Hewings, Katie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295959 Inspection date 23 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 2004. She lives with her partner and son aged three years in Leeds. The whole of the ground floor and first floor 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children aged between four and nine years on both a part time and full time basis. The childminder drives to the local school and nursery to take and collect children. She attends a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. 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 are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The children have a good understanding of why they need to wash their hands after toileting and before eating for example four-year-old enthusiastically washes her hands before helping the childminder to make sandwiches and saying it is to get rid of germs. Each child has their own clean towel. The childminder is a good role model and washes her own hands after toileting and before food preparation. Good arrangements are in place for first aid and administering medication, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and there is a fully stocked first aid kit available. There is also one in her car for outings. The childminder has a written medication procedure and a health and safety policy which are discussed in full with all parents during initial meetings.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with drinks throughout the day and these are easily accessible to them. The children receive a good range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals, for example grapes, apples, salad and fresh vegetables. They begin to learn about the impact of healthy eating on their bodies for example four-year-old comments when helping the childminder to make sandwiches that they will make her big and strong and that the apple she is eating is good for her teeth. She says that her mum takes her to the dentist to have them checked. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Regular outdoor play, visits to local parks, soft play gym and toddler groups help improve the children’s physical skills. Child says she loves going to the ball pool and playing on the swings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for well in a welcoming, secure and safe environment. There is good evidence of children’s play and creative activity. The children enjoy attending, they settle well and are happy and confident. Space is used constructively and activities are well organised. All sockets are covered and there is low level storage so children can see what is available. Children freely select toys with confidence. They access a selection of age appropriate toys, furniture and equipment which is safe and very well maintained ensuring that the needs of all the children attending are fully met. Positive steps are taken by the childminder to ensure the children's safety for example doors and gates kept secure, door protector on kitchen door, stair gates used and a clear written fire evacuation procedure is in place. Four-year-old child explains that the door protector is to stop

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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 her from trapping her fingers. Child also says when the smoke alarm goes off they go outside. The childminder has a fire blanket, however it is not fastened to the wall in the kitchen. She has emergency contact details for the children close to hand. The children are protected from persons who have not been vetted, this is because they are closely supervised at all times by the childminder. Children develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe, for example, through practicing good road safety routines. Four-year-old explains she holds hands on the way to the park and when they cross the road they wait for the cars to stop and the green man. The childminder explains to children the importance of keeping themselves safe and what the consequences might be if they did not practice safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Child explains whilst pretending to make a cup of tea that she must be careful not to burn herself with the hot water from the kettle. The childminder has most of the required policies, procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, however she has not got written child protection guidance but demonstrates that she knows the procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children have good relationships with the childminder and they enjoy being with her. This is because she gives the children plenty of individual attention, praise and encouragement. As a result the children are settled and confident. They invite her to join in with their play for example when the post came four-year-old child asks the childminder who the letters are for. She says one feels heavy and she asks the childminder what is inside. She explains that it is her partner's passport so they can go on holiday. Children enjoy a suitable range of interesting activities both inside and outside the home, such as baking, role play, visiting the park and toddler group. Four-year-old says she loves baking buns with the childminder which she takes home. She says her mum always eats the chocolate ones. There are consistent daily routines for eating, resting, playing and going out. This ensures the children feel secure and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

settled. They are interested in their environment and are keen to do things for themselves. Four-year-old confidently helps the childminder make a sandwich for her lunch. She spreads the butter carefully then cuts the sandwich in half. Children gain new knowledge and experiences for example child says they have planted sunflower seeds and proudly shows how much they have grown. The children are challenged to use what they know and to learn more. The childminder asks questions to make them think such as how many letters have we got today. Four-year-old counts five. The childminder asks how many are for her. Child looks at the envelopes and then replies two. The child plays with a tea set. The childminder asks how many more cups do you need and the child replies seven.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a good understanding of responsible behaviour. They behave well and are considerate to each other. They are encouraged to say please and thank you by the childminder and praised for doing so. Four-year-old helps three-year-old to get toys out and they tidy toys up together. Children are given continual praise for things they do such as that’s a lovely sandwich you have made, thank you for helping to tidy up. Good manners are promoted for example four-year-old says please and thank you at mealtime. Trusting relationships are developing between parents and the childminder. They are listened to and are well informed about the provision and their children’s progress. The childminder also encourages parents to share information and to do visits prior to starting so both parents, child and childminder can get to know each other. She works closely with all parents to meet children’s individual needs such as dietary

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Helping children make a positive contribution

requirements and children's routines. Detailed information is collected on the children, their families, likes, dislikes, religion and health history. This is regularly updated with parents. Children gain some awareness of their local environment and the diversity of the wider world through a small selection of resources and activities that promote positive images such as dolls with different skin tones, dressing up clothes and role play. All children are involved, fully included and have access to appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder gives them all individual attention, valuing what they say and do. She is aware of the importance of working closely and confidentially with parents and other agencies where necessary.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home in the child friendly environment. This means they are confident in their play. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Four-year-old child is able to spread out with large play equipment due to effective organisation of floor space. Adult-child ratios are maintained at all times which ensures the children have the care and attention they require. There are good routines in place which help the children to feel secure and settled. The childminder is developing her knowledge of the National Standards. She understands how to interpret them in the best interests of the children she cares for and they form the basis for her policies and procedures. These are individual to her setting and they enhance the care and welfare of the children. All the required documentation is in place and this contributes to the management of the childminding

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Organisation

service provided. All information on the children is stored confidentially but is easily accessible if needed in an emergency. This is regularly shared with parents and updated. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course. This has increased her knowledge and childcare skills.

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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 Records, policies and procedures support good practice, safeguarding children's welfare and ensuring parents are well informed of their children's progress. The childminder is aware of all legal requirements for example she knows to notify Ofsted when she moves house so the necessary checks can be carried out. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children that attend.

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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): • obtain written child protection guidance • site fire blanket in the kitchen

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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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