Roylance, Marion

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

315114 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2008 Inspection date Jane Shaw Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband, one adult child and one child aged 13, in Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, and there is access to enclosed front and rear gardens for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five full-time, and one child under five on a part-time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is well promoted as they are cared for within a clean and hygienic environment. The childminding premises are clean and well maintained, and toys and equipment are regularly checked for cleanliness, therefore ensuring children's health is promoted. Children are

p.2

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 encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and participating in certain activities, such as outdoor play. Younger children are assisted in the task by the childminder, who also ensures that babies hands are wiped regularly. The childminder discusses her sick child procedures with parents and carers making them aware of her responsibility to their children's health.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Appropriate accident and medication recording systems are in place. Although the childminder has not had the need to use these records, she demonstrates an understanding of the need to complete these accurately and obtain parental signatures where applicable.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks and drinks throughout the day, for example, yoghurts, fruits, such as banana, and water or appropriate low sugar drinks. The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers regarding meal provision and at present all parents and carers provide food for their children. The childminder provides mid-morning and afternoon snacks and drinks. The childminder discusses the provision of healthy options when parents and carers provide food for children.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting which promotes their physical health and development. For example, children have access to fresh air on a regular basis playing in the rear garden, or as they enjoy walks and trips to the park. The childminder has appropriate arrangements and access to alternative clothes, to ensure children are warm and dry during and after outdoor play and activities. Children develop small physical skills, for example, as babies use shape sorters, stretch and crawl towards toys placed a little distance away from them.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and caring environment. Possible risks or dangers have been identified and dealt with by the use of appropriate safety equipment or through supervision by the childminder. Both indoor and outdoor play space is appropriate for use. The dining area is used for messy activities, baking and meals, with the lounge used for other activities, such as construction and imaginary play. At present the childminder is caring for younger children and only uses downstairs areas. Rooms and resources are prepared prior to children's arrival enabling them to settle quickly. Children are happy and settled as they are made to feel welcome.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access toys and equipment which is age appropriate and checked regularly for safety and hygiene. They are able to self select from those set out and from storage boxes placed on the floor. Much younger children are offered toys by the childminder and access those placed near to them on the floor.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an environment where their safety is well promoted. The childminder is clear about her responsibility in keeping children safe from harm, and has appropriate safety precautions in place, for example, safety gates, socket covers and procedures for dealing with the hearth in the lounge. The childminder has a written fire evacuation policy and practises drills with children ensuring appropriate responses in the event of this occurring. The childminder is clear that children do not play in the hall or in doorways to ensure that adults and children can evacuate the premises quickly and safely at all times. Written information is available for parents and carers on how she intends to keep their children safe, ensuring they are fully aware of her responsibility to protect their children.

p.3

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 The children's safety and welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the childminder's awareness of child protection issues and procedures. She has access to appropriate information on recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse and contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board, ensuring she can act promptly and appropriately in the event of any concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and comfortable in the company of the childminder and other members of the childminder's family.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children are presented with age appropriate learning and development opportunities through access to a good range of toys, equipment and activities. Children are able to self select toys from those set out for them and from the storage boxes placed on the floor. Babies have toys placed next to them on the floor, or slightly away from them encouraging their movement. The childminder uses good language and eye contact to encourage their enjoyment and play, and children respond well to this communication.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a range of activities appropriate for babies and young children, including listening to music, 'noisy' toys, 'feely' toys and push button toys, to support the development of skills. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement for attempts and achievements which enables them to persevere and practise skills. The childminder joins children in their activities, for example, joining in with small world play and assisting children to complete jigsaws.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a range of play experiences appropriate for babies and toddlers, such as imaginary play, listening to stories and music. Older children have access to age appropriate activities, such as craft activities, board games and construction.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder rotates toys and equipment throughout the day and week and changes resources as younger children develop skills, for example, providing children with more difficult construction materials when their manipulative skills have developed sufficiently.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During the inspection children enjoyed playing with the dolls house and resources, completing jigsaws, playing with push button and brightly coloured toys, and danced with excitement when their favourite children's programme started on the television.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has knowledge of the Foundation Stage curriculum and has developed a number of themes and plans to use when caring for pre-school aged children. For example, she has access to plans relating to themes, such as All About Me, Journeys, Colour and Light.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy activities away from the setting, such as walks and trips to the park to feed the swans and ducks. Children also enjoy opportunities to walk in the leaves to listen to the noise they make, and to splash in puddles.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Parents and carers are kept informed of the different activities their children are involved in as they collect their children at the end of their minded day.

p.4

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

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children have access to the range of activities and experiences on offer, which are age and developmentally appropriate. The childminder has an understanding of the need to ensure children have equal access to activities and opportunities, but is aware that these may need to be adapted to meet children's individual needs, for example their age and level of development. Children have access to some resources and materials that reflect multi-cultural and disability issues, for example, dolls and play figures. These resources are incorporated into children's everyday play. The childminder has access to information and resource materials for various festivals from around the world, such as Diwali and Chinese New Year, and discusses and celebrates these with children.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, but would liaise closely with parents, carers and other agencies where appropriate if asked to do so. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding children's needs and requirements enabling her to provide appropriate care for each individual child.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and content in their play which is seen as children laugh and smile whilst listening to music and as the childminder talks and plays with them. As a result their behaviour is good. Children receive lots of positive praise and encouragement from the childminder which results in their enjoyment. The childminder is clear about her role in developing children's understanding of acceptable behaviour and describes the use of appropriate techniques. The childminder would discuss issues with parents and carers, but does not yet have an incident record.

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive partnerships with parents and carers supports children's placements. The childminder provides them with access to some written information on what she has to offer their children. For example, she has produced an information sheet about herself, how she intends to keep children safe, a fire evacuation policy, helping children to enjoy and achieve, and information on an average day with her. She also has access to a file of resource information on themes and activities. These are made available for parents and carers to view at the initial stages and throughout their child's placement. All parents and carers have been given written information about her complaints procedures, and the childminder has an awareness of how to handle any such complaints, however, she has not yet put together a record for this purpose. Parents and carers receive feedback as they collect their child at the end of their minded day.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. All required clearances on the childminder and household members were done by the local authority prior to registration or by Ofsted where appropriate. The childminder confirmed ongoing suitability, therefore ensuring children are cared for safely.

p.5

Organisation

Children are cared for in a well organised environment. Toys, equipment and activities are planned and prepared prior to the children arriving enabling children to feel confident and happy. Children are able to self select toys from those set out for them, or placed near to them on the floor enabling them to make choices about their play. The childminder is pro-active in keeping up to date with changes in legislation and new childcare initiatives through regularly checking the Ofsted website for information. The childminder has an up to date paediatric first

p.5

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 aid qualification, which ensures children's accidents would be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

p.5

Organisation

Appropriate documentation and records relating to the minded children are in the main retained ensuring children are cared for in an appropriate manner. However, the daily attendance register at present does not show the actual hours of attendance. The childminder has obtained parental consent for several aspects of her care and minded children's safety and enjoyment, however, some consents have not be obtained.

p.6

Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve fire safety precautions by fitting smoke alarms to each level of the premises and remove hazardous items from the rear garden.

p.6

Improvements since the last inspection

Both recommendations have been appropriately addressed. There are now smoke detectors on every level within the childminder's house, and all hazardous items have been removed from the garden. These measures ensure children are cared for safely.

p.6

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • develop an incident record • formulate a complaints record • ensure appropriate consent forms for aspects of general care are in place • ensure the attendance register shows actual hours of attendance.

p.6

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 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

p.6

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

p.7