Warner, Penelope

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293371 Inspection date 12 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?

Penelope Warner has been a childminder since 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 7 in Lichfield. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. There are currently four children on roll, one of which is over eight years. Children attend on a part time basis. The family has two rabbits.

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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 and Lichfield network. She has a level three qualification in Early Years.

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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. They understand from a very early age, that they must wash their hands after using the toilet, before and after meals. The childminder acts as a very positive role model which reinforces their learning. Their 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. However, the childminder is not aware of infectious notifiable diseases. As a result children's overall protection from infections is compromised. Children benefit from very healthy and nutritional meals and snacks. They enjoy mealtimes because time is given for them to eat their food and sit down socially with their peers. They are able to help themselves to drinks throughout the day and enjoy a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables at snack time. The childminder has very

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Helping children to be healthy

clear knowledge of individual care routines. As a result they settle well to rest and thrive on the daily routine. Children have easy access to fresh air and exercise. A safe outdoor play area enables them to practise new and redefine existing skills. They learn to kick and roll balls of various sizes which helps to develop their coordination. The childminder offers clear and appropriate support to challenge each child's physical development. Younger children's climbing skills are developing well through the use of large outdoor equipment.

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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. An appropriate balance is achieved between promoting their freedom and setting limits to maintain their safety. Specific projects help children to learn about safety outdoors including road safety. They talk to the crossing wardens, colour in pictures of people who help us and explore the use of equipment such as bright vests for cycling. This increases their ability to keep themselves safe. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which are well maintained. The childminder rotates their choice of toys to make sure they are safe, clean and stage appropriate. As a result children are able to use equipment imaginatively. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has a clear understanding of

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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 child protection issues. Effective policies and procedures are in place to promote their welfare including clear individual records. An emergency escape plan is practised regularly ensuring they are able to escape easily in an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle into the environment very well and are happy, confident and eager to play and learn. They are involved in a stimulating range of activities which are interesting and fun. This develops their curiosity, creativity and imagination. Activities are successfully adapted to enable all children to play together and develop meaningful relationships with each other. All areas of children's development are enhanced by the high quality of the childminder's interactions. Younger children receive lots of close contact to provide reassurance and increase their sense of well being. Their communication skills are developing well as the childminder responds enthusiastically to their gestures and sounds. She has a very good understanding of how children learn and uses 'Birth to three matters' to ensure individual needs are met. Children's senses are developing well as they touch and feel throughout their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages this understanding, for example through exploring a wet ball during outdoor play. All children are given the opportunity to make choices within their play. They enjoy art and craft activities where they can freely express their own ideas. This helps them to become independent learners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world through a meaningful range of activities and resources. Equipment is used effectively to help them to know and understand about others cultures, families and people with disabilities. Examples are books, music tapes and discussions. They learn to understand the needs of others as they play alongside their peers and read stories about characters with, for example low self esteem. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder takes very positive steps to ensure that their individual needs are met. Examples are respecting sleeping routines and ensuring all dietary needs are accommodated for. She keeps well organised, relevant information about the children in her care. Information is shared regularly with parents in a format that works for the parents and their child. Examples are written feedback sheets and daily discussions. As a result children's needs are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

fully understood and they are well cared for. Children learn to show care and concern for others during their play. They behave well and confidently choose toys and areas of play. They are familiar with everyday routines which help them to feel settled and secure.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning through a well planned environment. Space is used well with children moving freely within the ground floor of the premises. Toys and equipment are rotated often. They are attractively presented at the child's height. This helps them to access toys easily, building on their natural curiosity as learners. Their sense of security is fostered through effective adult support and a familiar daily routine. 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 well maintained providing a high level of flexibility and individual care to children. As a result their welfare is fully promoted.

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Organisation

Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection.

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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): • gain knowledge of infectious notifiable diseases and related procedures.

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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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