Gibbons Christine Avis

Inspection report for early years provision

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205902 Unique Reference Number 05 December 2007 Inspection date Sharon Dickinson 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 satisfactory. 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 1988. She lives with her husband, one adult child and one child aged 10. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and toilet facilities are sited on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has fish, two hamsters and a guinea pig.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s good health is promoted in the setting as there are effective hygiene procedures. For example, the risk of cross-infection is minimised through the implementation of appropriate nappy changing procedures. A padded changing mat is used to ensure children’s comfort, the childminder washes her hands after each nappy change and dirty nappies are sufficiently

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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 disposed of. Children begin to learn about good hygiene through consistent daily routines such as hand washing. Older children are encouraged to wash their hands after handling pets or using the toilet and baby wipes are used to clean the hands of younger children before and after meals. The risk of infection is further minimised and children’s health is maintained as sick children are excluded from the setting where necessary. Children receive appropriate care when they have an accident or become ill to maintain their good health. The childminder has attended first aid training and has an accessible first aid kit. Accident and medication records are in place and are effectively shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are sufficiently nourished and their health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works well with parents. Through discussion she is aware of and adheres to children’s individual dietary needs. A sufficiently nutritious menu is provided including breakfast, snacks and a light lunch. Children attending after school are provided with a snack and drink, as their main meal is eaten at home. Healthy options are provided such as fruit, cereal, vegetable sticks and yoghurt helping children begin to learn about healthy living. Fresh drinking water is readily available to children at all times. Children enjoy regular opportunities to be active both indoors and outdoors which promotes development of their physical skills. Children enjoy playing in the garden, especially in summer months. A variety of toys and play experiences are provided such as football, skipping, sand and water play. Children access local toddler groups and soft

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Helping children to be healthy

play adventure centres helping to promote their social and physical skills. They enjoy regular visits to the local park which has a good range of equipment suitable for all ages.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which helps them to feel secure and comfortable. The home is sufficiently organised and well maintained. Toys and resources are set out in preparation for children’s arrival helping them to settle promptly. Quiet areas are provided to enable individual sleep patterns to be facilitated. Children sleep on the sofa or in a pushchair, often falling asleep on outings, and are monitored closely by the childminder to ensure they are safe and comfortable. Sleeping arrangements are discussed and agreed with parents upon entry. Children use a satisfactory range of toys and equipment which are safe and suitable. Regular checks are made to ensure toys do not pose a hazard to children and resources are carefully considered depending upon the ages of the children attending. For example, toys with small parts are kept on the kitchen table out of reach of younger children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

or planned at times that only older children are present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment. Appropriate safety equipment is in place to help minimise hazards. For example, a fire guard is secured in the lounge, a safety gate restricts children’s access to the stairs and low-level cupboards are fitted with safety catches to ensure children do not have access to hazardous materials. Children are well supervised at all times. Their safety is promoted in the event of an emergency. A written emergency evacuation procedure is in place and is practised with the children regularly. Smoke alarms are fitted to both levels of the home and a fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen area. Children learn to keep themselves safe through consistent routines and discussion, for example, relating to road safety on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are sufficiently safeguarded because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She has a satisfactory awareness of the types and indicators of abuse. However, she is not aware of

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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 recently updated Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and therefore only has a basic knowledge of relevant procedures to follow if she had a concern about a child’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled. They relate well to others and positively respond to the childminder who is interested in what they do and say. The childminder has a warm and friendly manner, offering lots of cuddles and reassurance, particularly to younger children. Resources are organised so that they are readily accessible to children helping them to become confident to make decisions. Younger children explore baskets of toys set out on the floor and appropriately play alongside each other with rattles, 'Duplo' and 'Stickle Bricks'. There is the occasional age-appropriate conflict over access to a favoured toy but this is promptly resolved as the childminder sensitively distracts the children. They cuddle up for a story taking turns lifting the flaps of ‘Spots First Walk’ and point out animals in the ‘Noah’s Ark’ and 'Nativity Story' books. Children are involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

events, which support their development and learning. For example, crafts, board games, 'Nintendo' and role play. Resources and activities are planned on a rota basis in line with children’s needs and interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s individual needs are effectively met. They are helped to feel valued and included as all children are able to access the full range of activities at a level suitable for their age and stage of development. Children benefit from some activities and resources which help them value diversity. For example, books loaned from the local library include positive images of race, gender and disability. The childminder is aware of appropriate systems to ensure children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities would be appropriately cared for and given satisfactorily levels of support whilst at the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in a positive environment which effectively promotes their self-esteem. Good behaviour is recognised through praise and rewards such as a special activity or outing. Children are generally well behaved. They respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour helping them to work harmoniously with others. Challenging behaviour is satisfactorily managed in order to support their well-being and help children begin to distinguish between right and wrong. The childminder promptly intervenes in conflicts and effectively redirects children’s play or suggests ways of resolving the issue such as taking turns with a toy or by providing another similar toy. Unwanted behaviour from older children is managed using a ‘time out’ method. Clear explanations are given to children to help them understand the consequences of their actions. Parents are fully consulted and informed of behaviour management issues on

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have their individual needs met by the childminder who works in partnership with parents. As a result children receive consistent and appropriate care. Relevant contracts, consents and children’s records are maintained. Effective systems are in place to exchange information between parents and the childminder promoting continuity. Information about the child’s day and progress is exchanged verbally with parents daily. A brief complaints procedure is in place ensuring parents know what to do if they are unhappy with any aspect of their child’s care.

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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 Satisfactory procedures are in place to ensure children are only released from the care of the childminder to individuals named by the parent, effectively maintaining their safety.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has attended required first aid training, and through access to a local childminding group and local authority briefing sessions, is aware of professional developments such as the ‘Birth to three matters’ guidance. Space, time and resources are used generally well to positively support children’s care, learning and play. Suitable contingency arrangements are in place to ensure children’s safety and well-being is maintained in the event of an unforeseen emergency. Record systems are in place and generally used effectively to meet children’s needs. However, the daily record of children’s attendance is not accurately recorded, which poses a risk to their safety during an emergency and does not give a clear overview of children present at any time. Brief, handwritten policies are in place and are shared with parents on entry. Documentation is sufficiently stored to protect privacy and confidentiality. Overall children’s

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to develop written information for parents regarding the childminding facilities and provision. Since then she has implemented brief, handwritten policies which are shared with parents on entry. Written contract agreements are in place outlining the requirements of both parties and parents are informed of their child's day and progress on a daily basis. The childminder was also required to make sure that medicines are inaccessible to children. Any medications are now securely stored out of children's reach in a locked cupboard in the kitchen.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 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 satisfactory. 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): • maintain an accurate record of children's attendance on a daily basis

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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 • improve awareness of Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures

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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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