Wiles Barbara Lynda

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 201720 Inspection date 15 June 2005 Inspector Anne Felicity Taylor

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged fifteen and sixteen years. They live in a house in a residential area of Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with easy access to the safely enclosed garden. The childminder is able to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. The family does not keep any pets. The childminder attends the local toddler group on a regular basis and the children

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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 are offered many opportunities for outdoor play, including walks to feed the ducks and the local parks and for picnics in the summer.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop a good understanding personal hygiene routines and the importance of hand washing, before eating, after using the toilet and after garden play. The childminder is an effective role model for the children when she changes the nappies of younger children. Children are cared for well if they become ill or have an accident; all the required records are in place and maintained well ensuring parents are always fully informed. The childminder has current first aid training and a full-stocked first aid box. Children benefit from regular healthy drinks and snacks. Dietary needs and parental preferences are met well at all times, and food provided by parents is stored safely. The childminder has completed food hygiene training and monitors refrigeration temperatures. A wide variety of physical activities form part of the daily routine, contributing well to the children's development. They go for walks to feed the ducks and to the park,

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Helping children to be healthy

enjoy garden play and dancing and playing physical games indoors. Babies have plenty of clear space to crawl and explore, developing their coordination and strength. Babies and children rest and sleep quietly and are well monitored with the arrangements put in place by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play, eat and sleep in the childminder's lounge/dining room. They benefit from plenty of clear play space and easy access to toilet and hand washing facilities and the outdoor garden area. Children are welcomed into a secure and safe environment where the childminder ensures safety measures are in place, for example stair gates and socket covers, minimising any risk. Older children are aware of the 'rules' when they are out and about and younger children are kept safe, for example by the use of reins. Fire safety measures in place lessen the risks to children, for example smoke alarms are sited correctly and checked regularly. Children play with a variety of toys and books that are clean and in good condition. Babies enjoy the baby gym and older children choose story books and music discs. Toys include equipment to reflect all areas of equal opportunities. Small world play

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment is limited. Children's welfare is the childminder's priority and she has a good awareness of the local child protection procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. Older children move freely around the home and are able to select their own play; younger children have plenty of space to explore. Children benefit from lots of individual loving care and attention and chat freely to the childminder, developing their language and listening skills. Pre school children anticipate a holiday with great excitement, and remember a walk to see baby ducks; they count the number of ducks very well. Children contribute to the informal planning each day, making suggestions about what they would like to do. They benefit from lots of good opportunities to socialise at toddler group and with other childminders, and develop strong relationships amongst themselves. Children are proud of their art and craft work and take a lot home for their parents. Older children have worthwhile opportunities to complete play and tasks with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

support of the childminder when younger children are resting. They enjoy board games and choosing a story to read. Children are offered a varied programme of outdoor activities, contributing well to their physical development and their natural curiosity. They use several local open spaces and parks regularly, they run, play games and look at changes to the natural environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a variety of resources, which includes toys and books, to develop a positive understanding of different cultures and people with disabilities, for example dolls and books. They learn about different festivals and foods. Children learn to play together and to respect each other. They help younger friends and are well supported by the childminder to resolve their own disputes and negotiations. Children are very willing to help with simple tasks when requested, for example tidying up; they appreciate the praise offered by the childminder for their help. Children develop a good understanding of the need for good behaviour and the childminder reinforces rules at all times. Children's individual needs are met well through the good exchange of information. Parent's preferences are respected and all aspects of care are discussed. They have access to written policies and certificates are clearly displayed. Good procedures are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

in place to ensure children with special educational needs are met well. Children's self-esteem is enhanced as they select their own play and when their views and requests are respected by the childminder, for example when they are consulted about activities for the day.

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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. Children are happy and settled in the well organised and homely environment. They use the downstairs of the childminder's house to enjoy a variety of play and activities. Their regular outdoor trips and visits contributes to their learning and enjoyment. Children can sleep/rest peacefully and have quiet times when appropriate. Children are kept safe through the procedures the childminder has in place and her good supervision. Effective communication with parents keeps them well informed about their child's welfare and daily events. Additional written policies are available for parents, and they are fully informed about any accidents/incidents. All the required records are in place and very well maintained. Individual contracts are completed and are reviewed on a regular basis. The childminder likes to keep up

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Organisation

to date with developments in early years. However she has not completed training in planning for under 3 year-olds, for example Birth to Three Matters. The experience and the care offered by the childminder enables her to meet the needs of all the children she looks after.

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Improvements since the last inspection

After the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that parents sign daily medication records and to increase resources to reflect equal opportunities. Children now have access to a wider variety of toys and equipment to reflect diversity. The childminder uses the local resource centre and the library. All information about the care and well-being about children is shared with parents daily, and the childminder ensures parents sign the daily medication record.

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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):

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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 • ensure a good variety of play equipment is available to the children including small world play; • become familiar with recent developments and publications for younger children, for example Birth to Three Matters.

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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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