Powell, Adele Amanda

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY231663 Inspection date 02 November 2005 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in a semi-detached house. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, plus the upstairs toilet facilities, are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under 5 years all part day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local childminder drop in group. The family have a dog, fish and several small caged

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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 animals. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are familiar with daily routines and the importance of practising personal hygiene skills. They know for example when to wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs, particularly after they have been to the toilet. Effective procedures followed by the childminder, to protect children from illness and infection. The childminder has completed a first aid course to enable her to administer emergency first aid treatment to any child. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are provided with water and a range of juices. Snacks and meals are healthy and nutritious and include fresh vegetables, fruit and various finger foods. The childminder takes into account the wishes of the parents and children's preferences to provide foods that appeal to the children and meet their dietary and religious requirements. The environment is warm, clean, safe and well maintained. Children are able to rest

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Helping children to be healthy

and be active according to their needs and are well protected from harm. The childminder has not received a copy of the Birth to three matters framework so does not use this guidance to enhance her provision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures children are cared for in a safe, secure environment where risk of accidental injury is minimised through good safety and security precautions. This means children have room to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder sets acceptable examples for children to follow and helps them to understand how to keep themselves safe, both inside and outside the home. However, her vehicle insurance was not available at inspection and the front emergency exit is not kept clear and free from obstruction. Children are able to ask for toys and activities from a good range of resources. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, age appropriate and in good condition. Children are encouraged to help tidy away toys they have finished with to help them take responsibility for keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required documents and procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a clear understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local area Child Protection Committee guidelines. She has attended and completed an up to date

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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 child protection course.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled at the childminder's house and enter with confidence and make themselves at home. The childminder encourages the children to interact with other childminder's children and each other. This means they are beginning to build meaningful relationships and enjoy being sociable. The childminder has fostered good relationships with the minded children, she knows them well and what they like to play with. Some children are cared for, for short periods of time, before and after school, but spend their limited time purposefully playing with the toys provided. The childminder sets out activities for full time children prior to their arrival, ensuring they have a well balanced range of play situations. This means they are motivated to learn and are appropriately challenged. Toys and resources are age appropriate and in excellent condition. Older children are encouraged to complete any homework they may have and the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder gives help where required. They have a good relationship with each other and are happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals and their needs are met well as they follow their daily routines. Parent's wishes are taken into account when establishing children's needs and all relevant information is recorded at the initial visit. Children learn about the local community and have access to reference books and satisfactory multi-cultural resources reflecting diversity and the world around us. Children show concern for each other, playing harmoniously together. They behave well through clear guidance, praise and encouragement from the childminder. House rules are established and children are aware of what they can and cannot do. For example, completing simple tasks such as helping to tidy toys away. They understand right from wrong through consistent and achievable boundaries and are learning to develop a positive attitude towards each other. Partnership with parents is effective and they are fully conversed in the daily routines

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and what their child has been doing. Regular verbal and written communication ensures they are aware of the service the childminder provides. Daily diaries are used to inform parents of what their children have been doing and the childminder shares all relevant information and new legislation. Information from school is passed onto parents when they collect their child.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has efficient daily routines that are successfully implemented to ensure children are settled and confident. Policies and procedures contribute effectively to the safe running of the setting, promoting care and the welfare of the children. However, not all documentation is in place and improvements need to be made. Documentation is safely stored away, regularly shared with parents and confidentiality is maintained. Children's safety is addressed positively to ensure they are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Adult to child ratios are maintained and children are fully supervised. The childminder attends regular training courses to enhance and improve her provision. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Some vehicle documentation was seen and checked at the inspection. The childminder is fully aware that she must have appropriate car insurance to enable her to transport the minded children in the family vehicle.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 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):

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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 • ensure all exits are kept clear and free from obstruction • obtain appropriate vehicle insurance and make this available at the next inspection • ensure the daily register contains details of the exact times of children's arrival and departure • ensure parents are notified of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint.

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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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