Evans Joanne

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY248437 Inspection date 19 December 2005 Inspector Karen Eunice Millerchip

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder has been registered 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged six months, five and seven years. They live in a house in Radford, opposite a large grassed play area and within walking distance to a variety of local shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The garden is not registered for use. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for 3 children under 8 years and currently minds

p.2

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 three children under 8 years; care is also provided to children over 8 years. She takes children to and from school and attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a Btec in Social Care.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through a regular daily routine. They are provided with individual face cloths and toothbrushes to encourage independence and develop self-help skills. Children understand the need to wash hands before meals and after toileting; older children do so independently and younger children receive appropriate support. Toys and equipment are kept clean to reduce the risk of infection. Children's dietary needs are met well. They are offered healthy choices at snack and meal times in line with their personal likes and dislikes. Children take part in making their own food such as pizza, fruit kebabs and chapattis which develops their interest and enjoyment of meal times. A menu is provided to give parents an understanding of the types of food on offer. Mealtimes are a sociable occasion where children sit

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

together at the table and talk about the days events. Children engage in a suitable variety of activities that promote their physical well-being. They walk to school and visit the local park where they can use the climbing frame, swings and play football. Children learn about how things grow during their time planting flower and vegetable seeds. During the school holidays children have a full agenda to keep them busy and occupied this includes using local community education resources and visiting local places of interest such as the motor museum and the canal basin.

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 well-maintained home. Their risk of injury is minimised as the childminder uses information gained on training to assess the safety of toys, equipment and areas to be used on a daily basis. Any potential hazards have been assessed and appropriate actions taken to minimise the risk to children. This enables children to move independently around the house and freely access well-maintained toys and equipment. Resources are stored at low level so children can safely choose their own activities. Children follow good procedures for keeping floor space clear such as using individual coat pegs and a shoe box to encourage tidy storage, thereby encouraging children to take responsibility for their own safety and reducing potential hazards. Children are closely supervised both indoors and outside. They are learning the importance of staying safe because of the childminder's consistent approach to

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 reinforcing rules and boundaries. Children show a good understanding of road safety when walking to and from school and are learning about possible dangers when out and about such as talking to strangers and safety near water. Appropriate fire safety precautions are in place and children practise the emergency evacuation procedure to ensure a quick exit from the house should an emergency occur. Children's welfare is suitably promoted through the childminder's general understanding of child protection issues; however this could be further improved by the childminder gaining a more detailed understanding of local 'safeguarding children' procedures. Parents are verbally informed of mutual roles and responsibilities that help to keep children safe from harm

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and interested in their play. Positive relationships have developed with the childminder, her family and other children who are cared for. Children extend their language skills and vocabulary through sharing ideas, questioning and encouragement to problem solve. They show enjoyment during play and are keen to try new activities such as decorating biscuits using icing sugar, cherries and chocolate buttons to create a festive reindeer. They are encouraged to develop new skills as they are given appropriate opportunities to use a knife to cut fruit and to count cups and plates for snack time. Toys and resources are freely accessible and the childminder prepares activities that interest and challenge the children. They benefit from a wide range of play opportunities and activities that support their learning and increase their understanding of people in society. Flexible planning is in place that is well-balanced

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and takes account of children's individual needs. Children are provided with enjoyable and stimulating opportunities both indoors and when going out and about.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their views respected. They receive individual care according to their needs and have equal access to resources and play opportunities that increase their knowledge and understanding of different cultures and the wider world. Children are learning about each others similarities and differences through play, discussion, and books. Photographs are collated that show children presenting their understanding of different festivals and cultures such as Eid and Ramadam. Children's views are sought and respected; they have recently completed a 'thoughts page' on what they think 'babies do most' to enable the childminder to gain an understanding of their feelings towards the new baby in the family and help resolve any issues. They are encouraged to be kind and helpful and are beginning to understand the needs of others. Children play co-operatively together and are responsive to praise and

p.4

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 encouragement for good behaviour and achievements. They have clear boundaries and guidelines which help them understand right from wrong. Children are well behaved and are familiar with the rules of the house and the childminders expectations. Children are offered a gradual settling in period where they become familiar with the childminder, her family and the new environment. The childminder also offers to visit the child in their own home to promote the links between home and the childminder, thereby promoting their feeling of security and belonging. The children benefit from good information shared between the parents and the childminder, this includes individual likes and dislikes, attainments within the home and any other information that will support the continuity of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. All documentation for the safe management of the children is in place. Records are kept up to date and securely stored. The children are happy and content in a well organised and homely environment. The childminder has flexible plans and routines which are adapted to meet the individual needs of the children being cared for. During school holidays parents are given a copy of the week’s activities so they know where their children are and the wide variety of experiences they are enjoying. The children's welfare is enhanced by the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibilities of caring for children in her own home. The childminder seeks to keep up to date with childcare issues and has attended training in areas such as health and safety, encouraging children's self-esteem and building confident learners to improve her quality of care of the children. As a form of

p.5

Organisation

self-assessment and to support continuous improvement the childminder is currently developing a portfolio for a 'Quality First' assessment. Therefore, overall the needs of all children are well met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain parent's written permission to gain emergency medical advice or treatment for their child. Detailed information is now kept on the children's records and within an address book which ensures the childminder can access emergency medical advice or treatment when at home and when out and about.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

Complaints 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

p.5

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 good. 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): • improve children's well-being by gaining knowledge of local 'safeguarding children' guidance and procedures.

p.6

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

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.6