Sedgwick, Linda

Inspection report for early years provision

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321976 Unique Reference Number 04 December 2007 Inspection date Ingrid Pine 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 has been registered since 1987. She is registered to look after six children and has 10 on roll. Children attend for a variety of sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two adult sons in a detached house in the village of Altofts, situated between Wakefield and Pontefract. The playroom and dining kitchen area are used for childminding purposes, with occasional use of the lounge for sleeping children. There is a garden, to the rear, suitable for outdoor play. Nearby there are shops, parks, childcare groups and schools. A collection service from all the schools in Altofts can be arranged.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a terrapin in glass aquarium.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association and the Wakefield Childminder's Group.

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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's health is very well promoted because the childminder follows a range of excellent routines that prevent the spread of infection and cross contamination. They are cared for in a very clean and well maintained environment. Children know about personal hygiene routines. For example, children blow their noses and dispose of the tissues appropriately. Surfaces are cleaned down regularly and children help with this process enabling them to learn and understand the reasons for good hygiene practices. The childminder has a very comprehensive sickness policy which explains that children need the comforts of their own home and the love and attention of parents when they are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating and benefit from a very varied diet which is prepared daily from fresh produce, sometimes with the help of the children. Drinking water is always available and children have nutritious snacks and understand very well that eating fresh fruit and vegetables keeps them healthy. Mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions where child enjoy their food and each other's company.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get plenty of robust physical exercise. They use facilities at the local toddler group and play gym and have good control of their bodies. They enjoy regular fresh air and go for interesting walks in the local countryside, for example, they visit the nearby canal to feed the wild fowl.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Routines are consistent and discussed with parents and carers. They have their own blankets and comforters so that they settle easily.

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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 very safe and secure family environment. The childminder is vigilant with her security and her home is child-friendly which enables children to explore and take risks whilst being appropriately supervised. Visitors' identification is checked before they are allowed on the premises and all entrances are kept secure. The childminder encourages children to take responsibility for their own safety as she gently reminds them to tidy up after themselves and sit still on stools and chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy playing with an excellent range of high quality toys and resources. They are stored safely and children have free and independent access to them. They are kept in a very good state of repair and are regularly checked for defects and breakages. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to ensure her home is safe for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good procedures in place to ensure that appropriate people collect children from the childminder and there are good systems in place for delivering and collecting children to and from local schools. For example, the childminder ensures parents give written permission for their children to be transported in a vehicle and she has appropriate seats and boosters in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency and they have regular practices.

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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 Children's safety and welfare are well protected because the childminder understands her role regarding child protection. She has appropriate documentation from the Local Safeguarding Children Board and a written policy which is shared with parents and carers. This ensures that they are aware of her responsibility with regards to keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and settled. They enjoy themselves immensely and are helped to achieve their own potential. Excellent warm and caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. Children are highly valued and the childminder helps children to feel good about themselves by providing a high level of positive support, praise and encouragement. This helps to build children's self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident in initiating their own learning and are excited by the interesting activities provided. During play the childminder uses a fun activity to discuss number and shape. Children respond enthusiastically and show increasing skill in recognising and using number appropriately. For example, they expertly display their knowledge of their own ages and those of their peers. The childminder responds to children's interests and listens to their questions. For example, children notice a picture of a bird on a Christmas card. She brings the card to the play table and they discuss differences between the chaffinch on the card and a robin, a bird that the children are familiar with. Children draw pictures of insects and happily relate stories about finding snails and spiders whilst playing in the garden earlier in the year.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to develop their own ideas and interests, for example using the play cooker and equipment. The childminder is on hand to observe how the play develops, interacting at times to extend their play and learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder keeps records of children's achievements to monitor their progress. She shares these with parents and carers on a regular basis. They greatly appreciate these observations which help them to feel that they are not missing out on their children's development and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made welcome and cared for in an extremely loving family environment. Behaviour is managed very well and children are polite and well mannered. The childminder is a very good role model. Children are encouraged to share and the childminder plans enjoyable, appropriate activities that help children with differing abilities to work together and play in harmony.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children from different backgrounds and with learning difficulties are warmly welcomed and supported within the provision. The childminder takes account of all children's individual needs and respects their views. Appropriate resources support children's development and they learn about other cultures and their own local environment. For example, they play with a variety of small world figures that illustrate different races. They also learn about children who are less fortunate than themselves as they take part in local charity events.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a strong partnership with parents and carers and they are well supported. Information regarding their children is shared on a regular basis. For example, daily diaries set out general information and detailed profiles inform parents and carers of their children's achievements.

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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 The childminder regularly consults parents and carers and they are able to present their views on the childminder's provision. They are very happy with the care and education their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's dedication to instinctively providing a stimulating and interesting environment. She has been childminding for many years and is very experienced. However, the childminder is aware that she has accessed little regular training to develop her theoretical knowledge of childcare and good practice, for example, through the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Organisation

The setting is well organised. Play is child-led and children choose freely from a large range of easily accessible toys and equipment. There is a dedicated playroom which is warm and comfortable. Children proudly show the inspector their own paintings and drawings which are used well to decorate this room, helping to raise children's self-confidence and esteem.

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Organisation

A comprehensive range of documentation is very professionally maintained. This ensures the efficient and safe management of the setting and supports children's welfare, care and learning.

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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 last inspection the childminder was required to improve her documentation and emergency evacuation procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has greatly improved her documentation and developed her emergency evacuation procedures, ensuring the greater welfare and safety of children in her care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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):

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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 • investigate ways of accessing continuous training in order to further develop good practice.

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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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