Butler, Linda Melanie

Inspection report for early years provision

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313360 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2008 Inspection date Margaret Bryant 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 lives with her son aged 13 years in the west of the city of Hull, approximately three miles from the city centre. She was registered in 1995 and may care for a total of six children under eight years. Currently there are five children on roll and all, bar one, attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The downstairs of her home is used only and to the rear of the property there is an enclosed garden for children's use. The childminder takes children on local walks, to the local parks, to toddler groups and to groups organised by childminders. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has also built good links with the local Sure Start organisation.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are kept healthy through being cared for in a home where positive steps are taken to reduce the risk of infection. For example, the home is clean as are the carpets on which children

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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 play and all resources including toys. Children bring their own individual towels and flannels from home to use, which helps reduce the risk of cross-infection. The childminder provides wipes which children use to clean their hands before snacks and after playing outdoors. Tissues are readily available and the childminder encourages children to use these just the once and then dispose of them. Children are beginning to understand about germs. The childminder explains to them about the importance of washing their hands after visiting the toilet. Children are carefully checked when they sleep and rest, sometimes in their pushchairs or on the settee, according to age. Their comfort is important to the childminder. She ensures any linen they use is clean and for their own individual use. The childminder recognises the importance of

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Helping children to be healthy

children having quiet times and if they do not need to sleep they read books together.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are spare clothes for children if required, which aids their comfort if they need to be changed. Nappies are changed when required and potty and toilet training is carried out in line with parents' wishes. Children benefit from being able to enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise, which helps promote their physical development. For example, they love having running races at the park, enjoy playing with hoops they take with them and engage in ball games together. Children learn that exercise makes their bones strong and helps them grow. Through the equipment she has outdoors, children have opportunities to learn to climb and become confident. They also learn skills of balancing and learn about going through, under and over. The youngest children are encouraged to develop physically. The childminder helps them as they begin to stand and take their first steps. She gives them the confidence to reach out and take further

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have healthy snacks of fresh fruit, dried fruit and breadsticks. They learn the importance of eating healthily through discussion. Meals and snacks are provided according to parents' wishes, with some children bringing their own packed lunches. Parents of babies are asked, however, to provide their bottles of milk and food when weaning. These are prepared for children by the childminder in line with parents' instructions. Children have drinks available to them all the time which means they can help themselves whenever they are thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about how to keep safe as they go on outings. They discuss road safety, learn how to cross roads carefully with the childminder and know about not running off. Children also learn about the importance of not speaking to strangers, which helps keep them safe. Public liability insurance is in place as is written permission from parents for outings. Parents are always fully informed of where the childminder takes their children. Procedures for collection help safeguard children and are shared with parents. They are informed their children will not be released to anyone for whom they have not given prior permission. Parents are also informed about the childminder's responsibilities to safeguard children from possible harm. The childminder demonstrates knowledge of the procedures to follow which adequately safeguard children from harm. Parents would always be asked about concerns and this information would

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The youngest of children, including toddlers, are safely harnessed in their pushchairs for outings. Also the highchairs they use are fitted with secure harnesses, which enables them to be safe. They sit in these when eating and also to enjoy taking part in activities, such as painting. The home has many safety features in place including safety gates and locks on cupboards which deny children access to hazardous substances. The childminder speaks to children about evacuation procedures. Through the practising of monthly fire drills most children learn about

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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 how to get out safely in the event of emergency. However, not all children, in particular those newly placed with her, have had the opportunity to take part in these. Although the front door complies with fire officer regulations, the back door has yet to comply with these. It currently is secured using a key.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a wide variety of toys to play with and these are all readily accessed by them, stored in boxes on the floor. The childminder takes care to ensure that those which are not suitable when younger children are present, are out of their reach. This ensures their safety. Also children learn to tidy away some toys. They learn that too many toys on the floor at once may cause them to trip.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's confidence is developed through being cared for by a childminder who is kind and caring. She spends time with children helping and promoting their learning as they play. For example, as children complete jigsaws she talks to them about the images and helps them to look for the corresponding shapes to complete these. Children depicted in wheelchairs are pieced together by the children; as they do their jigsaw they learn about how some people need to use these as they cannot walk. This helps children understand about the different needs people have. Children are helped to notice the world around them. For example, the childminder shows them spiders in their webs and talks to children about them. They make pictures of spiders using different collage materials when they return to her home. As children paint and make prints with their hands, the childminder joins in with them. She helps children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to learn about sizes as they make comparisons about whose hand is the biggest and whose is the smallest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

As they grow, children learn about shapes, colours and counting. The childminder speaks to children in a purposeful way. For example, she asks them to pass her the yellow toy or the red one. Activity computers help learning to be fun as children interact with these. Children's knowledge is increased as they learn about letters, for example. Work on display shows children's collage pictures of fish and some number work completed with pre-school children. Children feel important and are helped to be independent as the childminder asks them about what they wish to do. Open-ended questions help children think about what they do. She also helps them develop their skills of recall as they speak about their home lives, and about any brothers and sisters they may have or pets. Children enjoy the interest she shows in them and this makes them feel happy and settled.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a lot of photographs which she takes of children engaged in a wide variety of activities. Parents give their written permission for these to be taken and they are shared with them on a regular basis. These include children developing their cutting skills, different types of paintings, papier-mâché work and craftwork associated with Halloween. Parents are included fully. They receive daily feedback about what their children do and are also included in their children's learning. For example, when looking at different colours, the childminder asks children to bring in items of a particular colour from home or wear something depicting the colour they learn about.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Parents really appreciate the childminder. This is because she involves them in all aspects of the care and learning she provides in line with their wishes. For example, she collects relevant information about children's individual needs, including dietary and medical, and in the case of young babies their routines. This ensures all children feel fully included and settled. A contract is in place with all parents. They provide their full written permission for outings to be undertaken, and also to allow their children to play on the outdoor equipment. Parents receive copies of all her operational policies and procedures. This means they are fully aware of her practices and the arrangements in place for the care of their children. Parents were informed an inspection was imminent and asked for their contributions if they wished, for inspection purposes. These were presented in sealed envelopes on inspection, the childminder allowing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Ofsted to read these first. These letters are extremely supportive of the care their children receive and how much they value the work she does with their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have opportunities to learn about different foods people eat and about the countries with which they are associated. She explains to children about the differences in people. They also celebrate Christian festivals and other festivals including the Chinese New Year. Children are helped to notice features in the environment, and learn about different weather and appropriate clothing to wear. The childminder builds links with professionals who advise her in the care of children with medical conditions, such as health visitors. She is careful, however, to ensure that this is done in line with parents' wishes. This ensures children are comfortable, well cared for and parents are happy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the importance of sharing as they grow and develop. At their level of understanding children learn about right and wrong and to respect one another, as well as her home. Children feel proud as they receive praise in their play from the childminder. Any concerns about behaviour are shared with parents out of children's hearing. Any complaints which parents may have are dealt with in accordance with her complaints procedure which is shared with them. A log of any concerns is kept and shared with all parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for on the ground floor level only, and safety arrangements in place mean they can go freely between the available areas without coming to harm. The childminder keeps all her documentation readily accessible for her use and all are kept together. However, when not in use it is not locked away which does not properly respect the confidentiality of the information within. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed for parents' information and all information, including training certificates, is shared with parents. The childminder shows a commitment to improving her knowledge through attending relevant training to benefit and safeguard children. For example, she has attended first aid training, food hygiene and briefing sessions about new forthcoming changes in regulation.

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Organisation

There is sufficient, well organised space for children and this meets all children's needs effectively and keeps them safe. Children receive sufficient support including babies and toddlers. Children learn how to respect the youngest children as they play and do not knock them over. For example, as toddlers begin to stand and walk, the childminder guides them with her hands and other children know to take care. The childminder is aware of notifying Ofsted about any

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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 changes and of the guidance in the keeping of certain records. 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 time of the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve medication recording. Medication now meets with regulation and this ensures the health of all children is protected well.

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Complaints since the last inspection

In December 2004 a complaint was received against Standard : Suitable person. A visit was made by a childcare inspector and the concerns were discussed. Actions were agreed between the childcare inspector and the provider to improve standards. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • improve fire safety by complying with local fire officer regulations, and ensure all children have opportunities to be involved in fire practises • improve the storage of confidential information.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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