Jennings Nicola Faith

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

222038 Unique Reference Number 28 July 2008 Inspection date Denise May Smith Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 18 in a village close to St Ives. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding eight children under eight and nine children over eight, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has one dog, two cats, two guinea pigs and two hermit crabs.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder's practice is based on effective policies and procedures which promote the physical, nutritional and health needs of children in her care. Children develop a good knowledge and understanding of hygiene as they wash their hands at appropriate times, such as when

p.2

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 they touch the animals or before cooking. The childminder has good nappy changing systems in place; this together with the many other effective cleaning procedures ensures children are cared for in a clean environment. Each child has a named towel to dry their hands on which helps to prevent cross-infection between the children. Children are becoming increasingly independent as they take more responsibility for their personal care.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has all of the appropriate documentation relating to any accidents that may occur and any medication that may need to be given. However, the permission enabling her to provide emergency medical advice and/or treatment is not written in line with the National Standards which does not underpin the care provided.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy, balanced meals and snacks. The childminder consults parents and children about their food preferences and dietary requirements. The childminder generally provides the lunch for children and a range of healthy snacks appropriate for both the younger and older children. Parents are welcome to provide a packed lunch if they prefer. The children learn from each other as they sit and eat together promoting social interaction. Younger children have drinks in non-spill cups, available at all times, and older children access drinks as needed to prevent them becoming thirsty.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their physical skills as they freely access a range of toys and equipment both indoors and when in the garden. Children help themselves to the toys. As a result even the very young children are confident to explore their surroundings with ease.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a homely environment. Space is well organised and there is ample space to enable children to move safely and freely around the house and to take part in a wide range of activities. Children are provided with good quality toys and equipment which meet their developmental needs and interests. Toys are effectively organised and stored in low-level boxes, enabling young children to easily identify toys and self-select. This encourages children to make choices, initiate their own play ideas and be independent.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of how to minimise risks effectively. She carries out in-depth written risk assessments and uses these to ensure that her home is hazard free. The childminder has a fire evacuation plan and practises this with the children on a regular basis. All of the required fire prevention and fighting equipment is in place which helps to enhance children’s safety. When outside of the home the childminder enables children to keep themselves safe as they learn to use the crossing, discuss general road safety and issues relating to 'stranger danger'.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has recently attended safeguarding children training and as a result has updated her knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect and the referral procedure. She has a good understanding about her role and responsibilities and is able to protect children and keep them safe.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of activities and access a range of resources which help to promote their development. They become independent in making choices, as they select toys, books

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and games from low-level storage units in the lounge. The childminder successfully supports the children in their learning and play according to their individual needs.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are relaxed and make good progress with the childminder as she talks and plays with them to develop their understanding. They enjoy stories and regularly share books and go to the library to extend this activity. They develop their creativity as they play with dough, paint and draw. They develop their imaginations as they play with small world toys and home play equipment. Older children sensitively support the younger children in their play as they help them dress up in costumes and play doctors together with a good range of accessories.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children increase their understanding of size and shapes as they play with jigsaws and bricks, and through general play. They play actively in the garden with a good range of resources and learn to socialise as they meet with other children at local groups.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well. She treats them as individuals and with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. They gain an awareness of diversity through some of the resources that are provided. The childminder shows a proactive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children are beginning to develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings around the local environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They learn right from wrong, about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. They receive regular praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder who acts as a good role model as she says ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are kept mostly informed about the care the childminder provides; she shares all the necessary records and information with parents. However, some of the written permissions in place are not in-depth enough to underpin the care provided, such as the use of sun-cream. New parents are encouraged to visit the home prior to the child being looked after ensuring the childminder knows the child's daily routine and individual needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable, settled and at ease with the childminder, and in her home. As a result they are confident to move around the premises and initiate their own play. Toys are stored and accessible in the lounge; children confidently make selections as they please.

p.4

Organisation

The children's needs are met through appropriate organisation. Children benefit from routines which help them feel secure and relaxed. They play, eat and rest as they need to. A variety of activities are available which provide children with a range of play opportunities.

p.4

Organisation

Documentation is stored securely and most information shared appropriately with parents. The childminder holds a childcare qualification and is proactive in attending ongoing training in order to stay up to date with current childcare practice.

p.4

Organisation

Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop her knowledge and understanding of the changes in regulations with regard to keeping a complaints log. This is now in place and available to parents on request.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection one complaint has been made to Ofsted. An Ofsted Inspector visited to discuss the concerns raised in full, to observe practice and review relevant records. The concerns were investigated under: National Standard 2 (Organisation), and 6 (Safety). As a result of the investigation the childminder was found to not be meeting National Standards 2 and 6 and was asked to take action to ensure these standards were met. The childminder has taken appropriate action and remains qualified for registration.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 further the agreements with parents, this relates to the consent for emergency medical advice and/or treatment and the application of sun-cream.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5