Woolner, Trisha

Inspection report for early years provision

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202898 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Barbara Ann Greenley 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 1988. She works in her mother's home as a childminder in the village of Writtle, Essex near to local amenities. The whole property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The home has pets, one rabbit and two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 15 children, all attend on a part-time basis. She works with two other childminders at the premises. The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language. The childminder works within walking and driving distance of schools, playgroups, toddler groups, libraries and parks. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a home that is clean and well-maintained. Younger children can rest undisturbed, in their prams and are checked regularly by the childminder. Children are learning about good

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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 personal hygiene routines, washing their hands after outside play or using messy materials. Children are encouraged to be independent and take control for themselves, for example, using the toilet when they are old enough. Children are also learning that keeping the home tidy and clean is best. The childminder works regularly with two other childminders who all take responsibility to ensure that children remain healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the experience gained by the childminder when dealing with illness or any emergencies that may arise. Procedures have been put in place both verbally and in writing with parents and the childminder is confident about her abilities to manage any situation concerning the children's welfare. Each childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered regular meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. Drinks are freely available and children are encouraged to take in fluids. The childminder is aware of children's preferences and any allergies that may affect them. The information is well documented for easy reference. Children enjoy lunches that are nutritionally balanced. Children are learning good table manners and how to behave when eating together. A food hygiene certificate has been obtained for the premises.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of opportunities for outside play in the garden and at the park. They are developing an awareness of their physical growth and general well-being and this is promoted by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are free to make choices in an environment that is kept safe by the childminder. She, and the other two childminder's ensure that the home is risk assessed and that hazards are minimised. The childminder organises the home to be child-friendly enabling the children to move around the house freely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy the use of a wide range of equipment that provides them with challenging, fun activities. The childminder ensures that resources are easily within reach of the children, this allows them to use their own initiative when organising games. The children have use of a dedicated play room that is furnished with child-sized tables and chairs and toys placed within reach. Children can play safely with the toys and materials as the childminder monitors the condition of the equipment regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe. They understand clear road safety instructions and the need to stay close to their carers. Children know there are house rules regarding running, climbing and jumping in the home. They are encouraged to keep the walkways clear to prevent trips and falls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of the current information regarding child protection, which ensures she acts in the best interests of the children. A written policy is shared with parents. The childminder has attended training and knows about the changes that have taken place within the service. The childminders take equal responsibility for the safeguarding of the children.

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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 good. The children's day is structured around trips to schools and playgroups. They visit the nearby park on a regular basis to ensure that they have some outdoor play. The day is varied to meet the developmental needs of the children. Their interest is captured by placing toys at their level to catch their eye and maintain their attention. Children enjoy books, colouring and floor toys. They also participate eagerly when using play dough and the tools that are available to cut, shape and roll out the material.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are encouraged to take turns, share and cooperate with others. There is a wide range of toys to suit all ages. Children are listened to and their language skills extended through conversations. Children can relax and watch some television during the day and parents are given information about what activities are on offer. Children clearly enjoy choosing their own resources. All of the childminders take responsibility for ensuring that children are motivated by the toys on offer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given praise for their achievements and they are urged to play with a variety of toys. Children receive consistent care as minders and parents work closely to ensure there is a united approach. Children are reassured by the childminder's presence and display confidence when meeting strangers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is aware that ideas sourced from the information improves outcomes for younger children. She has completed many training courses on child development and knows how to recognise areas of concern in a child's progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to access a wide range of toys and materials reflecting other cultures. The childminder has an understanding of the issues and feels confident about answering the children's questions and interest. Children are encouraged to play with unfamiliar materials and widen their understanding of the world. They are enabled to try new things and gain self-confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

At present the childminder is not caring for children with disabilities or learning difficulties. However, the childminder has good knowledge of assisting children with additional requirements and is aware of the importance of working collaboratively with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a clear behaviour policy agreed by the childminder and parents. Limits are set and they are fully in agreement with the house rules and boundaries. Children's good behaviour is recognised and praised. They are learning to control their own emotions and deal with their feelings effectively. The childminder uses distraction to divert children's attention to more productive play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder establishes good communication with parents to ensure that children's needs are met. She offers regular feedback about the children's progress; time is made to speak with them each day. The childminder values the strong working relationships she has made with parents and the long term relationships that exist. However, she has not informed parents of the current guidelines on making a complaint; a procedure that enables both parents and minder to resolve issues swiftly.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder speaks about her work with enthusiasm, her commitment to the families and the care of their children. She has almost twenty years experience as a minder and has attended many training courses over the years. She assists her mother who is also a foster carer and also works with a third childminder who helps on a part-time basis. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and has recently gained a current food hygiene certificate.

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Organisation

The day is organised to give children the opportunity to experience a range of activities, both inside and outside of the home. Time is made to take walks, play in the park and socialise with other adults and children. Ratios are maintained which enables the childminder to give individual attention to the children. The childminder transports the children to and from school in a minibus.

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Organisation

Documentation is well-organised and easily accessible. The childminder takes primary responsibility for the paperwork and ensuring that the National Standards are adhered to at all times. Policies and procedures are updated and reviewed by the childminder regularly. Paperwork is kept confidential but can be accessed by parents. Children and parents benefit from a range of documents that are in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to ensure that an incident book was in place and that consent forms were fully completed. Both of these issues have been addressed satisfactorily and the information assists the childminder to safeguard the 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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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): • inform parents of the complaints procedure.

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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 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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