Fawkes, Alison Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307498 Inspection date 18 August 2005 Inspector Cathryn Parry

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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 in the residential area of Boldon Colliery in Tyne and Wear. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding five children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 are adequately nourished as the childminder provides regular meals and snacks. They confidently ask for drinks when they are thirsty, as well as having diluted sugar free juice regularly provided. The childminder's flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being. Children access reasonable opportunities for physical play encouraging coordination, for example, visiting a bouncing castle. Children are learning good personal hygiene through consistent encouragement, for instance when washing hands after using the toilet. Very good relationships with parents ensure individual children are cared for well should they become ill, reducing the risk of cross infection. Documentation with regard to administering medicine is in place. The childminder, however, is unfamiliar with procedures to follow, which could have a negative effect on children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safeguarded well as the childminder’s home is secure at all times. This is supplemented with effective procedures for adults collecting children. Children are able to explore safely and participate fully, using appropriately sized furniture and clean, well maintained resources. All safety equipment is in place enabling children to play freely. Those who go on outings are protected appropriately, as the childminder supervises them closely at all times. They are learning to keep themselves safe, for instance when using the Green Cross Code. The childminder’s current child protection knowledge of signs and symptoms is basic and she is not familiar with procedures to follow. This could have a detrimental effect on children’s welfare. Most documentation with regard to safety is in place, which contributes satisfactorily to children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are happy to participate in the variety of activities provided. Individual needs are met well, enhancing participation and progression. A good balance of child centred and adult led experiences ensures appropriate challenge for their age and stage of development. Repeated opportunities to practice new skills ensure steady improvement, for instance when using the scoops and balls for catching. Children's communication skills are fostered well through a range of experiences, including songs and rhymes. They use their imagination appropriately with activities

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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 provided. However, resources are limited, which restricts development in this area. Colour recognition and counting skills are enhanced through a variety of creative activities, such as painting, cutting and sticking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled in the friendly and welcoming environment. Their behaviour is generally good, due to appropriate support and consistent behaviour strategies being implemented. Children are learning right from wrong and are starting to take responsibility for their own actions. Regular praise and encouragement raises self esteem and confidence. Children are gaining a good understanding of the natural world, for instance when observing the swans at the park. The childminder’s good approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is not complemented with access to appropriate resources, which has a negative effect on children's awareness and understanding. Effective partnership with parents ensures individual needs are met well, which promotes inclusion and continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s play opportunities are generally enhanced well through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. Low level storage ensures resources are easily accessible for children, encouraging free choice and independence. The childminder’s ongoing interest in training shows a commitment to improving the quality of care provided. Most documentation is in place and implemented well. However, consent forms for outings and emergency treatment are absent, which could have a negative impact on children's well-being. High priority is placed on confidentiality ensuring privacy for children and their families. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At registration the childminder was asked to produce an action plan with regard to providing a range of suitable resources and activities for the children attending. Resources and activities are being developed to meet individual needs.

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Complaints 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

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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): • familiarise self with procedure for administering medicine • develop and implement consent forms • familiarise self with child protection issues • develop resources with regard to equal opportunities • develop resources to encourage imaginative play

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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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