Hoskins, Tia Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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159253 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Kay Roberts Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 first registered in 2001 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has previous experience of working for eight years as a nanny. The childminder lives with her husband and four children aged eight, six, four and two years. They live in a three-bed roomed, semi-detached property in Horfield, Bristol. The family have two pet rabbits. Minded children have access to all rooms on the ground floor and, the second bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. The fully enclosed back garden is suitable for outdoor play. Registration is for a maximum of three children under eight years and currently there are two children on roll, both of whom are under five years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where their good health is actively encouraged. The risk of infection is reduced as the childminder shares her policy for excluding children who are sick with parents and follows hygienic procedures. Young children learn the importance of hygiene through the daily routine as they wash their hands prior to eating. There are good procedures

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 in place for managing both accidents and medication so that children remain safe. They are protected from the elements. In winter they wrap up warm in coat, hats and gloves, and those travelling in a buggy are covered with a blanket. Children who are walking wear wellies when it is raining, so that they can have fun splashing in puddles without getting wet. Children do not get burnt in summer as sun screen is applied and children wear hats.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to be in the fresh air. In summer they remain interested in playing in the garden as the childminder provides a wide range of resources to sustain children's interest, many of which encourage the development of large muscle skills. Children regularly visit parks where young babies enjoy sitting in the swings. At Purdown Hill they like to watch balls roll down the hill. Babies develop large muscle skills as they are provided with the space to crawl. They develop strength in their legs as they pull themselves up into a standing position on low level furniture and on other occasions their weight is supported by the childminder holding their hands. Babies do not get over tired as rest periods are included in the daily routine. They quickly relax and fall asleep after the childminder gives them a gentle kiss and strokes their face, in the slightly darkened room, away from other minded children so they are able to

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies and young children do not get thirsty as they are offered drinks at frequent intervals. The childminder is aware of children's special dietary requirements. She is happy to accept children with a packed lunch or to cater to their needs herself. Children eat fruit snacks and babies are encouraged to try new tastes, such as, mango. Children eat a light lunch and healthy home cooked evening meal. It is a social occasion when all children and the childminder sit together. Babies are independent in feeding themselves finger food, which is broken down into manageable pieces.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a welcoming environment and have a sense of belonging as their art work is displayed. The childminder's home provides space for play, relaxation and physical activity. Furniture and resources are placed to the side of the room so that space is maximised. Children have variety of environment as they are able to move freely between the lounge and dining room. Children make informed decisions about the clean, safe toys they wish to play with, as they are placed in clear boxes. Some resources are of particularly good quality, for example, the play kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a secure environment so they do not leave unnoticed. There are good procedures in place so that children are protected from people not vetted and are only released to authorised adults. Children have few accidents as there is a risk assessment in place and potential hazards have been addressed, for example, all shelving is secured to the wall. The childminder is vigilant and when young children begin to stand, she is behind them so that they will be protected if they fall backwards. In the event of a fire children remain safe as the childminder has suitable equipment in place and practises the emergency evacuation procedure with children. Children are further protected as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of local safeguarding procedures.

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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. Babies are emotionally secure in the relaxed relationship with the childminder and her family. Babies follow the childminder as she moves from one room to another and on other occasions demonstrate that they are beginning to learn social etiquette as they wave and say 'bye'. They rock back and forth on the childminder's lap as they listen to nursery rhymes. The childminder's constant gentle interaction promotes language well so that babies are very vocal and try to initiate conversations with others. They pick up smaller toys and then explore them by mouthing and rotating them in their hand so they can study the object from varying angles, for example, a toy mobile telephone. Babies use hand-eye co-ordination to move beads along a twisted wire toy. They press the buttons on an interactive toy and listen to the tune and watch the lights which play in response. Having learnt how to close the lid on one toy, they repeat the exercise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They particularly enjoy listening to the bells as they shake them. Although only young, they are already making choices. They communicate by pointing and when given an item they do not want they throw it on the floor and put out their hands for something else. When they are offered the correct item they smile and quickly accept. When babies lose interest in the toys, a different box of items is placed within their reach. Babies, alert to what is happening around them, quickly move forward to investigate. They learn from the childminder's example and try to replicate a small tower made of blocks. Babies are unable to copy the actions of the childminder to work a spinning top so the childminder gently places her hand on top of the child's ,so they are successful and do not get frustrated. They develop a sense of self as they study themselves in mirrors and have fun as they play 'peak-a-boo' with the childminder. Social

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

skills are extended by regular attendance at a toddler group where they particularly enjoy music time and sometimes start clapping. They learn from the many first hand experiences as they visit parks, farms and Bristol Zoo. The childminder follows through on children's interests so they are motivated to learn and has a good understanding of child development. She is beginning to make observations of babies and young children which are shared with parents and recognises that these need to be further developed. Planning is based on children's next steps in learning so that they make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Babies new to the provision quickly settle as there is a gradual introduction over a two week period and the childminder follows babies' home routines. As the childminder works in close partnership with parents, babies and young children are emotionally secure. Parents are provided with good information both about the childminder's practices and their children. They are updated both verbally and via a fully detailed daily diary written from the child's perspective. There are fully detailed contracts and child record forms so that all parties are clear about their remit and children's individual needs are met. Parents and childminder meet regularly to review children's progress and discuss the implications for their next stage in learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Babies and young children are confident as the childminder follows through on their interests and they are praised for each achievement. All children are valued and included and the childminder has some experience of meeting children's additional needs. The childminder provides clear boundaries and any disputes are sensitively managed through distraction or negotiation. Young children begin to understand the local community as they go on many outings with the childminder, including trips to school and nursery. A positive attitude to difference is fostered from a young age as babies and children play with images reflecting our broad society and listen to pertinent stories.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides. She is appropriately qualified and keen to extend practice having undertaken further training since the last inspection. The childminder provides a welcoming environment where children have space for play, relaxation and physical activity. Babies and children are happy and settled with the childminder and make good progress. They are actively occupied at times and the childminder divides her time well between the children in her care, so that they receive a high level of support. There is a good system place so children continue to receive appropriate care even in the event of an emergency. Paperwork is well organised, confidentially maintained and where appropriate shared with parents. Documentation complies with both the National Standards and regulatory requirements.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good progress against the one recommendation issued at the last inspection in December 2004. Children now receive good care in the event of both minor and more serious accidents, as the childminder has written parental consent to seek advice or treatment in the event of a medical emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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.

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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): • continue to develop observation and planning.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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