King, Alison

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY224437 Inspection date 30 August 2005 Inspector Catherine Julie Stainthorpe

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 7 and 5 years. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes children to the park which is within easy walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for six children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder has two pet cats. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are daily opportunities to play in the garden and to go for walks to the local park. Children explore the garden in a safe and well supervised environment, where hazards are identified and minimised. For example, the youngest children explore the brightly coloured tents and crawl through the tunnels under the watchful eye of the childminder. They become increasingly aware of the space around them as they develop important physical skills. Children have the benefits of the fresh air when they take a morning nap. The childminder positions the buggy in the garden in a shaded place in the sunny weather. Children are well supervised and regularly checked by the childminder while they sleep. Children are offered a drink on waking and they have regular healthy and nutritious snacks throughout the day, which are agreed with their parents. Children's

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Helping children to be healthy

health needs are well promoted as the childminder works closely with parents to meet children's individual requirements. Her knowledge and understanding of very young children's development helps her provide a variety of activities and levels of support. This gives children the confidence to try out new skills which supports physical development and nurtures the enquiring mind. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the important aspects of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder talks to the very young children about the need to wash their hands after using the play dough and before having a snack. The childminder shares her well written illness policy and procedures with parents and is clear about her expectations. As a result of this, the risk of infection is lowered and children are more likely to remain well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and inviting childminding home where the childminder effectively identifies and minimises known hazards. The childminder is vigilant regarding safety. For example, she takes every precaution to ensure that the children learning to walk, do so in a well organised and safe environment. For example, she removes any small pieces of toy which may present as a choking hazard as the children explore and investigate. The childminder has developed strong relationships with parents and she keeps them well informed of her safety procedures for both inside and outside the setting. For example, she pays important attention to her written emergency plan and ensures all parents contact information is up to date and readily accessible. As a result of this action, the children's welfare and safety is well promoted because parents can be contacted immediately if required.

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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 good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. She is kind, affectionate and supportive towards them and the children respond well to her. For example, when the young child becomes frustrated and cross with a toy, she quickly steps in to divert the child's attention to another interesting and fun activity, such as building with the wooden bricks. Toddler's are encouraged to develop their physical skills in a safe and supportive environment. In this instance children learning to walk are provided with equipment, such as the brightly coloured play tents and tunnels, which encourage them to crawl, balance and develop gross motor skills. The childminder knows the children she cares for well and she works closely with parents with regard to their everyday routines and needs. Children enjoy a good range of age and developmentally appropriate activities each day. For example, the toddlers sit for short periods at the small sturdy table to play with the home made play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

dough. The childminder responds to the toddler's gestures and sounds well. She sits with them and talks about what they are doing. This encourages the children's language development. Children have ready access to the good range of resources set out each day. This encourages them to start to make decisions about their play as they choose from the stimulating, age appropriate and fun range of toys, which include, musical instruments, books, jigsaws and construction toys. Toys and activities provided are very likely to support and enhance children's play and learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows the children she cares for well, they are included in everyday family activities which gives them a sense of belonging. For example, visits to places of special interest, which include the farm park are eagerly anticipated and these visits help children learn about their environment and the world of nature. The childminder is sensitive to the different needs of the children and she works closely with parents in exchanging information, which helps promote their well being, development and progress. The childminder places strong importance on following parents wishes as to the care of their children and records and shares information both in written and verbal form at the end of each day. The majority of parental consents are in place, however permission is not received in writing to allow the childminder to take photographs of children engaged in childminding activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the well established daily routines which allow time to eat, rest and play indoors and outside. They begin to know what is expected of them because the childminder is caring and consistent in her approach. The childminder has a good understanding of children's developmental milestones. She positively manages

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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 negative behaviour and recognises children are learning to deal with a range of emotions and feelings. There are some toys and resources which are readily available and contribute to children's becoming more aware and learning about diversity. However, children would benefit from the development of books and other resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. Toddlers playing and learning to walk can move comfortably, easily access toys and equipment and develop freely in this well supervised and child friendly setting. This means children develop confidence and self-assurance. They are well supported by the childminder as they engage in daily activities. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare care and learning of children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the childminding service. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding of Child Protection. She has attended Local Authority Basic Child Protection training and has a certificate of attendance and relevant child protection information readily accessible. As a result of her actions, children's welfare and safety have been improved.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability • seek written parental consent before taking photographs of minded 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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