Day Sharon Louise Day

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 162291 Inspection date 23 August 2005 Inspector Lindsay Hare

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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 satisfactory. 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 registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and 5 children aged 4 to 16 years in Bishops Stortford. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 years. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The family has no pets.

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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 The childminder attends a local toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they develop good personal hygiene routines and self-care skills, such as flushing the toilet and washing their hands. They stay healthy because of the guidelines that the childminder follows regarding caring for sick children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. There are clear procedures in place for recording accidents and administering medication. Written parental permission has not been obtained for administering non-prescribed medication. Children benefit from a healthy diet and are offered the recommended daily portions of fruit and vegetables. They are provided with drinks regularly throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health, such as the trampoline, football and various ride on toys in the garden. Regular visits to the park and playground improve children's physical skills. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example socket covers, cupboard locks and a secure outdoor play area. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are not aware of the exit routes from the house and have not practised an escape plan in the event of an emergency. Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and play resources that are stimulating and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, such as not touching the oven because it might be hot and abiding by the rules when using the trampoline. Children know and comply with safety routines, such as holding hands and not running whilst outside the home. Children are protected as the childminder ensures that they are not left alone with anyone who is not vetted. She has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

a clear understanding of the procedure to follow if she has a concern. This supports children's well-being.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled, confident and make themselves at home. They use a variety of toys that are suitable for their ages and developmental stages. Children's independence is encouraged as they choose from a good range of play resources that are easily accessible and the younger child is encouraged to feed himself. They learn to share and take turns as they socialise with other children at the toddler and childminding groups they attend. Children are provided with meaningful activities to develop their creative skills and imagination, such as painting, drawing, role play and dressing up. They learn about numbers and colours through everyday situations, such as preparing lunch, cooking and shopping and they begin to recognise the properties of simple shapes and patterns as they use beads. Children develop a healthy interest in books and enjoy stories. Their language and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

communication skills are extended through the childminder's interaction, reading stories and the questions that she asks to make them think. Children enjoy the local environment and develop their physical skills through outdoor play in the garden and trips to the local park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a range of activities and play resources that promote an awareness of the wider world and increase children's understanding of others. Children's questions about the differences between people are answered openly and honestly. This helps children to develop a positive attitude towards others. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents and are fully included into family life. Children benefit from the good partnership between the childminder and the parents and the positive approach to working alongside other agencies. However, parents are not aware of the complaints procedure. Children behave well. They respond to the childminder and understand basic rules, such as one at a time on the trampoline. The childminder uses appropriate methods

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Helping children make a positive contribution

for managing children's behaviour which helps them to distinguish right from wrong. Children's self-esteem is developed as the childminder uses praise and encouragement to acknowledge their good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. They feel at home and settle well into

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 family life. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows the children to make their own choices. The childminder is responsible for setting up the local childminding group and is involved with the National Childminding Association as a childminder buddy, offering support to new childminders as well as the parents of the children she minds. This enables her to keep up to date with current issues regarding childcare. Documentation regarding the care of the children is in place. The childminder puts the appropriate policies and procedures into her daily practice to ensure that children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents. A good two-way flow of information between the childminder and the parents ensures continuity of care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, written parental permission to seek any emergency medical treatment has been obtained and socket covers have been fitted, allowing children to play in a safe environment.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • devise and practise an emergency escape plan • ensure that parents are aware of the complaints procedure which includes the address and phone number of Ofsted. • ensure that written parental permission is obtained prior to administering any 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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