Pringle, Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY219249 Inspection date 20 December 2005 Inspector Andrea Rockett

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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 has been registered since December 2001. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 4, 6 and 9 years. The home is close to local amenities with parks, library and a toddler group nearby. All areas of the ground floor and the master bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to provide care for 4 children under 8 years of age and there are currently 10 children on roll who attend on part time sessions. The childminder 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 are cared for in an environment that is warm, clean and very tidy. The childminder actively promotes good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection and to keep children healthy. For example, they understand healthy hygiene procedures such as washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. Children have access to liquid soap, although, hygienic hand drying procedures are not in place. Recordings are up to date for medication and there are clear written details for the exclusion of sick children to prevent cross contamination, the details are shared with parents. Healthy eating is promoted through daily discussion, children are offered a varied selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are essential for their well being and healthy growth. The childminder takes account of parents wishes, so that children's individual health and dietary requirements are met successfully. For example,

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Helping children to be healthy

excellent written varied menus are produced to give parents and children information about meal choices, these are displayed and incorporate vegetarian diets. Meal times are social occasions and children sit and talk whilst enjoying their meal. A wide and varied selection of physical activities are offered to children, which contribute to their good health, for example, they use the stimulating outdoor facilities, including a climbing frame and swings. Children confidently use a variety of large and small equipment as they play and make creative pictures. Fine motor skills are enhanced as children expertly use glue sticks and scissors. They show an awareness of space and move with confidence in the home.

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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 clean home where risks are identified and minimised successfully, which allows them to move around safely and independently. Furniture and equipment is of a suitable design and conforms to safety requirements. It is organised effectively creating a child friendly environment. The childminder follows her comprehensive written risk assessments and checks all toys and resources frequently to ensure children remain safe. Children independently select from an excellent range of toys and equipment, which promotes their decision making skills. For example, they help to take the train set out of the box and enjoy fixing it together on the carpet. Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe effectively. They learn about fire safety; they know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency and the childminder practises this regularly with them. The childminder is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

skilled in achieving a good balance between freedom and safe limits as she offers clear explanations to highlight cause and effect. For example, " don't put your fingers in the door frame or they will get trapped".

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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 Procedures for child protection are clearly understood by the childminder and she recognises this is her first priority. Children are effectively supervised at all times and they are taught about road safety on outings, which increases their ability to assess risk. For example, the childminder reminds them to look right and left and to always use their ears and eyes. Children have a good awareness of the safety limits, which ensures they have freedom to take risks whilst learning effectively of danger and ways to protect themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and comfortable in the childminder's home. Written plans ensure children access a wide variety of interesting and challenging activities supported by quality resources, which meet their individual stages of development. Children's hand and eye co-ordination is extended during craft activities, for example, they cut paper with scissors and stick 'eyes' onto their snowman pictures successfully. They use the pincer grasp as they sprinkle glitter onto their pictures. Everyday activities are used to help children learn colour definition through conversation, for example, "I want the pink cup". Children learn about shape and size as they fit pieces of the train track together. The childminder widens the children's vocabulary as they talk about 'straight' and 'curved' pieces and become aware some pieces are 'too big'. The childminder ensures children are engaged in their activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and asks them questions that extend their experiences and learning. Children talk happily about their play, make decisions about what they want to do, and are confident to ask for what they need. For example, they state, " I want to make a snowman picture". They enjoy using their imaginations in role play and take on family roles or those of familiar people in the community, for example, doctors and nurses. They share and take turns and communicate effectively, " after you have been the doctor, I will be the doctor". The childminder allows children to plan and initiate their own play, stepping back to observe how the play develops, interacting occasionally to encourage the children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become self assured and develop a positive sense of themselves as their individuality is valued. The childminder treats children with equal concern and aims to help children recognise and value diversity through the use of activities, foreign foods and outings. For example, they enjoy visiting the Royal Armoury and the theatre. Children are independent and learn to manage their own needs, for example, they access their own aprons for craft activities. The childminder is calm and consistent and children follow her example, and respond well to her care. Lots of positive praise and encouragement is offered, which helps to develop children's confidence and self esteem. Good behaviour is displayed, for example,

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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 know to tidy away one set of toys before getting out more. This reinforces their awareness of routine and what is expected of them. Children have an awareness of their own needs and are sensitive to those of others. A positive and successful relationship with parents is established. Recordings are up to date and parents share the written policies and procedures. They are informed of their child's care through verbal daily discussions. This helps to ensure children's individual needs are met effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home, settled and at ease in the relaxing, welcoming environment. They move freely and easily around the setting, demonstrating confidence and independence. They benefit from the childminder's commitment to extending her knowledge and understanding of childcare information as she regularly attends training courses. Resources and activities are successfully organised and this enables children to extend their play. The childminder uses good questioning techniques that extend children's thinking, vocabulary and learning. Regular verbal exchanges ensure that the parents and the childminder enjoy a positive, working relationship. Written documents ensuring the welfare of children are stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality and security. Overall the setting meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three recommendations were in place relating to documentation and safety. These have been addressed appropriately and there is now written parental acknowledgment for all medication recordings and parents have given written consent for emergency medical treatment. The bricks and planks in the garden have been removed. These help to ensure the care and safety of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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

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 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): • develop hand drying procedures to prevent cross infection.

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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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