Pattinson, Alison Catherine

Inspection report for early years provision

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317197 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2007 Inspection date Carys Millican 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 two children aged 13 and 10 years, in Stanwix, Carlisle. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. All rooms on the first floor are excluded except for the bathroom and spare front bedroom which is used as a sleep room. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children under five various sessions, and four children over five before and after school, and school holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler groups. The family has tropical fish and guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has an early years qualification and achieved a Level 3 quality assurance scheme. She 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 well cared for in a clean, warm and homely environment. Their individual care routines are meticulously followed by the childminder in discussion with the children's parents. Young children are well protected from the potential risk of infection. The childminder discusses her sick child policy with parents to ensure children's welfare is promoted. Children begin to learn about health and hygiene through the consistent practices used by the childminder and the good role model she portrays to them. The childminder follows good hygiene practices when changing nappies. She cleans the changing mat in between each use and washes her hands afterwards. Younger children are encouraged to wash their hands after having their nappies changed and this is aided by the use of a step to enable them to reach the sink. Younger children have their hands wiped before eating and older children’s hygiene practices are fully

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to aid their independence. Documentation and record keeping is meticulously maintained. Details of any accidents or the administering of medication is clearly recorded with signatures obtained from parents. Written parental permission is obtained to seek medical attention or advice in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children are well nourished. Children enjoy a varied diet of fresh fruit at snack times. Their dietary needs and preferences are obtained from parents and daily routines are followed. The childminder discusses the provision of healthy food options with parents for mealtimes. She provides healthy home cooked meals at lunch and tea times and any packed lunches are stored appropriately to keep perishables fresh. Fresh drinking water is accessible to children throughout the day. Children make decisions about what they eat and drink at snack time and eagerly explain that milk is good for building healthy bones. Young children rest and sleep according to their needs following parental wishes to ensure continuity of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy regular walks to and from school and local play facilities close by. Children regularly visit carer and toddler groups during the week. Children enjoy playing outside in the fully enclosed garden. They access several large apparatus set on wood bark flooring and ride a range of sit and ride toys on the paved areas. Children benefit from daily outdoor activities in the fresh air and can play outdoors in wet weather under the car port. Indoors, young children access sufficient floor space to develop their walking skills. Children benefit from the good relationships developing with their regular carers and are at ease in their environment.

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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 spacious environment where risks are identified and minimised using detailed written risk assessments and daily checks. Appropriate safety equipment is in place. Safety gates are used to prevent children from accessing the stairs or dining area, and door stoppers prevent trapped fingers in the playroom. Young children are kept safe when sleeping. The childminder uses a monitor and completes routine checks as children sleep, either upstairs or in their pushchair as agreed with parents. Fire fighting equipment is available in the kitchen and smoke detectors are in good working order. The fire evacuation procedure is in place and the childminder is clear on what she would do in an emergency. The childminder has practised the evacuation procedure when caring for children and older children clearly describe what they must do in an emergency. All exterior doors are kept secure and keys are kept available.

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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 Children are provided with a wide range of suitable age appropriate and stimulating resources. The childminder provides resources for children, which meet safety standards. Toys are regularly checked for small, broken or loose parts. The childminder provides toys and equipment suitable for the age of the children she cares for and appropriate for continuing development. Resources are supervised and monitored to ensure younger children’s safety. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe through gentle reminders from the childminder and the safety features in place. Children benefit from the visits made by professional people to carer groups, such as police and visits made to the fire station.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe and their welfare fully safeguarded by the childminder through the thorough policies and procedures in place. Children are kept safe when being transported in the car as suitable safety seats are used. Written permission is obtained for transporting children and separate permission is obtained for outings. The childminder holds a current early years first aid certificate and the first aid box is accessible for use in an emergency. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise. The childminder has obtained the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines and record keeping is in place to record concerns and existing injuries. Named persons allowed to collect children are recorded in children’s records and contact numbers are regularly updated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children are extremely happy and contented. Their enjoyment and achievement is promoted through the valuable play experiences created during their time spent with the childminder. The childminder has good knowledge, understanding and experience of caring for children of all ages. She has a good understanding of children’s development and plans activities following the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. Daily diaries record what children have done during the day which are available for parents to take home. A folder, divided into sections for the individual children attending, contains photographs of them at play. These are linked to the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework component cards to show how these activities help their development. Individual observations of children are not completed to enhance this recognition of achievement or to identify what the next steps in children’s development may be. Planning

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

is flexible and acknowledges the difference in the ages of children attending to enable all children to take part. Children play happily. They enjoy the company of others and play alongside the childminder who encourages and supports them. They help themselves to the baskets of toys which are accessible to them at all times. Young children enjoy playing with the construction toys and small world people. Older children's interest in craft work is fully supported by the childminder introducing new ideas. They use 'magic drawing' sets complete with black paper, markers and stencil shapes. Older children watch in amazement as the rainbow colours show through the dark paper as they scrape their magic marker over it. Young children develop confidence and self-esteem through the interaction, love and care they receive. They cuddle into the childminder when listening to a story. Children enjoy pushing the pram round the room

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and searching the box for pretend play food and utensils. Young children begin to communicate as they listen and respond to the childminder’s voice as they play together. She reinforces their vocal sounds and they interact well with each other. A wide range of suitable play opportunities are provided to help children’s all-round development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children follow flexible routines that flow with their needs. These routines are discussed with parents to ensure continuity of care. Young children begin to socialise with others. The childminder provides activities which take into account their individual needs and offer sensory

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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 experiences. Young children enjoy helping themselves to the new musical instruments. They shake the maracas and giggle as it makes a noise. Children find their photographs and place it on the child-height display on the playroom door. They decide what day of the week it is and discuss the weather. Children's interests are used as a point of discussion. Children recall the signs of the zodiac and the positioning of the planets in the universe. Many interesting topics are planned for and photographic evidence supports the well thought out activities that are provided within them. Children benefit from the close attachment formed with their childminder, which contributes to their sense of belonging. Older children explain how much they enjoy their time at the childminder's house and the activities they do each day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met. They develop a sense of belonging and self-assurance since they form a familiar, trusting, safe and secure relationship with their childminder. Children are valued, and respected. They are comforted well and thrive on the interaction they receive. Their work is creatively displayed on the walls of the designated playroom. Children self-register themselves on arrival placing their photograph on the back of the playroom door. Young children enjoy snuggling in as they sit on the childminder's knee to play with the toys. They seek out the childminder's face as she speaks to them when changing their nappy. Children are provided with a good selection of resources that promote diversity, helping them to begin to understand about difference, culture and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children settle very easily. They benefit from their individual needs being met and the comfort they receive from the childminder. Young children enjoy the company of others; they feel safe and respond to the childminder as they play. They thrive on the interaction and one to one attention they receive from the childminder. Young children respond well to the positive ways the childminder rewards achievement, through gestures, such as smiling, praise and encouragement. Appropriate behaviour management strategies developed in the interest of the children are applied which are agreed and fully discussed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children benefit from the good relationships developed with parents. Their general welfare is promoted since the childminder collects detailed information from them to ensure individual care is consistently followed. Information is shared verbally each day. Daily diaries record the numerous activities undertaken during the day and their care needs. A wealth of written information and photographic evidence is available for parents and parental consents are in place. Children are looked after according to parents’ wishes. The complaint register is established and the childminder is clear on her responsibility of how to deal with complaints or concerns. Parents express a high regard for the childminder and her family, and the excellent service she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by an experienced, qualified childminder, who understands, supports and encourages young children to achieve their potential. The childminder is committed to continual improvement and development. She attends numerous training events to update her own knowledge and skills. She holds a current early years first aid certificate and is a Quality First childminder. Children's care, learning and play is well supported as the childminder gives

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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 them lots of individual attention. They settle easily and feel at home and at ease in the warm, welcoming and well organised home. Young children's developmental needs are well met. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and provides appropriate play experiences to enable children to develop, learn and grow into well-rounded individuals.

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Organisation

Children's health, safety and welfare is promoted by the childminder keeping the required documentation and procedures in place. The attendance register is maintained. The registration certificate, complaint details and a number of additional posters for parents are clearly displayed on the playroom wall. Children benefit from the regular exchange of information, both verbal and written, between the childminder and their parents, which contributes to continuity in the children’s care. The childminder plans activities that involve all children and provides an extensive selection of toys and resources for the children she cares for. They experience regular outdoor activities, such as playing in the garden, daily walks to and from school and visits to a number of community groups.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to extend the range of resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained several additional items that help children understand about difference and diversity. Children have access to multi cultural puppets and dolls, small world toys that depict different age and family groups and planned topics include opportunities to celebrate cultural festivals.

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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 record 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): • enhance children's records with observations that identify achievement and the next steps in their development and learning.

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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 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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