Carey, Deborah Christine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY227203 Inspection date 06 September 2005 Inspector Glynis Margaret Kite

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 7 and 9 years. They live in a detached house. The whole of the ground floor, the bathroom on the first floor and the back garden are used for childminding purposes. The garden is fully enclosed. There is a variety of shops, a library, a park and a duck pond within walking distance. There is also a play group and parent/toddler groups in the area. There may be a maximum of four children on the premises at any one time. There are two children on the register. Children attend a variety of full and part time places.

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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 good. The childminder effectively promotes good health and hygiene practices through daily routines and keeping appropriate records up to date. As a result, children now take responsibility for washing their hands before meals and after visiting the bathroom. Children's health and well being is further promoted because the childminder implements an exclusion policy for sick children to prevent the spread of infection. Children are learning about germs and how they spread during routine activity and discussion. Children also benefit from lots of fresh air both indoors and out and have access to opportunities to develop physical skills during regular outdoor play activities. Babies benefit from restful sleep as they are placed outdoors in the fresh air. This is in keeping with parents' wishes and the babies' routines. Children enjoy healthy, balanced meals and snacks. The meals are based on menus

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Helping children to be healthy

which are shared with parents and take account of individual dietary requirements. The provision of meals is agreed between the childminder and parents. Where parents prefer to provide their children's meals, the childminder ensures that the meals are stored safely. Children can easily access drinks at any time and have their own cups which contributes to the high level of hygiene and further protects children from the spread of infection. Younger children have developed a healthy dependence on the childminder, while at the same time learning to become independent as they feed themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a safe, clean, warm and homely environment for children. They are able to move around freely and play in comfort. Good use of the space enables children to initiate and expand their play and have a change of scenery. The provision is well resourced with good quality furniture, toys and equipment, which allows children to experience active and quiet activities. There is a designated quiet area where children can play or rest for a while. Toys and play materials are rotated regularly to ensure children have sufficient challenge and do not become bored. However, toys and equipment made from natural materials are limited. Toys are placed in easy reach of the children and they are encouraged to ask for alternatives if they wish. Children are protected on and off the premises because the childminder is vigilant and gives gentle prompts and reminders to children about various aspects of safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She also gives children clear, simple reasons as to why certain behaviour and actions are potentially dangerous. This helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe. Children are further protected as the childminder effectively utilises

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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 safety equipment such as a fire guard, socket covers, a fire blanket and safety gates. She also has a written fire procedure policy. Children sleeping outside are dressed appropriately and monitored at all times by the childminder. They are kept safe during outings in the car because the childminder uses appropriate car seats and has obtained written permission from parents to take children in the car. Required documents for use of the car are available and up to date. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and is able to recognise signs of abuse. She would always follow the procedures set out in the booklet "What To Do If". These procedures are based on the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. The childminder's knowledge of these procedures

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

enhances the overall safety of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and eager to come to the childminder's home, where they can enjoy a wide range of toys and activities. Children play happily with puzzles, and enjoy imaginative play with a house and play people, babies, a tea set and a doctors kit. Children freely choose books and occasionally stop to watch television for a couple of seconds, commenting on what is happening and then return to play. The childminder does not have written play plans but does have a written routine that includes trips and children's individual routines such as visits to group care. Children are learning to play together and share. This can be difficult with children of varying ages, however the childminder supports both children well through this stage of development. Children are confident and happy around the childminder, they sit on her knee and snuggle in to her with their toys when they need a little reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children move around freely dipping in to the various toys and activities available. The childminder frequently asks the children questions, encouraging thinking and two way conversation and promoting good language and speech development. She also introduces lots of mathematical language such as 'on top', 'under', 'how many', 'little bed', 'big bed', while playing with the house and play people. Children are also beginning to use mathematical language. Children receive praise and encouragement, which helps to boost confidence and self esteem. The childminder recognises children's individual personalities and ensures they have opportunities to be themselves. The childminder actively listens to and plays with the children at their level, they enjoy this support and interaction and respond positively as they follow her lead.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from gradual visits, this enables them to get to know each other and for the children and parents' to become familiar with the setting. As a result children

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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 generally settle quickly. During these visits the childminder is able to obtain detailed information from parents to enable her to meet the individual needs of children in her care. This information is updated regularly to ensure continuity of care. All children are valued and included in the activities available and treated with equal concern and respect. Children benefit from a good range of resources that promote diversity, including books, puzzles and play people. They learn about the wider community as they take part in a variety of activities away from the childminder's home. A written policy is provided regarding equality of opportunity and special needs. The childminder is aware some children may have special needs and provides resources which reflect disability in a positive way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Behaviour management strategies are appropriate to the age of children being cared for. The childminder is consistent in her approach which helps children to learn and understand the rules. Children are encouraged to share, take turns and be kind towards each other. She tries to guide children towards making the right decision, thus helping them to learn right from wrong. Any concerns are shared with parents to ensure continuity of care for the children. As a result children behave well. The childminder regularly exchanges information with parents, keeping them informed of their children's progress and day to day activities. The children's records are updated regularly and shared with parents. As a result children benefit from the close working relationship between their parents and the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides good quality care for children. She follows procedures to ensure relevant adults are vetted appropriately. Children benefit from close supervision at all times. The available space and resources are organised well to meet the needs of children effectively. Good quality toys and furniture, which are kept in good condition and appropriate to the children, promote learning and fun. Adult-child ratios are maintained and attendance recorded in line with the National Standards. The premises are clean and maintained at a satisfactory temperature. All relevant records are available and up to date. Some written policies and procedures support the childminder and set out clear guidance for parents. All required certificates are up to date. Overall the provision meets the needs of those who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children now benefit from a good range of resources that reflect diversity and parents are given an information pack which includes the contact details for Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • develop a range of natural materials for younger children to explore and investigate. National Standard 5.

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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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