Kostuch Gretta

Inspection report for early years provision

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210161 Unique Reference Number 30 October 2007 Inspection date Jasvinder Kaur 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged seven, 13 and 15 years in Cannock, Staffordshire. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under- five part time. The childminder drives or walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is able to attend the local parent and toddler group. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local childminding group and 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 are encouraged to eat healthily and the childminder is active in ensuring good hygiene in relation to storing and serving of food safely. There is a sociable and relaxed atmosphere at lunch, times arranged with other childminders so that children can meet each other. A selection of drinks are readily accessible for all children at all times. Appropriate drinking cups are provided for younger children so that they can be more self-reliant. All children enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at meal times. The childminder is well aware of children's dietary requirements and preferences through consultation with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children understand the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines. For example, they spontaneously ask the childminder to wash their hands when they have finished with messy play. All children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Good hand- washing facilities are provided for all children. Babies have their hands wiped before meals and regularly throughout the day. Children are protected from the spread of infection because there is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illnesses. Good hygiene practices are implemented in regards to nappy changing. The childminder is aware of the necessity of keeping a record of medication administered to children. Accident records are well maintained and shared with parents, who countersign all entries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Good opportunities are provided for all children to have physical play in the fresh air. The resources provide sufficient challenge for a varied age group of children. They regularly play in the back garden, at their local park and at children’s centres. This ensures they understand the benefit of exercise and keeping physically fit. There are suitable arrangements for rest and sleep according to children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are welcoming to both parents and children, with a wealth of displays of children's art work and information for parents which contributes to children's well-being. The childminder provides a friendly and secure environment. Appropriate furniture and equipment is available to help children to become independent and take part in group activities. Space is used creatively both in the house and in the garden. There is a variety of toys and equipment available for children which enables them to develop their learning skills. Good organisation of resources provides free choice to encourage children's independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to learn about possible hazards and to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. Safety issues are highlighted in the house rules and children are warned about any hazards while they are playing in the house, in the garden and on outings. The childminder carries out safety checks around the area which minimises the risks to children. The good organisation of toys and equipment enables children to move around safely in the house and garden. They are supervised at all times. Children develop a good awareness of safety measures through emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis.

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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 The children are well protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. She has attended the relevant training and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make good progress through a variety of experiences which develop their learning skills. They are interested in the range of indoor and outdoor activities provided. They interact well with the childminder and demonstrate a sense of trust. Their communication skills are developing through listening to stories and with the encouragement of the childminder, asking and answering questions and sharing their personal experiences while on holiday. Babies show interest in illustrations and prints in books. There is a good selection of resources, including a wide range of books, art and craft materials, large equipment for role play and toys with different colours, shapes and sounds which helps them to advance their learning skills. Although the childminder uses the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework, she needs to develop further an effective practice to enhance children’s learning. A variety of themed activities are planned to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

supplement children’s learning and knowledge of the environment. Children seem very involved in the activities provided for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and have a good relationship with the childminder as she responds to their individual needs. This includes toddlers who have little verbal communication to express how they feel and what they need. Children work creatively and enjoy using a variety of techniques. For example, to celebrate Halloween, they colour a picture of a pumpkin, stick features on the face and use other materials to make a collage. They are encouraged to play on their own to develop their independence and to explore and investigate. Children are engaged in activities requiring hand and eye coordination and first-hand learning experiences, for instance baking and decorating cakes. Their mathematical skills are supported through appropriate activities, routines and resources. This means children’s development is supported appropriately by providing stimulating and interesting activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a sense of belonging. They appear to be settled as the childminder is well aware of their needs. Young children are provided with set routines of rest, play, outings and feeding times which helps them to feel secure. All children learn social skills and enjoy being with adults and peers at the childminders’ network meetings and at the children’s centres. They develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world through appropriate resources that promote equality of opportunity. They taste different foods and make lanterns and dragons while celebrating Diwali and the Chinese New Year. Children are involved in decision making when selecting play and taking part in household activities such as helping the childminder with tidying up and fetching little things to help her. Although there are no children currently attending the setting who have special needs, the childminder is able to provide care which

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Helping children make a positive contribution

would include them in the life of the setting through discussing children’s needs with parents and relevant organisations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are well mannered, happy and confident, as the childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour which takes into account children’s levels of understanding and maturity. Good behaviour is acknowledged and praised appropriately.

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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 are able to play together, share toys and take turns. Older children say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ spontaneously. They show care towards the younger children. Behaviour management is discussed with parents through verbal communication and well- documented policies. The children benefit from the childminder’s positive and professional relationship with parents which means that children’s needs are met. Parents are informed about and involved in their child's experiences and care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s needs are met, as the good organisation of space and resources allows them to play and learn. They benefit from welcoming premises where they feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. Required adult to child ratios are maintained at all times to meet children's needs effectively. The childminder regularly attends courses to keep abreast with developments in childcare. She holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. She has suitable arrangements to protect children and has undertaken relevant vetting procedures. This ensures that children receive appropriate care.

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Organisation

All documents are maintained and stored appropriately. They are readily available for inspection and shared with parents to keep them informed of their child’s care and routines. Parents’ contributions are valued. They are made aware of the complaints procedure should they have any concerns about the provision. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the childminder's qualifications, policies and information about the service provided.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge and understanding of the possible signs of abuse and neglect and ensure children's daily arrival and departure times are recorded accurately.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She has now attended the relevant courses in the recognition of signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She has also introduced a system for recording accurate times for the arrival and departure of children. This means children’s needs are met regarding these issues.

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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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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): • continue to develop the use made of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework in planning daily activities for children under three years old.

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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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