McKenzie Christine Mary

Inspection report for early years provision

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209237 Unique Reference Number 04 December 2007 Inspection date Lesley Barrett 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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Bourne. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age. She is currently minding four children under five years and four children under eight years. Care is also provided for children over eight years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is very well protected. They are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before and after eating, after using the toilet and after

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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 coming in from outdoor play. The premises are clean and well maintained which limits the risk of cross-contamination. The childminder is able to respond appropriately in the event that a child has an accident whilst in her care as she holds a valid first aid certificate and a well-stocked first aid box. All documentation regarding the administration of medication and accidents to children is appropriately maintained. Children's needs for rest and sleep are effectively met as they are able to rest undisturbed and the childminder checks upon them regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure that children's dietary needs are met. Children's food throughout the day is provided by the childminder and she ensures that their diet is nutritious and varied offering them meals such as pasta with butternut squash and red pepper sauce, and turkey mince shepherds pie with sweet potato. Nutritious snacks of dried and fresh fruit, cheese and bread-sticks are offered. Drinks are accessible to the children at all times, this ensures that they remain well hydrated. Therefore children's good health is effectively promoted during their time with the childminder. Children's have also been involved in making displays about healthy and unhealthy foods which further develops their knowledge and understanding in this area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a good range of varied opportunities to enjoy fresh air and develop their physical skills. They play in the garden on a daily basis, using balancing equipment and ride on toys. They develop their hand and eye coordination as they use bats and balls. Daily walks to and from school are used to explore the environment and the changing seasons. Regular trips to the park enable children to further develop their physical skills and they are able to make use of the large static equipment to practise climbing. Inside the home children are able to dance to music and take part in various action songs to continue to develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment which is well maintained. Children have lots of space to play and freely move between the different rooms that are used for childminding. For example, they fetch toys from the playroom to use in the small lounge and independently access the toilet. Children select from a good range of toys and equipment, which are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure their continued suitability for use by the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the need to keep children safe and has identified and minimised risks to children. For example, access to the premises is kept secure and children using high chairs or booster seats are securely strapped in to ensure their safety. Appropriate detection and prevention measures are in place in case of fire, and emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly with the children which helps them to learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder uses everyday opportunities to teach children about keeping safe. For example, whilst out walking, they discuss the importance of walking together and crossing the road safely and children are familiar with traffic lights, knowing what each colour means.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures, she has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow in the event that concerns are raised about children in her care. Consequently, children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. Information about child protection is shared with parents which ensures that they are fully aware of the childminder's responsibilities towards safeguarding children's welfare.

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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 outstanding. Children are very happy, confident and extremely well settled in the childminder's home. They have formed excellent relationships with the childminder. Children thoroughly enjoy participating in a wide and varied range of stimulating activities and have good opportunities to develop their skills. They are able to initiate their own activities and freely select from a good range of toys and play equipment. Younger children explore the many discovery toys which are a good mixture of man-made and natural resources and are keen to share these experiences with the childminder. The childminder's secure knowledge of child development enables her to respond to children using a mixture of verbal and non-verbal communication. For example she enthusiastically plays a game of 'peek-a-boo' with a child which they show delight and excitement at.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's all round development is being effectively nurtured as the childminder uses everyday opportunities to successfully enhance their learning. For example, their mathematical skills are developing as children are encouraged to count how many objects they have collected. Their fine motor skills develop as they successfully make pretend cups of tea with a new tea set, and their creativity is promoted through a wide range of craft and messy play activities. The childminder exceptionally supports their play, she shows genuine interest and develops their imagination by asking them questions to encourage their thinking skills. As a consequences children thrive and make excellent progress in their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual interests are respectfully recognised and the childminder adapts her planning of activities to incorporate these. For example, a child who has an interest in transport is provided with opportunities to visit the bus depot, ride on a bus and is able to accompany the childminder on a trip to choose a new buggy. This ensures that children feel a sense of belonging as their individual needs are respected and valued by a highly experienced and dedicated childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are developing an excellent understanding of diversity in their local community and the wider world. For example, they use a very good range of resources, such as books, puzzles, play figures and dolls, that encourage a positive attitude towards race, ethnicity, gender and disability. The childminder uses different publications which feature disability and ethnicity when doing craft work with children to further develop their understanding. When out and about she sensitively encourages children to become interested in the local community and respect peoples differing abilities. Therefore, all children are able to feel highly valued and respected as individuals. They are all welcomed in to the childminder’s home, they are able to make free decisions about what they would like to do and their artwork is attractively displayed. The childminder ensures that the activities she provides, involve all of the children and has

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Helping children make a positive contribution

particular regard for their current interests. This ensures that all children feel a sense of belonging and self-worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved. They are constantly praised and encouraged and disagreements are managed sensitively so that children learn to share and understand the consequences of their actions. This promotes children's confidence and self-esteem. The childminder herself is a good role model as she treats children with respect and understanding. She is skilled at managing children's behaviour. Great emphasis is given to children's achievements such as

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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 using the toilet or potty successfully and a sticker reward system recognises children's efforts and effectively promotes desired behaviour. The childminder is experienced in caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Her positive sensitive approach, towards working with parents, carers and outside agencies enables her to successfully meet the individual needs of all children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from consistency of care as the childminder works very closely with parents to meet their needs. For example, she gains a significant amount of information regarding children's individual needs and obtains many written consents from parents to ensure that they are fully aware of the activities and services that she provides. A daily diary is kept for the parents of younger children and daily discussions with all parents ensure that children's individual needs continue to be met. The childminder has a detailed portfolio available for parents, to ensure that they are kept fully informed about the care she offers.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's effective organisation of time, activities and resources, and her good knowledge of child development. They receive good levels of adult support which makes them feel safe and secure. Children develop high levels of self-assurance and confidence as they explore the environment and interact with each other. They are cared for in a home that is well organised so that they are always under the supervision of the childminder both indoors and in the garden. This allows children to experience a varied range of activities in different areas and encourages them to make informed choices about what they wish to do.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to further developing her practice, knowledge and understanding, as she attends training courses and workshops. This has a positive impact on all outcomes for children. She has a good knowledge of the National Standards and the required regulations although her knowledge of when to notify Ofsted following a significant event is less secure.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is promoted by up-to-date records, which are very well organised. All required documentation is in place and stored confidentially. The childminder has developed a good range of policies and procedures which underpin her good practice. As a result, children's general health, safety, enjoyment, achievements and ability to make a positive contribution, is effectively promoted. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was required to gain further training to update knowledge of child protection procedures. This has been successfully addressed and has a positive impact on the safety and well-being of children.

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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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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): • further develop knowledge of events which Ofsted must be informed of.

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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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