Jones, Josephine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 251922 Inspection date 03 October 2005 Inspector Jasvinder Kaur

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and three children one aged seven and two teenagers. The whole ground floor and first floor bathroom of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five part time and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 The family has one cat. The childminder is aware of other local childminders and pre-school groups. She receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children stay healthy because the childminder takes positive steps to promote good hygiene through well-organised activities and a healthy lifestyle. They are protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illness. The childminder holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. However, accident and medication records are not maintained sufficiently. This means children may be at risk. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. They are encouraged to select healthy options before any treats. A selection of drinks including fresh drinking water is always available. The children enjoy a relaxed and social atmosphere at mealtimes. The childminder is well aware of children's dietary requirements and preferences through consultation with parents. Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities on a regular basis. They

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their physical skills as they play with a wide range of outdoor equipment in the garden. They enjoy walking to school and by the canal to feed ducks and playing at the local park. They also enjoy other physical activities such as the cycle trips. This ensures they get sufficient fresh air and exercise. There are suitable arrangements for rest and sleep according to children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children feel secure and safe as the childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment. They are encouraged to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. They develop a good awareness of safety measures through emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis. However, the childminder does not identify as hazards sharp objects in the kitchen and first floor bathroom. This means the children are not safe. The good organisation of toys and equipment enables children to move around safely. They benefit from good use of the space available in the house and in the garden. They have easy access to a wide range of toys and equipment which enables them to develop their learning skills. The resources are well organised to provide free choice to encourage children's independence. The children are generally protected because the childminder has a satisfactory

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. However, she has a

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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 limited knowledge of the need of keeping records of her concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in selecting resources and activities of their choice. They have access to a selection of resources for example art and crafts, books, toys, dressing up, and outdoor toys which help them to advance their learning skills. They make good progress through well planned activities and free play opportunities. They are involved in a wide range of learning experiences including painting and drawing and playing with children at their local park. This helps them to develop their language, imagination and social relationships. They use a variety of resources to develop their intellectual skills. They are developing their writing and reading skills in planned activities and daily routines. The children are confident in the setting and have a good relationship with the childminder. They interact with her continually and develop their communication skills. For instance while playing with cars they say the cars are ‘large’ or ‘small’, ‘fast’

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

or ‘slow’ and their colours. They do the same while they are playing with other toys. They are independent and confident, as the childminder responds to their particular interests including creative and sociable activities such as joint cycle trips with another childminder’s group of children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individuality is acknowledged and valued. They have a sense of belonging. They are involved in decision making when selecting activities, snacks, drinks etc. They are encouraged to take part in suitable activities and any special needs are met appropriately. There are toys, books, dressing up clothes and videos available which reflect equality of opportunity. Children benefit from the childminder’s positive relationship with parents. This means that children’s needs are met effectively. The children are happy and confident. The childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour which takes into account children’s level of understanding and maturity. They are encouraged to share with and respect others through her positive role model and example. Behaviour management is discussed with parents through verbal communication and well documented policies.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease with a well-organised and family-oriented environment. They benefit from welcoming premises where they feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. She has suitable arrangements to protect children and has undertaken the relevant vetting procedures.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 All of the childminder’s documents are clear, well-maintained and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. They are readily available for inspection and shared with parents. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the information about the service provided. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to practise the emergency escape plan with all children. She now regularly has escape drills and keeps a record to ensure that all children take part.

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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): • obtain written consent from parents prior to administering any medication, and ensure accident records contain dates of accidents • assess the risks to children in relation to the sharp objects in the kitchen and bathroom and take action to minimise these • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures.

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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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