Wilson, Eileen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 225560 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Ros Church

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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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and two children in Bottesford, Leicestershire. Minded children have access to the ground floor and first floor toilet facilities. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family pets include a dog, cats, guinea pigs and caged love bird. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently cares for two children under five part-time, and two children over five before and after school. She takes and collects children from the local schools, visits parks and the local library.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from daily activities which incorporate physical exercise and fresh air. They have regular opportunities for outdoor play in the garden and enjoy various activities including ball and skipping games, and use of wheeled toys such as a car and scooter. They develop large physical skills through planned trips to the local park. Older children walk to and from school with the childminder. Children have satisfactory opportunities to enjoy healthy foods, this includes fruit which is provided at snack time. The childminder works with the parents to ensure that children's individual dietary needs are met and that foods which are brought in by them are stored correctly. Children are able to access drinks when they require to prevent them from becoming thirsty. Children's good health and well-being are promoted as they are looked after in a well maintained and comfortable environment. Children develop healthy practices and

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Helping children to be healthy

follow satisfactory hygiene routines. For example, washing their hands after using the toilet, and before snacks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel secure in the well maintained environment where the childminder identifies and minimises the majority of risks, although telephone wires are not always safely secured. Children are always in the sight or hearing of the childminder, this means they are able to move around safely and independently which increases their confidence. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe through the childminder's clear explanations, and taking part in practical activities. For example, fire evacuation drills, and learning about road safety when walking to and from school. Children are protected, and their welfare safeguarded, because the childminder has a sound understanding of the child protection procedures and knows what to do in the event of concerns. Children use a suitable range of toys and play equipment, which are in good, safe condition. Equipment is stored within the lounge in easily accessible storage drawers

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and containers, this allows children to be independent and to make choices within their play. Children's work is valued and displayed within the hall area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and confident within the childminder's care. They explore

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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 their environment and are beginning to make some choices from a suitable range of familiar toys they enjoy. Older children take opportunities to relax after a busy day at school or engage in craft activities. During the day routines ensure younger children are happy and well cared for. Opportunities are provided for them to play in the home, or to widen their experiences when visiting the park, library or toddler groups. Good relationships exist between the children and the childminder, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Children build a sense of trust and their personal confidence through the childminder's approachable and supportive nature. Younger children's language skills develop as the childminder constantly interacts with them and becomes involved in their play. Opportunities for promoting all areas of children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development are not always planned for individual children. The childminder is aware of the existence of materials such as the 'Birth to three matters' and is developing her knowledge within this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual care needs are met, the childminder takes account of information supplied by the parents and the detail recorded on child information forms. All relevant information is exchanged daily, through communication verbally or the use of contact diaries, this keeps parents well informed regarding the care and activities of their own children. Children's good behaviour is supported through praise, positive reinforcement and appropriate sensitive strategies, this helps to develop their self-esteem and confidence. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the local community through walks in the village, visits to the park, library and toddler groups. They learn about some aspects of the wider world through conversations with the childminder. However, there are limited play materials available which support children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

independent learning about society, or to foster a positive attitude towards similarities and differences. The childminder has experience of caring for children with additional needs and has systems in place to include all children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home which is organised to meet individual needs. Suitable space is available for children to play and rest, with opportunities for them to make choices within their play. Children's safety and well-being are maintained, records required for the safe and efficient running of the setting are completed generally well. However, existing injury records are not completed, and the system for vetting all household members over the age of 16 is not secure. The childminder is committed to improving her practice and attends available courses in childcare, such as 'Birth to three matters' and child protection. She keeps up to date with all required training, such as first aid, enabling her to run her business safely and deal promptly with any accidents that occur when children

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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 are in her care. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure that the garden is safe for children to use after the dog has used it. This is now checked and cleaned prior to children using the garden. The childminder now includes sufficient detail in accident and medication records. She has written agreements with all parents ensuring that both parties are aware of each other's expectations, benefiting children through a consistent approach. The childminder has provided some books reflecting positive images of ethnicity, culture, gender and disability. However, these are few, and there are limited play materials available which support children's independent learning about society, or which foster a positive attitude towards similarities and differences.

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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): • ensure household members that have reached 16 years of age are appropriately vetted • develop planning of children's activities, to take account of individual stages of development, and interests, ensuring that activities and resources promote children's knowledge of the wider world • ensure all wires and flexes are inaccessible to children, with reference to telephone wires • ensure all accidents are recorded, with reference to existing injuries which children arrive with.

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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 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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