Vaughan, Jeanette

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 205028 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Ann Doreen Burford

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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 1992. She lives with her two children aged eight and fifteen and one adult child in Hagley, Worcestershire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house and one bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and two children over five and under eight before and after school. She also cares for one child aged over eight. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder

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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 attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog and a guinea pig. The childminder works with a co-minder if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to adapt a healthy life style. They participate in a range of activities that meet their physical, nutritional and health needs. The older children enthusiastically help the childminder to prepare lunch and are becoming aware of what constitutes healthy food. For example, during a creative activity some children decided to paint a range of healthy foods to show their parents. The children decided this would help reduce their parents need for treatment at the dentists. The range of foods children are willing to try is expanded by the effective procedures adopted by the childminder. Because she encourages the children to help prepare the food, they are more willing to try different foods. This has greatly enhanced the healthy eating options. Children have a choice of drinks. There is a water cooler available for fresh drinking water. Children can also choose to have milk or sugar free drinks. Meal

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Helping children to be healthy

times are well organised social occasions with emphasis on good manners. Although the childminder consults with parents about children's individual dietary needs she has limited knowledge of special diets and food allergies. Children have many opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Each day there are outdoor activities to help the children develop control of their bodies. There is an extensive range of challenging equipment available in the garden to help children improve their physical skills. Children also go on regular outings to the park and local nature areas. They also walk to school to collect children on a daily basis. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and when helping with food preparation reduces the risk of cross contamination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Providing a safe environment is a priority. The childminder identifies and minimises most risks for children in the spacious house and garden. Safety of the home and garden are maintained by the vigilant completion of a written risk assessment. Immediate action is taken to remove any hazards so children can play in a safe environment. Many safety features have been included in the design of the garden, for example, including a safety bark area under the more challenging equipment. Most equipment is well arranged, but the positioning of the large trampoline means it is close to a low level fence. Children usually independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys

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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 and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are starting to develop their own sense of safe play. Older children are very good at removing unsuitable toys when there is a baby present. They ask the childminder if a toy is suitable before sharing it with the baby. Children are well protected by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures. The childminder has recently completed child protection training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children respond well to the warm, relaxed atmosphere. The children have a strong relationship with the childminder. They confidently talk about home and recall past experiences with relish. The childminder always makes time to listen. They lie on the floor together sharing a story and linking it to their own experiences. The childminder has started to use the framework Birth to Three Matters. This means that the care provided for the younger children is now given a greater priority. Younger children have their own range of suitable toys to promote their progress. All children are given a good balance of rest and active times. Children enjoy the range of creative activities. They give meaning to their mark making and are very proud of their creations. The childminder extends activities well to provide children with a broad range of experiences. Some of the older children are keen to read to the younger children. They are fully supported by the childminder as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

she gently helps them to successfully tell a story. Children frequently take the lead on deciding what activities to do next. They are fully involved in the decision making. This strategy builds children's self-esteem and helps them to become independent learners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Older children show concern for each other and are very considerate towards the younger children. They are keen to help the childminder take care of the younger children. All children have access to a good range of resources and activities to promote their understanding of the diverse community. Activities are adapted to be fully inclusive for all children regardless of age and ability. She discusses with parents the best way to integrate children with special needs into the setting. Good behaviour management is in place so children start to understand the consequences of their actions. The childminder works closely with parents and regularly reviews each child's progress to ensure any issues of behaviour management are addressed. The clearly written policy is included in the parent prospectus. Children respond well to the childminder's calm manner. They are

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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 usually well behaved and play together harmoniously most of the time. Parents are provided with a wealth of information. There is a detailed prospectus containing the policies and procedures of the setting. The parent notice board is used by the childminder to keep parents informed of childcare issues and local facilities, for example suggestions of places of interest to take children. The childminder uses a daily diary to keep parents of younger children informed about their child. As part of the settling in procedure parent's wishes are identified and agreement is reached on how to meet the individual needs of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The organisation of the record keeping and documentation enhances the care of the children. The childminder frequently reviews and updates all of the paperwork. Procedures for the storage of children's details ensures confidentiality is maintained. The childminder operates an appointment system for parents when they need to discuss confidential matters. The childminder organises herself so she has a range of information available to support the running of her childminding business. Parents can also easily access this information. The childminder attends short courses to improve her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues. She is accessing a range of suitable courses through the Open University. The childminder organises her home well to make the children feel at home and at ease. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder works closely with another registered childminder. They

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Organisation

also work as co-minders so children have continuity of care, for example offering holiday cover. They are working together to improve the range of resources available for the children. This strategy has greatly enhanced the opportunities and experiences for the children. The needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved the range of toys and equipment to reflect the diverse community and promote equal opportunities. There is an attractive multi-cultural welcome poster displayed on the front door. Children have more opportunities to increase their understanding of others. Children's independent access to the toys has been improved. Children can now reach many of the toys for themselves. Additional storage has been organised at child height. Improvement has also been made in the record keeping. Parent signatures are recorded on all relevant documentation.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • develop a knowledge and understanding of special diets and food allergies • review the layout of the equipment in the back garden to reduce the possibility of accidents.

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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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