Wood, Jacqueline Maria

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 300999 Inspection date 12 October 2005 Inspector Donna Suzanne Lancaster

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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 October 1999. She lives with her husband and five children aged 16, 13, 10, 5 and 3 years. They live in a village near to Darlington. The house is situated within walking distance of schools, shops, parks and other amenities. The ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a dog and two rabbits. The childminder is registered to care for four children under 8 years at any one time,

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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 she is currently caring for three children, of which, only one is under 8 years old. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. The childminder has documentation in place for addressing children's health needs, for example, appropriate documentation for the recording of accidents and medication administered. The childminder understands the importance of good hygiene routines to protect children's health and the children develop independence in personal care with encouragement and support. Children enjoy a suitable range of physical activities to help them develop their good health. Daily activities include opportunities to be outdoors, for example, in the garden, visits to the park and swimming. The childminder has a good understanding about appropriate types of activities and provides good levels of support giving children the confidence to try out new and build on their existing skills. Children benefit from a healthy diet and drinks are freely available to them. Varied

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Helping children to be healthy

snacks are provided to the children after school and their individual dietary needs are catered for to ensure children remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a spacious home where most risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around inside and outside the home safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to maintaining children's safety, for example the use of cupboard safety locks to prevent children's access to hazardous substances. However, the childminder has not carried out an emergency evacuation with the children. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of Child protection in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled with good levels of self esteem. They are confident and make themselves at home. Children relate well to the childminder and interactions are

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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 warm, promoting children's well being. The childminder shows an interest in what children do and offers praise and encouragement, for example, telling children that their work is very good. Children's individual needs are met through the childminder's good knowledge of their capabilities. Children independently choose from a variety of resources and they experience a good range of indoor and outdoor activities, resulting in children being motivated and spend their time purposefully. Children can be active or relax depending on their needs. Children enjoy exploring a wide range of enjoyable and interesting activities which contribute to developing their learning such as interactive toys, books, creative, construction and imaginative play. Children are supported by the childminder who encourages them to extend their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

experiences by listening and talking with them and providing activities which offer sufficient challenge and promote their well-being and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy good relationships with the childminder. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world, for example, as they go for walks in the local community. All children are welcomed into the home and participate in all activities because the childminder values and respects their individuality. Their needs are well met as they follow their daily routines as discussed with parents. Children’s behaviour is very good, as a result of the childminders consistent and positive behaviour management strategies. Children feel relaxed and secure in the positive atmosphere that the childminder creates. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has developed with their parents. Parents views about their children's needs are actively sought before the child starts and on a regular basis through daily verbal sharing of information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and the environment this means they are confident in their play. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder organises her time to meet the needs of the children. The childminder has completed relevant training courses, including Business studies for childminder's, Diploma in Childminding Practise and has up dated her first aid certificate. This knowledge is used to enhance the care given to children. Some of the required documentation is available, however, the vetting procedure is

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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 not fully completed, not all required vehicle documentation is in place, there is no parental consent to take children on outing and there is no procedure for parents to follow in the event of a complaint. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children being cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was recommended to ensure all low level glass was safe or inaccessible to children; to keep an up to date record of children's daily attendance; to ensure partner completed the vetting procedure; that the car is appropriately insured and written parental consent is in place for children to be transported in the car; to establish a written agreement with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements and to practice and record the fire evacuation procedure with the children. Since the last inspection the childminder has made some improvements, however, not all recommendations have been fully completed. The low level glass has been made inaccessible to children, documentation now includes written agreements with parents, consent to transport children in the car and a daily record of children's

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Improvements since the last inspection

attendance is maintained. This has helped to improve children's welfare. However, the vetting procedure for the childminder's partner is not fully completed; appropriate car insurance is not in place and a fire evacuation has not been practiced regularly. this resulting in children's safety not being fully met.

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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 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):

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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 • practice and record the emergency evacuation procedure with the children • ensure that vetting procedure is fully completed • ensure the car is appropriately insured and written parental consent is in place to take children on outings • provide parents with the procedure to follow in the event of a complaints.

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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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