Navarro Carmen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 210094 Inspection date 03 September 2005 Inspector Michelle 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband in Stafford. There are shops and a park within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding. Children have access to outdoor play through regular trips to the park and walks. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding five children who attend on a part-time basis. She is registered to provide overnight care and currently cares for one child overnight.

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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 (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children gain a good understanding of effective hygiene practices and personal care through daily routines. The childminder acts as a very positive role model which reinforces their learning. The appropriate disposal of nappies and regular hand washing reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children's good health is protected for the majority of the time. A certificate in paediatric first aid is held and a sick child policy is in place. Their medicinal needs are met although the childminder does not ask parents to give written permission for the medicine to be given. Children benefit from very healthy and nutritional snacks. They have constant access to a wide variety of fresh fruits which are attractively displayed on a table in the lounge. Close relationships with parents ensure that their overall dietary needs are met. They supply their child's main meal of the day and are well informed of what

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Helping children to be healthy

their child has eaten. The childminder has very clear knowledge of individual care routines for young children. As a result they settle well to rest and thrive on the daily routine. Trips to the park and frequent walks provide the children with fresh air and exercise. They are developing further coordination of their bodies as they climb the steps to the flat. The childminder offers clear and appropriate support to challenge each child's physical development. Younger children are learning to control their small hand movements as they strike a xylophone and move the pegs of an abacus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around freely and safely as the childminder positively identifies and minimises risks within the home. They are encouraged to understand the value of personal items such as ornamental displays which results in a safe and respected environment. Regular practising of the fire escape plan ensures they are aware of how to escape in such a situation. Children are safe as they walk to and from school as the childminder implements clear and consistent boundaries. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are well-maintained. Equipment is stored effectively to enable older children to play with small pieces and younger children to play safely with suitable toys. For example play money is stored in a plastic container with a fixed lid. As a result children of mixed ages are able to easily access stage appropriate toys and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

play together. Children are well-protected from persons not vetted. The premises are secure with an intercom system in place. They are protected from abuse or neglect as the

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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 childminder has clear knowledge of her role within child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and play happily using resources and equipment that are stimulating and fun to maintain their interest. They are able to develop their imagination and independence by selecting their own activities and initiating their own play, for example dressing up. An extensive range of equipment is stored either at the child's height or on the floor enabling them to easily choose what they wish to play with. This builds on their natural curiosity and successfully fosters their independence. All areas of children's development are enhanced by the high quality of the childminder's interactions. Younger children receive lots of close contact and reassurance. They show delight when communicating with the childminder and are developing good communication skills as she takes the time to talk and listen to them. Children are able to build on their individual interests. The childminder knows them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well and ensures that resources challenge their capabilities. For example fashion and logical puzzles. As a result they concentrate well and spend their time purposefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children understand right from wrong through clear and consistent boundaries. The childminder has high expectations such as each child being well-mannered. They are encouraged to take care for their environment, the resources and each other. Young children are provided with clear boundaries and a cheerful enthusiastic approach. As a result children behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through the broad range of resources and activities. They have posters that display to them cultures of the world and conversations actively encourage them to value differences. Children value each other and the time they spend together. There is a strong commitment from the childminder to ensuring all children are included and treated according to their individual need. Privacy and confidentiality is a top priority, for example when issuing medication. The childminder has developed an excellent partnership with parents. Information is shared prior to the children starting and daily discussions are held about what they have done during the day. The childminder takes photographs of the children as they engage in various activities. Written detailed diaries are provided for children who sleep overnight and for younger children. Two way communication is encouraged

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with some parents writing in the diaries to strengthen the link between home and the childminding. This provides the childminder with a full understanding of how to best

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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 meet their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space and resources are attractively displayed and create an atmosphere and environment where children come first. They receive a high level of individual attention as the childminder uses her time well to value each child's routine and interests. The children's welfare and care is effectively promoted through well organised policies and procedures, these are effectively maintained and meet all relevant standards. Parents are kept well-informed, promoting the continuity of care and respecting the value of documentation. Adult to child ratios are maintained effectively providing a high level of flexibility and individual care to children. As a result their overall well-being is fully promoted. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has increased parents' knowledge of the complaints procedure. An Ofsted parent's comments poster is displayed in the hallway of the home. A full written complaints procedure is in place and a log book is available to record any complaints made and the action taken. This log book has no entries.

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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):

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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 • Ensure parents give prior written permission for any medication to be administered to their child.

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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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