Fitzgerald Michelle Angela

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 202232 Inspection date 26 May 2005 Inspector Lynn Denise Smith

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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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her son, aged 12 years in a house in West Bergholt, a village to the north of Colchester. The house is located next to a small park which can be accessed through the back garden. There are also local shops, toddler groups and a library. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor and occasional use of the childminder's sons' bedroom, with his permission. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play. The family have a rabbit and a guinea pig.

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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 Child Minding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are aware of personal hygiene and keeping healthy through clear daily routines and support from the childminder. Children have their own flannels and towels, which are accessible in the ground floor bathroom. Children are able to explain why they must wash their hands and know that this reduces the spread of infection. The childminder uses the National Childminding Association documentation to support her in meeting the needs of children and keeping parents informed about their health and accident records. Children have daily opportunities to access fresh air and take part in physical play, in the rear garden and at the play park situated at the back of the house. Two other parks are also within walking distance of the childminders home and used on a regular basis. Children are able to rest and be active, according to their individual needs. An excellent selection of well balanced meals are provided for the children, prepared

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Helping children to be healthy

and cooked by the childminder. She devises a weekly menu, which incorporates the children's likes and dislikes and regularly has six or seven children sitting down for a two course meal after school. Children take an active role in setting the table and have established their favourite places to sit. Meal times are used to encourage gentle chat about the children's day, what has happened at school, or about their home life.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks to the children's safety are minimised by the childminder's effective organisation. The home is prepared and checked prior to the children coming home from school and the play space is made as clear as possible, by the childminder moving the dining table to one side of the room. The childminder has clear rules, which help keep the children safe, such as only older children are allowed to play upstairs and no children are to go into the kitchen when she is cooking their meal. A serving hatch in the kitchen/lounge wall ensures that children are continuously supervised. Toys and play materials are regularly checked and cleaned. Children are able to access the toys from the boxes under the stairs. The provision of accessible storage enables the children to develop independence and to tidy away the toys after playing, leaving the play area safe and clear.

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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 The children's welfare is of paramount importance to the childminder, she is confident about protecting children and has clear procedures for supervising children both indoors and when walking to and from school and on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are eager to attend this setting, they know that their interests and well-being are important to the childminder and that she values their individuality and personal likes and dislikes. An excellent, warm, nurturing relationship exists between the childminder and children and they form caring, warm relationships with each other. This was highlighted, when a child arrived home from senior school on the school bus, to be greeted by the childminder's son saying, " here comes my brother from a different mother". Children become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. They are supported by the childminder to try out new challenges and extend their skills. They are enthusiastic and animated and play a dynamic role within the general organisation of the setting. Children make choices about their play and learn to co-operate and negotiate rules. Decisions about

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities are shared and each child is able to make an equal contribution to ideas and suggestions for future activities. Children are able to be creative and have excellent opportunities to display their creative achievements along the hallway of the childminder's home. At present there is a ' Finding Nemo' mural, created jointly by the children, covering the banisters. Children talked excitedly about other displays they have created in the past. Cookery and ideas books are used to enhance the children's creativity. Well planned outdoor activities enable children to extend their learning and to develop skills such as crabbing and provide excellent opportunities for children to prepare picnics and to learn to use public transport.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved and aware of acceptable boundaries within the childminder's home. They are confident and have well enforced routines. Children are developing an increasing independence in organising their play, supported by appropriate organisation of resources and equipment. Children are beginning to show an understanding and appreciation of other peoples cultures and differing needs and use a selection of well chosen books to help develop this understanding. Knowledge of other peoples cultures could be further developed through the celebration of festivals and special occasions. The childminder has an excellent working relationship with the parents, many of whom she has known and worked for, for many years. The children benefit from this

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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 closeness by the childminder demonstrating a sound understanding of their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for in an organised and homely setting. The range of toys and activities enhances the children's enjoyment and the safe, caring service provided by the childminder, ensures that children are happy and settled. All appropriate records are in place and well maintained to ensure children are safe and cared for effectively. An extensive portfolio of information is available for parents, informing them about the childminder's service and detailing how their children will be cared for. This is used as a discussion point when first meeting parents, contracts are then drawn up, taking into account the needs of the childminder and her son, the family and most importantly the children. Overall, the needs of the range of children for whom day care is provided is well met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the time of the last visit, no recommendations or actions were set.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report.

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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): • Continue to develop the range of toys and resources which reflect equal opportunities and extend the children's learning of other peoples customs and festivals.

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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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