Fedin, Anita

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 321311 Inspection date 09 September 2005 Inspector Diane Lynn Turner

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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 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 10 in a detached bungalow. Most areas of the home are used for childminding with the exception of three of the bedrooms. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog, a rabbit and several tropical fish. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. She is currently caring for three children, two of whom are under five. Their attendance is a mix of

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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 both full and part time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. They have regular access to the large, well maintained garden where they are able to use a range of equipment including wheeled toys and a trampoline to help them develop their physical skills. They also regularly walk to school and enjoy visits to the local park. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder helps them to have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Nappy changing routines are managed well and there are effective procedures to ensure the children's safety around the family dog. For example, an area is provided solely for its use in the garden and all necessary veterinary checks are kept up to date. The childminder does not however, hold a valid first aid

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Helping children to be healthy

qualification. The childminder is not currently providing any meals for the children as parents provide their own, but she demonstrates a good understanding of promoting healthy eating. She ensures the children have regular access to drinks throughout the day and carefully follows parents' wishes about what they are given to drink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an extremely well maintained home where all risks are clearly identified and minimised. This enables them to move about safely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping the children to understand how to keep themselves safe both inside and outside the home. For example, she talks to them about road safety and why they need to use furniture correctly. She ensures they know what to do in the event of a fire and is particularly vigilant about their safety in the car. She discusses any safety issues with their parents as they arise and works closely with them in addressing these. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and resources. These are well presented, easily accessible and meet safety standards. The childminder is careful when purchasing toys to make sure they are appropriate to the age and stage of development of the children attending. For example, she has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

thoroughly risk assessed the children's use of the large trampoline in garden and taken all necessary precautions to keep them safe. The childminder has all the required documentation to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she clearly records any accidents 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 children may have and shares this with their parents. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse but does not have a secure understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) referral procedures or who to contact if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's house. They are confident in their surroundings and are very much at home. The childminder has a calm, caring manner and makes the children feel very welcome. The children have close relationships with her and are able to extend their learning and development in varied and interesting ways. For example, they enjoy looking at books, imaginative play and drawing activities. They develop an understanding of the wider world through visits to local attractions, walks to school and attending the local toddler group where they have opportunities to socialise with others. The childminder supports the youngest children very well in developing their communication skills. For example, they listen carefully and respond positively as they look at books with her. She gives them time to respond to questions, introduces new words and helps them to learn about numbers and counting. They respond

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extremely well to the childminder's guidance and show pleasure in the activities provided. Consistent support and praise from the childminder encourages them to become independent, learn what they can and can't do and when to ask for help. They become independent as they direct their own play and choose from the good variety of toys, books and activities, which are all easily accessible. They learn about personal care such as toileting and putting on their own shoes. They are happy, settled and well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of activities to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. They are able to use a range of toys and books in the home and learn about their local community as they enjoy visits to the local park and shops, and walks to school. The youngest children have opportunities to socialise with others as they attend the local toddler group and the older ones enjoy outings to attractions further afield in the school holidays. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder discusses their daily routines and individual needs with their parents and follows these effectively which means the children feel secure and settle well. Parents are kept well informed about the service and good communication is evident. Children behave very well because boundaries are explained very effectively at their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

level of understanding. They feel at home in their surroundings, are able to follow

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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 their own interests and select their own toys and resources. The childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement ensures the children feel self assured and supported in becoming confident in what they can and can't do. Any difficulties regarding their behaviour are discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach in helping to resolve these.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel very much at home and at ease in the childminder's care. The provision of a well organised and supportive environment enables them to move about freely and independently and develop their confidence to initiate their own play and learning. Clear procedures help the service operate smoothly and efficiently and are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. All aspects of the service are discussed with the parents and they are kept well informed about their child's care. For example, the childminder talks to the parents each day about their child's activities and keeps a daily diary for the youngest ones detailing all aspects of their care. Parents are able to contribute to this making it an effective two way communication tool. This helps to ensure that the children's care needs are being met continuously. Children are offered a broad range of activities and experiences to ensure their

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Organisation

progress and development is being fostered in all areas. All documentation is in place to ensure the service operates safely and efficiently. It is well organised and stored securely. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the safety and resources. She has expanded resources to support the children in learning about diversity by purchasing books and toys that reflect positive images of other cultures and she makes sure the children are familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop a knowledge and understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) referral procedures • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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