Reaney, Karen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300437 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Carolyn Gifford

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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 1989. She lives with her partner and her youngest daughter aged 16 years, at Halfway in Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and this includes a lounge, dining room, kitchen, study and conservatory. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of 8 years at any one time and is currently minding four children under 8 years old and

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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 two children over the age of 8 years. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-school facilities to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminders Association and a member of the Mosborough Townships Childminder Cooperative. The childminder has three cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and dietary needs are met well as the childminder works effectively with parents and shares information daily about all aspects of the children's day. The childminder provides nutritious food and children are encouraged to try a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children learn about healthy living and understand simple good health and hygiene practices. Their clear understanding of hygiene helps to reduce the risk of infection, for example, they know why they wash their hands after ‘messy’ play, touching animals, before eating and after toileting. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their general health and well-being. For example, trips to places of interest with the local childminding group provide excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and to mix socially with other children. Regular walks and routines, for example, to school and pre-school help children to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop good control of their bodies and improve their physical skills. Children broaden their understanding and interest in the environment as they explore their surroundings through regular physical play and planned activities. As children become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies the childminder ensures there is provision for drink, rest and relaxation. Younger children are able to join in appropriate activities with confidence as the childminder is beginning to utilise the Birth to Three Matters framework. Most of the relevant written parental consents are in evidence and the childminder has a positive attitude regarding where improvements can be made to ensure the continued health and safety of young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and welcoming home where the childminder identifies and minimises potential risks, which allows children to move around safely and independently. The childminder is vigilant regarding safety and takes reasonable

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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 steps to ensure the environment is safe for young children. She maintains high levels of supervision appropriate to each child’s age and ability and spends time helping the children understand how to keep safe by talking about good practice, for example, when crossing roads and playing outside. Children’s overall progress and development is enhanced as they independently select toys from a good range of resources that meets safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and age appropriate. The childminder ensures that daily communication with parents is well established, in both written and verbal form. This helps to develop strong relationships between all involved in keeping children safe. Because the childminder understands her role regarding child protection and is able

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary, children are effectively protected. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as, for example, the childminder has a current first aid certificate, continues to attend relevant training and has appropriate polices and procedures in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and settled at the setting and relate well to each other and to the childminder. Children are able to develop independent skills as they freely choose from a variety of resources, which are readily accessible. Time is given to children for their pace of learning as they make connections with the environment and resources. Children are motivated and interested in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities, which provide good levels of challenge suitable to their age and stage of development. The younger children are able to fully participate as the childminder’s understanding about appropriate activities and levels of support gives them confidence to try new skills. For example, the baby happily looks at board books with the childminder and develops skills in holding and using resources. Children are able to explore their natural creativity through the use of appropriate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

materials and their self-esteem is well promoted as their work is displayed in the childminder’s home. All children are able to participate in activities as the childminder uses the Birth to Three Matters framework to adapt activities such as singing, storytelling and mark making to promote younger children’s learning. Children play co-operatively and enjoy positive feedback and encouragement from the childminder. Children’s personal, social, emotional and intellectual needs are effectively met as the childminder has a sound knowledge of how young children

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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 learn and develop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s self esteem is well promoted as the childminder provides a meaningful range of resources and activities and regularly offers praise and encouragement. Children learn good behaviour and respect for each other as the childminder is sensitive and calm in her approach, encouraging children to be responsible for their actions and recognise the needs of others. Children generally behave well, make themselves at home and are confident in deciding what to do and in their interactions with the childminder. Children are valued and respected as they share home experiences and are encouraged to respect each other and to embrace similarities and differences. The childminder recognises the abilities of individual children and supports them to try new skills and experiences. Parents are able to share information and develop positive relationships with the childminder, which ensures a consistent approach to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the care of the children. Children make themselves at home and confidently make decisions about what they want to do.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the well-organised environment, which helps them to develop confidence to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Space and resources are organised to meet the children's needs successfully, which enables children to follow their individual routines promoting their overall care and development. Children's welfare, care and learning are well promoted as the childminder's policies and procedures are effectively implemented and readily available to parents. Daily sharing of information in both verbal and written form ensures that parents are well informed about their child's progress. Most documentation is in place to promote the care and welfare of the children and this is stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Children's personal records are up to date and efficient strategies are in place to ensure that they are reviewed regularly. The childminder has completed relevant

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Organisation

training courses and has effective skills to care for children Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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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): • request written parental permission to administer medication and first aid

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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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