and written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. However, parents do not always sign the medication records to acknowledge that the childminder has administered the appropriate dose to children. Children are able to sleep and relax according to their usual routines and individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met because the childminder gathers appropriate information from parents and provides any meals or snacks in line with parents’ wishes. She effectively supervises meal times to ensure that children's health is well promoted and reinforces children's awareness of 'healthy foods' through discussion. Children are able to make healthy choices at snack times as a selection of fresh fruits are available. Children are able to access drinks at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise on a daily basis which promotes their good health and physical ability. In addition, they have regular times in the garden and go on walks around the local area. They also make frequent trips to child-orientated venues where they enjoy more space and play on the larger equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a welcoming home with safe clear space for children to move around freely and independently. Children play in a safe and secure environment, for example, the front door is always locked and children are unable to leave unattended. The childminder gives high priority to keeping children safe, for example, socket covers are in place and gates are fitted across the lounge doorway. All of which ensures children's well-being and safety. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket have been fitted, emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly with the children. The childminder has suitable systems in place for ensuring children's safety when on outings. For example, wrist straps, reins and a triple buggy are used when needed and children are encouraged to use the green cross code on walks to and from school with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a large and varied range of play resources that are age and stage appropriate. The childminder uses her resources well to support children’s learning and development. Consequently, they are busy throughout their time in the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of signs of abuse and is confident of reporting procedures. She understands who to contact if she has concerns about a child which means children's safety is well promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s development is well promoted through a wide variety of play and learning experiences. The childminder organises her time well. She provides a good balance of indoor activities and

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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 time outside of the home, taking into consideration children’s individual routines. Children enjoy exploring their environment within the childminder's home. They happily move around their secure identified play areas and begin to develop their independence as they freely select their toys and games in the lounge and playroom.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder engages children in lively conversation which helps to support and develop their language and communication skills. Children are stimulated and keen to learn and join in play activities with enthusiasm. For example, children confidently practise their counting and colour recognition skills when playing, delight in turning a cardboard box into a car, drawing wheels and creating a steering wheel. Children have regular trips out that include the school run, outings to local groups and parks. These provide chances for children to socialise, use a variety of large equipment with more space to develop their physical skills. Children are able to play in the enclosed garden with a variety of equipment including sit and ride toys, sand and water play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats all children with equal concern. She has established effective daily systems to verbally share information with parents. This keeps them well informed about her practices and children’s day to day activities and means that she is aware of children's routines. She is therefore able to cater for their individual needs appropriately and children are consequently settled and secure in her care. The childminder has developed some useful written information for parents so they are made aware of her policies and procedures in relation to issues such as behaviour management, equal opportunities and child protection. A system for recording complaints has been implemented and parents are informed of the procedure to follow should they have a concern. Children behave well because the childminder effectively promotes good behaviour through praise and encouragement, working closely and effectively

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with parents to promote consistency and continuity for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Resources reflecting positive images of diversity are used well to enable children to gain an awareness of the wider world. Children are beginning to learn about their local community through going on walks and visit out of the home. The childminder gathers appropriate information from parents to ensure she is able to fully meet the needs of individual children. The childminder states that any children with learning/physical disabilities are welcome. During discussions she demonstrates an awareness of how to support individual needs and to offer support to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder keeps most of the required records that contribute to children’s health, safety and well-being. The attendance register is completed accurately on a daily basis. The childminder shares information regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the care that is provided. This includes children's nappy changes, food and drink intake, general well-being, sleep patterns, activities and their achievements. Parents also have access to written policies and procedures.

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Organisation

Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care where they initiate and extend their own play and learning. They feel at home and at ease within the well-organised environment. The effective organisation of space ensures children’s play opportunities are maximised and

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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 their individual needs are consistently met. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to request written parental consent to administer medication. She was also asked to devise and implement a system to record any incident of physical restraint. The relevant paper work is now in place to record any incident of physical restraint if needed. Written consent is now obtained prior to administering medication which ensures children's well-being.

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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.

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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 records may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • ensure medication records are countersigned by parents to acknowledge medication administered.

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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

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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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