Airey, Sharon Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225195 Inspection date 24 August 2005 Inspector Lynn Dent

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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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 8 and 16 years in Quorn in Leicestershire. Most of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children most of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group, takes children to the toy library and to the park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 outstanding. Children understand and actively participate in routines to maintain their good health and personal hygiene. They know that they must wash their hands to stop germs from spreading. Children are positively encouraged to become independent in their personal care and recognise the needs of their bodies. For example, they choose when to eat their snack and rest. Children are well protected from infections because the childminder implements effective procedures for children who are sick. This means they are not cared for if they are infectious. The childminder maintains good hygiene through regular cleaning of food preparation areas. Children understand the benefits of healthy eating and are well nourished as the childminder provides a nutritional diet which takes good account of their individual dietary needs and preferences. Children are encouraged to manage their own dietary needs. They are

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Helping children to be healthy

presented with a choice of fruit and request more if they are still hungry. Children know they can help themselves or ask for drinks throughout the day to quench their thirst. Children's physical development is enhanced through daily opportunities within the home. They actively choose to participate in a range of activities, for example dancing and playing 'Twister'. They talk about left, right and body parts when playing this game. A younger child was jumping using two feet and explained he was jumping very high. Active outdoor play is further enhanced in the park and garden. Children confidently use a wide range of equipment and wheeled toys in the garden. Consequently, they develop an understanding of how their body works, improve their balance and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and cared for in a warm, welcoming and secure environment. Their safety and welfare is maintained well because the childminder implements a range of safety devices. For example, carbon monoxide detectors are in place and working. The childminder regularly checks the premises and resources for potential risks. Children are able to freely explore the environment and resources developing their independence and confidence. Babies and younger children sleep in a travel cot in the main bedroom. The childminder continually checks them by using a baby monitor. All children move independently around most of the ground floor of the premises. However they can potentially access the first floor which is not registered for childminding. Children can freely access a wide range of toys and resources, which are clean, developmentally appropriate and comply with safety regulations. Children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clearly understand the emergency evacuation procedure. This is regularly practised to ensure all children participate. Children are kept safe outside the home because the childminder implements clear procedures, for example they are constantly supervised and supported when playing on equipment at the park. Children know how to keep themselves safe and clearly understand why rules helps them to learn this. For example, they know they must not answer the telephone or the door. During cooking they are aware they must not enter the kitchen. Maintaining children's

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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 welfare is a priority and the childminder has a very clear understanding of the local child protection procedures to support this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder understands and uses ideas from early years guidance such as 'Birth to three matters'. Therefore younger children receive good care which promotes their social skills and personal development. Children spend their time purposefully because the childminder dedicates quality time to playing with them. They actively engage in a good range of stimulating structured and free play for sustained periods of time. Children enjoy imaginative and construction play, participate in craft activities and choose to share books. They independently access appealing and stimulating resources, which supports their play and develops their ability to make choices. Children receive good opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills and respond well to challenges. Therefore, their development and confidence is consistently enhanced. Children receive regular opportunities to interact with other

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children outside the home. Consequently, their emotional and social development are promoted. Children show good behaviour and are motivated to share and play together. They are confident and have good self-esteem. Consequently, they are happy and settled with the childminder who encourages them to develop harmonious relationships and respect for their peers. The childminder's routines are flexible to take account of sleep patterns for younger children. Therefore, children's individual needs are fully met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children have good opportunities to learn about the local community through a range of outings, visits and activities. Consequently, they learn to respect others around them. All children are positively encouraged to take an active part in the inclusive environment. They can do this because activities and resources are adapted to ensure they have equal access to the experiences provided. Therefore children are confident and make independent decisions about their play. For example, choosing activities and resources. Children show good behaviour. They play harmoniously together and respond well to instructions and suggestions from the childminder. Children have well developed self-esteem because they receive consistent praise and encouragement. They are treated with respect and kindness and treat others in the same way. Partnerships with parents and carers is good. They receive good information about the service provided. Detailed information about their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's care needs is collected at induction and updated regularly. Good two-way communication ensures all parties are kept informed daily of the children's day and development. Therefore, all children's current care needs are identified and met.

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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 The organisation is good. All children receive good opportunities to actively participate in a good range of activities. The childminder uses 'Birth to three matters' to ensure the developmental needs of younger children are effectively met. The childminder is very organised. Consequently, children feel secure and have space and time for active play, activities and relaxation. Children are confident to choose activities and initiate their own play and learning. All children's developmental needs are met because the childminder knows the children well and interacts very well with the them. Children's welfare and play are underpinned by clear procedures which are shared with parents. Partnerships with parents and carers is good. Information is shared with parents daily ensuring children's routines are maintained. Consequently, children's current care

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Organisation

and developmental needs are identified and met. Children are protected at all times because the childminder maintains constant supervision of them. Detailed information about the children can be accessed easily because documentation is well organised and clearly presented. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain consent from parents to transport children in a vehicle. The childminder has taken positive action to put this in place. Therefore, the childminder meets the national standards and parents have clarity of procedures for the transportation of their 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 children cannot access the bedrooms or bathroom on the first floor.

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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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