Hemingway, Jane Patricia

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296232 Inspection date 11 October 2005 Inspector Janet Skippins

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and children aged 1, 7 and 9 years in a terraced house in Ossett near Wakefield. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children use the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to take children to nursery, playgroup and school. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding three children under 5 and three school aged children on a part-time basis. The childminder has a pet cat.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. The childminder adopts high standards of hygiene and promotes good practice to prevent the spread of infection and keep children healthy. Children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through consistent daily routines and become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, after using the toilet they know they must use a clean flannel for hand drying and bring this downstairs to be washed. The childminder is qualified in first aid. However, she does not have permission from parents to seek medical advice or treatment for children in the case of an emergency. Therefore, arrangements for medical emergencies do not fully meet requirements and protect children. Children's dietary needs are well met as the childminder works effectively and flexibly with the parents, addressing their wishes. Children enjoy their mealtimes when the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder maximises opportunities for social development and positive interaction. Children gain control of their bodies as they are well supported by the childminder and encouraged to safely explore the environment and resources within it. They rest and sleep according to their individual routines and needs. Walks to playgroup, school, nursery, the park and regular use of the garden give children opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage their physical development.

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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 welcoming setting where positive steps have been taken to promote their safety. Good safety equipment is in place and safety procedures are established. For example, children know they must hold on to the push chair when out walking. They enjoy physical activities, such as using ride on toys in the safely enclosed outdoor area, where they are closely supervised. The children are protected from harm because the childminder has an understanding of child protection issues. They gain some understanding of fire safety because they talk about the emergency evacuation plan but they do not practice it. Children have sufficient space to move easily within both the indoor and outdoor areas and have good opportunities to safely make independent choices about what to play with. They are able to easily select toys from a good range, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development, because the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

organises resources well at child height. Children are encouraged to tidy up after themselves and not leave toys on the floor where they might trip over them.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a stimulating and interesting range of activities both indoors and outdoors. Interesting outings are planned to give them a wide range of experiences. For example, on regular walks they explore the natural world by collecting leaves and conkers. When they return home they discuss their collection and make attractive collages with them. The children in the childminder's care are very happy and well settled. Good, positive relationships are developed with the childminder, due to the high level of support the children receive. Children independently select what they would like to play with from a wide range of resources, such as small world toys, craft items, outdoor equipment, games and books. The use of open ended questions and explanations develops children’s understanding of language. Their communication skills are developed through reading and conversations with the childminder. Children are independent and make

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

decisions about their play. They confidently choose their own resources and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and treated as part of the family. They receive support and attention and are shown genuine love and affection. This results in them feeling confident, happy and secure. The childminder treats children with equal concern, valuing their individuality and meeting their needs effectively. Children take part in activities appropriate to their differing needs and abilities because the childminder is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. However, opportunities for children to develop their understanding of others are limited because of the few resources to support their learning. Children begin to understand the expectations for their behaviour. Strategies for managing children's behaviour are consistent to take into account the children's level of understanding. Children respond well as they receive lots of praise and individual support. A very good working partnership with parents enhances the children's care. For

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Helping children make a positive contribution

example, parents have written references to say how satisfied they are with their children’s developmental progress. They state they are more than happy that the children are working on a wide variety of play and learning activities, and they particularly enjoy seeing the models the children proudly bring home. Parents are given verbal details about their children's activities when they come to pick them up. They are also provided with a folder which contains samples of children’s work. This contributes to the parents' involvement in the life of the setting and promotes good outcomes for 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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has attended training courses and is qualified to meet children’s needs effectively. Children feel at home and at ease within the well-organised setting. This means they are confident and initiate their own choices. The children are well supervised and activities are planned and organised to ensure that they receive appropriate attention. Indoor and outdoor space is presented to maximise play opportunities for children. There are relevant policies, procedures and documentation in place to promote the welfare, care and learning needs of the children. These are available to parents and keep them well informed about the service. Children’s needs and achievements are shared through regular daily verbal communication. Overall the needs of all children who attend are 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 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): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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 emergency evacuations with the children • increase the resources to support children’s understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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