Blandford, Petina Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302848 Inspection date 15 September 2005 Inspector Lorraine Hunt

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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 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 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 4, 8 and 9 in a village outside Wisbech. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The garden is currently not suitable for childminding use and is not included in the registration. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 7 children on a part-time basis, 4 of whom are under 5. The childminder drives to two local schools and a pre-school to take and collect children. The family has a dog, 2 cats, a hamster, guinea pigs, a horse and some tropical fish.

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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 satisfactory. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene and personal care within the daily routines such as washing their hands before eating and after using the lavatory. However, pet dishes on the kitchen floor present a potential hazard to young children. Appropriate procedures are followed if a child becomes unwell whilst in the care of the childminder and parents are given clear information about the necessary exclusion times to ensure that children are protected from the risks of cross infection. However, administered medication is not always recorded and written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been obtained, which could compromise children's health. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of healthy eating. They are encouraged to eat fresh fruit daily and enjoy a range of nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children have their own cups/beakers

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Helping children to be healthy

and are able to freely access drinks at all times. Although children are currently unable to play in the garden, they enjoy outdoor activities such as going for walks, flying kites and playing in the local park.

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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 secure and safe indoor environment. Their work is displayed and valued by the childminder and name cards are prominently displayed for each child which gives children a sense of belonging. Children play with a good range of suitable toys, which the childminder checks regularly to ensure that they are safe and in good condition. Children can access many of these themselves which promotes their independence. Children move around the ground floor freely and are protected from hazards because the childminder identifies and minimises risks to children, for example, by fitting a large blackboard in front of the open banisters and using protective covers in all child accessible sockets. Children are kept safe on outings; the childminder ensures that she always takes emergency contact numbers with her and has parents' written consent to transport children in her car and take them on outings. Children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

mostly protected because the childminder has some understanding of her role in child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are confident in the childminder's home because she makes it welcoming for them by setting it out ready for their arrival each day with developmentally appropriate activities and resources. They take part in interesting

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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 activities that help children to make progress. For example, they explore paper weaving and go on nature walks, collect leaves and then make pictures with them. Children have good opportunities to play imaginatively and to pursue their own interests, for example, as they make a large cardboard box into a bus and then decide to change it into a puppet theatre. Children have good relationships with the childminder; they are warm and affectionate together and enjoy each other's company. Children's language and thinking is developed and extended well through the childminder's use of open ended questioning and giving children choices. Consistent support and meaningful praise and encouragement helps children to develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem. Their eager participation demonstrates that they are motivated and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

involved in activities that interest them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals; the childminder's awareness of their individual needs enables her to provide appropriate care, in close consultation with parents. Children benefit from the positive relationships between parents and childminder which contribute to their care and well-being. Most essential documentation is completed, such as the agreements with parents so that expectations of care are understood. A flexible settling-in procedure helps children make the transition between home and childminder. Children behave well because the childminder applies consistent boundaries that encourage good behaviour. Good use of praise and encouragement promotes children's confidence and self-esteem. Children benefit from a range of resources that reflect their interests and stage of development, although resources that reflect anti-discriminatory good practice are currently limited.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the effective organisation of time, space and resources which helps them to make good progress. Well established routines and affectionate, caring support ensures children are comfortable and settled in the childminder's care. Children's needs are suitably met by good adult-child ratios; children receive individual care and attention which helps them to feel secure. The childminder talks to parents on a daily basis to keep them well informed about the care provided and their child's progress. This is backed up by most of the appropriate documentation and record keeping systems. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements 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 Not applicable.

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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): • further develop knowledge and awareness of child protection issues • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and ensure that all administered medication is recorded • continue to develop the range of resources that reflect social 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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