Whitmee Wendy Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225755 Inspection date 12 October 2005 Inspector Anne Archer

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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 2003. She does not care for children in her own home but co-minds with another childminder at her home in Hemington in East Northamptonshire. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there are additional toilet and bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a large garden and play area for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time when working alone and 12 children when working with another childminder and an assistant. The registration also includes overnight care for 2 children to ensure

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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 continuity of care when the co-childminder is away. The childminder currently has joint care of 25 children under the age of 5, 14 children aged from 5 to 8 years and 3 children overnight. All are part-time arrangements. The co-childminder has 3 dogs, guinea pigs and fish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children participate in a wide range of outdoor activities to ensure they have fresh air and physical activity to aid their good health. The childminder takes sensible precautions to protect children from the harmful aspects of the sun and ensures they are suitably clothed in poor weather. Children are cared for in a clean, well ventilated environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children are familiar with personal hygiene routines and are developing an understanding of why they wash their hands before preparing food and eating. Children have an awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet. Older children help themselves to drinks and younger children are regularly asked by the childminder if they would like a drink, particularly in hot weather. The childminder takes account of parental wishes and children's choices to provide freshly prepared cooked meals

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Helping children to be healthy

which appeal to children and meet their dietary needs. Children are able to join in with the preparation of meals and are shown how to use tools safely. Children of all ages sit together around the kitchen table at meal times which encourages them to eat well and they enjoy meal times as a social occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move about the house and garden in complete safety because the childminder has a very good understanding of how to keep children safe and secure. She is able to identify and minimise potential hazards throughout the house and outdoor areas. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about personal safety and how to care for each other. Older children show concern by ensuring that when they play games using small pieces they do so out of reach of the younger children. Older children independently select toys and activities for themselves from a wide range of good quality equipment and resources, while the childminder and her co-minder plan activities for younger children and carefully monitor and supervise their choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The extensive range of toys and equipment are kept clean

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and maintained as and when necessary. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare well. She has all the

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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 required procedures and documentation in place. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate, has a secure understanding of local child protection procedures and her responsibilities in relation to them. However, while the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in relation to the emergency evacuation procedure, it has not been practised to ensure that it is adequate to safely evacuate children quickly and safely in an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle very well. They arrive confidently and quickly make themselves at home. Children's daily routines are maintained well because the childminder discusses these and their stage of development thoroughly with parents to ensure that she, her co-minder and their assistants have all the information they need to care for the children. Children of all ages relate well to each other. They enjoy being in each other's company and they play together, in small and larger groups depending on the activity. Older children show kindness by supporting younger ones when they need help. Children show independence by choosing what to do from a wide range of toys, books and planned activities, which appeal to all. Younger children particularly enjoy cooking activities, including making a birthday cake and preparing fruit and vegetables for meal times. Children also enjoy the outdoor

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

facilities which support their physical and creative development. All children spend their time purposefully and are ably supported by the childminders and their assistants.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children's needs are very well met and they are able to follow their normal routines. The childminder and her co-minder support children's individual needs very well, including those of children with special educational needs. The childminder helps children learn about their own and other children's beliefs and customs through discussion and participation in a range of interesting activities. Children visit a local shop and a near by farmers' market where they find out more about the local community. Children consult a map of the world to see where they, their parents and visitors to the farm were born. This provides a positive view of the wider world and increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children's behaviour is excellent because both childminders and their assistants are good role models. The childminder has a very positive approach to behaviour

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Helping children make a positive contribution

management expecting and receiving good behaviour. Children are aware of house rules and show respect for boundaries set. Children show care and concern for each other and older children support younger children. Relationships with parents are both professional and friendly. Through daily sharing of information, both written and verbal, and discussion about how the child has been and what they have been doing, the childminder ensures parents are kept fully aware of the level of care their child

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel very much at home and at ease in the well organised environment enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play and learning. The childminder effectively uses policies and well rehearsed procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Along with her co-minder she ensures children have sufficient space and freedom to play and are able to access appropriate toys and resources easily. All required documentation and record keeping is well maintained and shared with parents with the exception of those records relating to the administration of medication. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children's times of arrival and departure were included in the daily register. A new system of weekly register forms has been established which includes all required details. This enhances the level of care provided for 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 that the emergency escape plan is practised • ensure that written records are maintained relating to the administration of medication.

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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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