Walden Margaret

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225446 Inspection date 17 August 2005 Inspector Kate Bryan

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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 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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, 11 and 12 years. They live in a house close to shops and parks in Birstall. The ground floor day room, dining area, shower room and toilet, kitchen and four bedrooms are used for childminding. Children also have access to the family bathroom and enclosed garden. The childminder is registered for six children and currently has six children on roll. The childminder attends a carer and toddler group and is a member of the National

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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 Childminders Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where effective hygiene practices prevent cross infection and maintain health. They learn the importance of routines such as hand washing through effective discussion with the childminder and by practices such as using wipes. Clear written arrangements for looking after sick children ensures that their health and emotional well-being are fostered. For example, parents are contacted to collect any child who may become ill whilst being cared for. Children are encouraged to be outdoors regularly and they enjoy a range of activities which promote their health and development. For example, frequent trips to a local park and use of the garden daily provide children with many opportunities to use equipment which promotes confidence and awareness of their physical skills. Young children's needs for rest and sleep are met well because the childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

works closely with parents to ensure that routines are in place which support their well-being. Children develop a good awareness of healthy eating as the childminder promotes healthy options. For example, children are encouraged to eat fruit and meals include salad or vegetables in order that a balanced diet is offered. This promotes their physical development and maintains health. Their dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health actively promoted. Effective policies and procedures are in place to safe guard children's well-being and the childminder has a current first aid qualification.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe in a warm and clean environment because the childminder is very vigilant about reducing risks both inside and outside the home. For example, children are supervised in the garden and are encouraged to be aware of their own safety by discussion. Children feel secure and move around confidently which increases their ability to enjoy activities and learn. They are able to make their own selections from a wide range of easily accessible resources which promote both play and learning. This encourages them to make responsible decisions about their activities and promotes self-assurance. The home is well organised to provide a range of experiences for children whilst also promoting their safety. For example, babies learn to crawl and walk whilst under the close supervision of the childminder. Within the home children are well protected from the risks of fire because appropriate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

detection and prevention measures are in place and emergency evacuation procedures have been practised. The children also enjoyed a visit from the fire prevention officer, who was invited to inspect the home by the childminder, to ensure that that the most effective measures were in place to promote children's safety. Children's welfare is promoted by well organised policies and procedures. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection procedures and is aware of

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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 signs of abuse, this ensures that children's safety and welfare are effectively promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good balance of activities which increases their opportunities to learn through play. For example, children enjoy baking and trips out which also promotes good relationships with each other. Warm relationships between the childminder and the children ensures that they feel confident to initiate their own activities and explore their environment. Children are skilful communicators and use language to negotiate with each other to ensure that activities such as using a toy garage and tower are successful, this increases their confidence and self assurance. The childminder uses the Birth to three framework to plan activities so that children are able to progress their learning and respond to challenges. For example, children learn to be independent by activities such as putting their shoes on and persevere with this to achieve success. Children receive a great deal of praise for efforts such

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as this which increases their confidence and self-esteem. Good levels of adult support allow children to develop their creative and imaginative skills in activities such as dressing up and baking. This effectively promotes children's self-assurance and enhances learning as they explore different ways of using a variety of materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have their needs well met because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure this. They feel secure and are able to settle well because their routines are promoted and they are warmly welcomed into the home. For example, young children have their needs for food and rest complied with according to their needs. Children are encouraged to learn about their own and other cultures because the childminder works effectively to promote their understanding. For example, by celebrating festivals and taking trips out into the wider world the children learn to respect each other and develop a sense of belonging. Children have their individuality effectively acknowledged and respected because the childminder ensures that all children have the same access to opportunities and resources. Children with special needs are effectively engaged in daily activities by measures to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensure their inclusion although more awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act is required so that an appropriate service can be offered if required. Children are well behaved and work together harmoniously, good manners are promoted and children receive lots of praise for acceptable behaviour which increases their confidence and self assurance. Children's behaviour is effectively managed by strategies which allow them to reflect upon their actions and the consequences of these. For example, older children receive 'time out' which encourages them to sit quietly and reflect upon how their behaviour has affected others. Children's self-worth and confidence are effectively enhanced as details of their achievements are shared with parents on a daily basis. Parent's receive a booklet from the childminder which clearly details how she will provide a service to children which promotes their fun, learning and welfare.

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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. Children receive good levels of adult support which effectively encourages them to initiate their own activities and explore their environment. For example, a baby enjoys the freedom to crawl and learn to walk under close adult supervision which promotes confidence. Children feel secure and at home in an environment that is well organised to promote a range of experiences for play and learning. Children's physical well-being is well promoted by daily use of the garden for children. Younger children have their need for rest and sleep met well which fosters their emotional well-being. Children's welfare, learning and care are promoted effectively by the use of clear policies and procedures which are shared with parents. This ensures that children's needs are well met according to the wishes of parents and in children's best interests. The childminder has undertaken an Introduction to Childminding

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Organisation

Practice course and further training in special needs and child protection which confirms her commitment to providing a good quality service to children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to fit socket covers to electric outlets, this has been undertaken which has enhanced existing safety measures for children.

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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): • ensure that an awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act is obtained.

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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 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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