Clatworthy Karen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY103042 Inspection date 22 August 2005 Inspector Jennifer 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 a childminder since 2001. She lives with her husband and stepson aged 11 years. They live in a house in Halesowen, with local shops, parks and schools within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor areas of the property is used for childminding and an upstairs bedroom used for sleeping purposes only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet rabbit, gold fish and two cats. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a

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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 member of the National Childminding Association and the approved childminding network. She is registered to care for 6 children under the age of 8 years and is currently caring for 11 children all who attend on a part-time basis.

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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, personal care and where the childminder maintains a stringent cleaning routine. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after toileting or playing in the garden is reinforced by the childminder, who reminds them that washing their hands will reduce the risk of cross contamination. Children who become unwell whilst in the childminder's care benefit from her knowledge of first aid, although sufficient details of where children sustain injuries following an accident is not always recorded. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to fresh filtered drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children know about foods that are good for them, as they choose healthy snacks from the detailed menu list held by the childminder, which she shares with their parents who provides their main meals daily. Children enjoy a wide range of activities both in the garden and during visits to local parks which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example they use the large climbing frame, dig in the sand and ride wheeled toys. All children are able to rest or sleep according to their needs and older children know that they can relax after their vigorous day at school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment where risk have been assessed, and some well-implemented policies and procedures are in place. Children's safety is placed as a priority whilst they are in the childminder's care. She carries out regular and effective checks on the premises to minimise risks to the children and her detailed assessments, consultation with the fire department and regular fire drills ensures that children are kept safe in the event of a fire. She talks to them about stranger danger and they know what to do if they get lost whilst on an outing with her. Children use an excellent range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate

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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 resources. These are well organised in child-height furniture to encourage independent access. Children know how to keep themselves safe because the childminder gently explains safe practices, such as why they should pick up items dropped on the floor or when they should not use certain toys, so that other children do not fall or hurt themselves. Children's welfare and safety is well protected because the childminder has a very clear understanding of the child protection procedures. She is fully aware of her responsibility and duty of care and shares this with parents. Children benefit from her commitment to acting in their best interest and the support she gives them if and when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children engage eagerly in a rich and stimulating range of activities that excites them. They develop their imagination as they play with the small world figures creating a farm and play with the train set. Excellent and inspired use of the outdoor play area offers them a wonderful environment where they explore and take calculated risks under the childminder’s close supervision. They enjoy using the large swing and climbing frame, or playing in the sand pretending to be by the sea. They are confident in taking the lead in their play as the childminder encourages independent thought and allows them to expand their games with appropriate and sensitive support. Effective and appropriate questioning by the childminder encourages their thinking and learning. They access reference books to find out information as well as enjoying a wealth of stories and songs shared with the childminder. They are confident in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

knowing that their play and work is valued and respected by the childminder who understands the importance of self-initiated play in children’s overall developmental progress. Children benefit from the range of activities available to them and the places they visit regularly with the childminder. They talked excitedly about baking cakes and of the 'Chilly Kiddies' play centre they attend each week and the various places they visit with the childminder. The childminder's knowledge of child development and her commitment to training ensures that the children's all round progress is enhanced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children know they are very important people as their individual needs are understood and positively addressed by the childminder. She takes time to discuss specific requirements and care routines with parents, taking account of their preferences and wishes. Children benefit from the regular exchange of information to ensure all their details are up to date.

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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 Children’s efforts and achievements are reinforcement and praises given at every opportunity, because the childminder strongly believes in developing children's confidence and self-esteem. She takes pride in seeing children develop to their full potential. This is due to her commitment, knowledge and understanding of each individual child and her experience in identifying interests to foster their self worth. Behaviour is very good. Older children are developing a sense of responsibility for their actions as they understand what is expected of them and what the consequences of their behaviour are for others and themselves. The childminder’s skill in handling age-appropriate behaviour results in children feeling secure and supported as she remains calm. Children are relaxed and content in her care as she

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Helping children make a positive contribution

fills their day with fun activities. Children are beginning to develop an awareness of the wider world and their community as they visit places of interest or use reference books to support their learning. They access a range of positive images resources reflecting the diversity of society, selected consciously by the childminder who also accesses a local toy library to expand the selection.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s welfare, care and development are promoted as the childminder is well organised and prepared for the children who attend each day. She takes time during the day to ensure each child has the opportunity for individual time with her exclusively, resulting in them developing a sense of security and confidence. Positive relationships with parents promote a sense of mutual trust in exchanging relevant information. Children confidently access all areas of the ground floor of the home feeling part of a family-orientated environment. All the legally required documentation which contributes to their well-being is in place and maintained confidentially. Children benefit from the childminder's enjoyment of her role in their lives and her commitment to providing a stimulating and positive experience for them and their parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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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 a more detailed description is maintained of where children sustain injuries following an accident.

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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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