Hill, June Lorraine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 503246 Inspection date 25 November 2005 Inspector Ann Doubleday

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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 June 2001. She lives with her husband and son aged 6 years in Richmond. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under 5 years on a part time basis and three children before and after school. She walks or drives to the local school to take and collect children. Family pets include a cat and a parakeet. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are outdoor activities to help them develop their physical skills, for example, as they enjoy regular visits to the park and run around in the garden. Children's awareness of good hygiene practices is raised by the childminder explaining the importance of following good routines and by setting a good example. Older children know to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet and younger children are beginning to gain an understanding of routines. Effective procedures followed by the childminder result in children being protected from illness and the spread of infection. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which contributes to their good health and sense of security. Children benefit from a healthy diet and drinks are freely available to them. Varied and nutritious meals and snacks are provided to the children and their individual

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Helping children to be healthy

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 good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where most risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around freely and independently. However, the medication in the bathroom is accessible to children and some sockets in the lounge are not protected. This means that children are not kept fully safe in the home. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe on outings, for example, as she promotes road safety when walking to school. Children use a range of good quality toys and equipment which is appropriate to their age and stage of development. The toys are organised in the under the stairs cupboard to encourage independent access. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has all the required documentation in place to ensure children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a secure understanding of the range of experiences required to

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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 enable children to develop. Activities and play opportunities are purposeful and developmentally appropriate resulting in children being motivated and interested. Good relationships are evident between the children and the childminder, these contribute to the children's sense of belonging. Routines and care have been established which are consistent with home, this promotes children's sense of security and develops their confidence. Young children are becoming confident communicators. The childminder is responsive to early vocalising and uses familiar rhymes and sounds to encourage this. Children also relate well with each other and younger children are beginning to socialise through regular attendance at local toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice resulting in all children feeling valued and free from discrimination. They access a varied range of activities and resources which increases their awareness of diversity. Children learn about the local community as they take part in outings to the local parks and toddler groups. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and to behave well. Children benefit from the positive partnership 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. Parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the childminder and in the environment. This means they are confident in their play. Space is used well to maximise play opportunities for children. Adult-child ratios are maintained with good organisation of time to allow children one-to-one attention to meet individual needs. The childminder keeps her own knowledge up-to-date by attending regular training, the knowledge gained is used to enhance the care that is given to the children. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of children and are shared with parents, to keep them well informed. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has increased her knowledge and understanding of childcare by attending training. She uses the knowledge gained to enhance the care that is given to the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since 1 April 2004. 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 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): • ensure medication in bathroom is made inaccessible to children • ensure all electric sockets in areas accessible to children are fitted with socket covers.

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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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