Lanera, Irena

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 503490 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 2000. She lives with her son aged six years. The premises are situated in Crosspool, a suburb on the outskirts of the City of Sheffield. The ground floor of the premises, plus toilet facilities on the first floor are accessed by minded children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The local schools are within walking distance. The childminder walks to and from school to take and collect children. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children. She meets with local childminders on a regular

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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 basis and attends local toddler groups in the area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from illness and infection as they follow good hygiene procedures and are cared for in clean and well maintained premises. Children are encouraged to learn the importance of personal hygiene through good practice and daily routines. For example, the washing of hands after accessing the toilet, before eating and after outdoor play. Children enjoy a good range of challenging physical activities. Regular visits to parks, soft play areas, daily walks to school and access to a well equipped outdoor play area allow children to develop their all round physical skills. For babies there is a good range of every day objects to be sucked, pulled, squeezed and held to encourage exploration and development of physical skills. The access to a wide range of physical activities contributes to children's good health in a positive manner. Children enjoy a good range of healthy snacks and drinks, which takes into account

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Helping children to be healthy

children's dietary needs and parents' wishes. This contributes significantly to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Meal times are treated as an opportunity to help children to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Babies are encouraged to share control of the bottle and children are encouraged to feed themselves using fingers, forks and spoons. This provides opportunities for sensory learning and increased independence.

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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 safe environment. Hazards are identified and positive steps taken to minimise them to allow children to move around freely and safely. The childminder uses her high level of awareness of safety issues to ensure good safety measures are in place at all times. For example, she has identified that safety measures need to be increased once the baby is mobile and that if she is to use cooking appliances then a fire blanket is required. Children are actively encouraged to be aware of their own safety and to how avoid accidents. For example, the childminder gives an introduction of road safety when off the premises and gives clear explanations to children about safe practice. This results in children being given the opportunities to practice what they can do in safe surroundings, and young children learn some sense of danger. The childminder has clear and consistent

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

boundaries and reasonable yet challenging expectations. Resources are presented well and are easily accessed allowing children to make choices in a safe manner. Children's toys and equipment are carefully monitored to make sure they remain safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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 appropriately protected as the childminder is sufficiently aware of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection matters. However, she does need to update her knowledge of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children access an interesting and stimulating range of activities and experiences. Activities provide good levels of challenge, appropriate to the age and stage of children's development. For example, the baby was provided with a good range of toys to stimulate his sensory skills. As he is teething, he has teething rings and suitable toys he can put in his mouth safely. Children are very happy, secure and show a strong sense of belonging. The way equipment is made available for the children allows them to take the initiative and develop increasing independent skills. This results in children being very involved and excited in their own play. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy playing with the toys provided. For example, children engage in concentrated imaginative play in which they extend their language and try out new ideas. For example, the building of a tower led to the building of a bridge and finding a car to go

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

under the bridge. Children are very settled and very confident. The quality of interaction shows that a mutual respect and trusting relationship is held, which enables them to build meaningful relationships. Children are given lots of support and encouragement, which helps to develop their confidence and self esteem. They are listened to attentively, fun is encouraged and the childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and preferences. She encourages playfulness, taking turns and responses, including peek-a-boo and rhymes with young children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to feel good about themselves in a supportive and accepting environment. Their individual needs are met well. This is because the childminder takes time to get to know them and works with parents to ensure their daily routine is followed successfully. They are clearly benefiting from this as children feel secure and confident in their surroundings. Children enjoy a caring relationship with the childminder and their peers. They develop good self esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions. Children's choices are respected and they are given the encouragement to negotiate and bargain. For example, a child did not want to help clear away, but the childminder successfully negotiated with him allowing him to choose which toys he put away himself. Children have access to an acceptable range of resources and opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them. However, this is not fully explored to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

raise children's awareness about culture, ethnicity and disability.

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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 Children behave very well. A clear consistent approach to managing children's behaviour effectively encourages children to behave well. Children begin to understand right from wrong through consistent, achievable boundaries and explanations. They are learning to share and care for each other in a very positive manner. This results in children experiencing realistic expectations in order to become assertive and self assured.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in the well organised environment. This means children are confident, relaxed and enjoy their time with the childminder. There are effective routines in place that are successfully implemented to ensure children remain happy and settled. All required documentation is in place, up to date and well presented. Required adult-child ratios are met; this provides good levels of care and supervision to ensure children are well supported in their learning and care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has ensured she has adequately stocked first aid boxes, written consent to obtain medical treatment and made sure parents are aware of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint. This reinforces the childminder's commitment to safeguard children's health and enhances the continuity of care.

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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):

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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 • make sure a fire blanket is sited appropriately in the kitchen • update knowledge and understanding of Area Child Protection Procedures • further develop resources and activities that help children learn about diversity.

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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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