Linnell Joanna Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 505287 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Heather Jeanette Knox

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged 3, 8 and 15 years old. They live in a house in Houghton Conquest close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five both of whom attend on a full time basis, and five children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local parent and toddler

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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 groups. The family have two goldfish. The childminder supports children with special educational needs. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They wash their hands before snacks and paper tissues and wipes are available for them to take care of their own needs. Each child has their own drinking cup to avoid cross infection. Children enjoy taking part in physical exercise as they regularly use the trampoline, slides and bikes in the garden. Visits to local parks improve children’s physical skills. Children’s medical needs are addressed as required although the childminder does not have written permission from the parents for emergency treatment, and parents do not countersign when medication is given. Consequently, children’s welfare is not fully safeguarded in this area. Children are well nourished. They are offered frequent drinks and a wide range of healthy and well balanced hot and cold meals. The childminder takes account of the

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Helping children to be healthy

wishes of the parents and the older children who attend, and supports any special dietary needs. Children’s individual rest patterns are effectively acknowledged and supported as the childminder talks to the parents and follows their normal daily routines for sleeping.

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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 safe environment where risks have been identified and are minimised. This means that children are able to move around the setting freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children to understand how to keep themselves safe. An evacuation procedure is in place which is practiced with the children. The childminder maintains children’s safety outside the home by using appropriate straps and reins. Older children are aware that they need to hold hands and follow the Green Cross Code. Children are able to use a sufficient range of safe and age appropriate resources. These are effectively organised on low level shelves and boxes in a separate playroom. This enables the children to independently self-select. Older children are encouraged to use the dining room table when using some equipment to prevent younger children from accessing small items.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder has a sound understanding of child

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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 protection issues in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures although no documentation is readily available to record any significant incidents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminders house. They make themselves at home and relationships between the children are good. They are able to take turns and share toys as they play with the computer and use the pirate ship. The childminder effectively interacts with the children during their play. This allows children to feel relaxed and it helps to increase children’s self esteem by showing them they are valued. Children enjoy sharing their views and ideas as they play. Challenging questions from the childminder helps children to use their own knowledge and abilities. Children are effectively developing their concentration skills as they sit and play games together. In their play children use a wide range of different materials such as paint, water, sand and play dough. They make flapjacks and use scissors and glue to create collages. The childminder will respond to the children’s request and interests by

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

providing requested resources such as paper and pencils. Children enjoy playing in the garden where they are able to use a wide range of equipment such as paddling pools and bats and balls. They also have visits to local parks and zoos and take part in ten pin bowling. Children are confident and relate well to each other. Older children are very supportive and caring towards the younger children helping them to settle and reading them stories. Children are able to become independent learners as they self-select their choice of toys or activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are satisfactorily met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has developed with the parents. Parents are given detailed information about the care their child will receive. The childminder asks parents to complete a comprehensive information sheet to help her settle the child into her home. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's day through verbal and written communication. This enables them to be involved in their child's learning. Children are well behaved and are effectively learning right from wrong through the childminder setting consistent boundaries. They understand how to behave and are able to play alongside each other. The childminder is firm and consistent with the children who are responsive to her requests. She gives the children praise and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouragement for their achievements which builds up their self esteem. Her good

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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 understanding of age appropriate methods helps to promote positive behaviour. The childminder knows the children well and talks to them in a warm and caring manner, this encourages the children to show care and concern for each other and interact with each other co-operatively. She uses discussion and the children’s own experiences to promote a positive and sensitive view of the world and to increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and are at ease with the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children are relaxed and are very familiar with the routine of the household. The childminder feels the routine for the day is dictated by how the children feel. This ensures that the childminder responds to the children’s wishes, such as, requests to go to the park. She successfully organises her day to ensure children are provided with challenging and stimulating activities. This contributes to the children’s well-being and their pleasure and enjoyment. She has successfully completed different short courses which has enhanced her knowledge and subsequently the care she offers. Documentation is well organised and is effectively used to help promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve documentation in relation to records of attendance, evacuation procedures, infectious diseases and children's dietary needs. These have all been satisfactorily addressed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints about this provider.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that parents give written permission for emergency medical treatment and that they countersign any medication administered. • ensure that documentation is available to record any significant incidents.

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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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