McGowan-Waugh Maria

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304077 Inspection date 01 November 2005 Inspector Kristin Hatherly

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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 2005 and lives with her husband and one child aged 14 months close to the centre of Northampton. The local school, shops and park are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor, first floor front bedroom and bathroom of the childminder's house is accessible to children. There is a fully enclosed garden. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight and is currently caring for three children, some part-time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for in a clean, well-maintained home. They learn the importance of good hygiene practices and personal care at appropriate times such as washing hands before meals and snacks. Children's health is promoted through clear policies with regard to Health, Hygiene and Sick Children which are shared with parents. Their health is further promoted through the childminder's good knowledge of care of medicines and food hygiene. Children's individual dietary needs and requirements are recorded accurately. Although parents provide snacks and meals, the childminder has a diet policy which she shares with parents and children learn about healthy eating through discussion at snack and meal times. They are provided with drinks regularly. Children's good health and physical well-being are promoted as they regularly play on a variety of large equipment in the garden.

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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 welcoming and attractive play environment where space and equipment is used effectively. Children have use of all of the downstairs and the garden. They are kept safe because the childminder supervises them well and has effective risk assessments in place to minimise hazards. This enables children to move freely and develop their play and ideas in a safe environment. A good range of furniture and equipment ensures that children are comfortable and that they can play and eat together. Children are protected and their welfare is promoted because the childminder has a clear understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and ensures that the required procedures and documents are in place. Children are further protected as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. All this contributes well towards the safe level of care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good and varied range of activities and resources which meets their individual needs well and enables children to progress appropriately. Children are confident and interact well with adults. They are learning to take responsibility for their actions and behave well. Children confidently play and show an interest in activities which is further developed by the childminder's good interaction with the children. They are listened to and they are valued as individuals which assists in developing their confidence and self-esteem. Children are able to independently choose between a variety of toys and

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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 games. They are able to explore a good range of activities such as craft, games, puzzles and cooking. They also enjoy a variety of outings and frequently socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler and childminding groups. Children enjoy physical exercise in a large garden which develops their large body skills as they play on large equipment such as wheeled toys and slides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop an awareness of diversity through using a range of resources which promote a positive view of the wider world. They are valued and respected as individuals and receive regular praise and encouragement which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. Their needs are met well as they follow a routine. Children behave well and are encouraged to develop good manners. They make themselves at home and develop their independence through confidently choosing toys and resources to play with. The childminder has friendly and professional relationships with parents. She has a portfolio which she shares with parents. They share relevant information regularly in order to consistently promote the welfare, individual needs and care of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in a well-organised home enabling them to confidently initiate and extend their play. Space and resources are organised effectively to meet the individual needs of the children and good adult support is given, as a result children feel secure and confident. Although the childminder has attended a variety of training courses and has a good knowledge of the developmental needs of younger children, she has not as yet fully implemented the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Records and procedures are clear and well-organised and medication and accident records are kept. This ensures the efficient and safe management of the provision which promotes the safety, care and well-being of the children. All this contributes well towards the effective and safe level of care of the children. Overall, the children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 the fire evacuation plan is practised • further develop knowledge and understanding of the "Birth to three matters" framework.

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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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