Al-Omair, Carol Lynn

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 153973 Inspection date 14 September 2005 Inspector Glynis Pratchett

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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 1996. She lives with her two school-aged children in Tavistock, Devon. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding, plus one of the bedrooms and the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden suitable for outside play. The home is within walking distance of a variety of local amenities, including the local primary school. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children at varying times during the week. The childminder takes children to the local primary school. She holds an NVQ level 2

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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 qualification in Playwork.

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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. They are beginning to understand the importance of good hygiene routines as they use their own towels after hand washing. Children's health needs are well met as the childminder has the relevant procedures and documentation in place. If children become ill, the childminder diligently and sensitively cares for and comforts them until they are collected by their parents. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. Regular visits to the local playgroup and park improves children's physical skills and helps them develop control over their bodies. Children are developing good fine motor skills as they fit together the safari track way and complete jigsaws. Younger children enjoy being active as well as having times to rest and sleep. Children are beginning to understand the importance of a healthy diet. They help

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Helping children to be healthy

themselves to drinks throughout the day and are encouraged to enjoy their food. The childminder is very aware of each child's individual dietary needs and she ensures these are well met. For example, she monitors one child's fluid intake ensuring they drink enough throughout the day. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and meals including pasta and Arabic chicken.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a child-friendly and welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. This means children can move freely around the ground floor of the home and enjoy playing independently and safely. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand safety issues and rules, including where they can play both within the home and outside. Children are well supervised and protected on outings to the zoo and other places of interest. Children independently select resources from the wide range of toys and equipment that are of good quality and well maintained. Baby toys are stored separately ensuring they are kept clean and in a good state of repair. The childminder boosts her own selection of toys by using the toy library and children benefit from playing with new and different toys. These are regularly rotated so that children are challenged to extend their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and well promoted because the childminder has all the required documentation, procedures and practices in place, including an accident book and parental contact details. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures ensuring children are protected from harm and neglect.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled, confident and secure in the childminder's home, enjoying their routine activities such as playing, resting and eating. They relate very well to each other and are happy in their play. Children are valued through the childminder's effective support, praise and encouragement. This helps build their self-esteem and encourages them to learn and try out new skills. All children spend their time purposefully. The childminder's sensitive approach to developing young children's learning ensures they achieve and are confident to explore and investigate. They become independent as they chose from a variety of accessible toys and resources. Children play with an appropriate range of resources that are stimulating and encourage their curiosity and learning. They also benefit from a range of activities outside the home, such as the aquarium, zoo and visiting play parks. Children enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

playing with the childminder as she skilfully uses activities to develop their learning and communication skills. They enjoy singing songs and eagerly join in as they repeat the bee goes 'buzz' and the cow goes 'moo'. Their vocabulary is increasing through these good interactions with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides an appropriate range of toys that promote a positive view of the wider world. Children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others is supported by a range of toys borrowed from the toy library. For example, children enjoy putting dolls in toy wheelchairs and pushing them around the room. Children experience very positive relationships with the childminder who frequently acknowledges, appreciates and praises their efforts. Relationships are secure and inclusive because the childminder knows the children very well and is responsive to their individual needs. Children play well together and are learning to be kind to each other. They know that there are 'house rules' and are learning to share toys and resources. Children are very happy, settled and well behaved in the childminder's care. Children's care and welfare needs are effectively promoted and supported by good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relationships with parents. Daily verbal feedback to parents ensures they have an active, shared relationship with the childminder concerning their child's individual care needs, particularly around meal times and potty training.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the childminder's home which is welcoming and well organised. Their art work is effectively displayed ensuring children have a sense of belonging. Resources are well organised into boxes that are rotated regularly 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 learning opportunities for children are further developed by the childminder's good use of the toy library. The childminder is keen to update her knowledge on child development and reference to or training on the developmental needs of babies and young children would be appropriate. Policies and procedures are shared with parents and are used effectively to promote children's care, welfare and learning needs. Parents are fully aware of the childminder's provision and their child's access to good play and learning experiences. Good procedures ensure there is continuity in the children's care. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that the childminder improve safety procedures by making sure that electric sockets are fitted with covers, that all exits are clear and that children's access to resources that promote equality of opportunity and present positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability is increased. Socket covers are now in place and the porch is clear of equipment. The childminder now borrows resources and toys from the toy library that promote equality of opportunity and positive images of diversity. These changes have seen a further improvement in children's safety and their ability to value and understand diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004, Ofsted has received one complaint relating to standards 1, 3 and 7. Concerns were raised that the provider's daughter collected a child from school, that a child had been taken to an inappropriate business appointment and that the care of a sick child was inappropriate. The provider was asked to comment on the concerns and report back to Ofsted. The provider responded with details of the incidents. Ofsted assessed this information in relation to the National Standards to which the concerns related. From the details provided, Ofsted is satisfied that the National Standards are being maintained and the provider continues to be suitable for registration.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • refer to current thinking on child development to update knowledge and practice.

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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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