Harvey, Julie Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303375 Inspection date 31 October 2005 Inspector Tracy Bartholomew

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and son aged three years in Didcot. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder attends toddler group, goes for walks, visits to the park and school pick-ups. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time, and is currently minding one child who attends on a part time basis.

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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 learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, gaining new skills through hygiene practices, such as washing their own hands. The childminder works closely with parents, maintaining documentation relating to children’s health. However, there is not written permission in place for administering medication to children when they are ill. Children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they freely access drinks available and make independent choices from healthy snacks. The childminder takes account of the parent's wishes during meals times and the children sit together at the dining table to eat their meals. It is a sociable occasion and a time when table manners are promoted. Children enjoy a wide range of activities such as, gym class, outside play, walking and dancing which contributes to their good health. There are opportunities available

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Helping children to be healthy

when using toys, such as puzzles, Lego, arts and crafts, where children are able to extend their manipulative skills and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have freedom to play and explore the environment. This is due to the careful consideration which the childminder has given to safety, both within the house and outside in the garden. The childminder places a great importance on each child’s welfare. She is aware of her duty to report any child protection concerns promptly to minimise any risk to the children. The childminder maintains a daily attendance record, however, this is not an accurate record. Children access and can choose from a range of toys which are monitored and supervised by the childminder. They are safe and appropriate for the children's age and development stage.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are at ease with the childminder; they are well settled and confident, enjoying each others company and have fun together. Children access structured activities such as collecting leaves for arts and crafts, and exploring with natural textures such as sand and water, which helps them to develop creativity and express their feelings.

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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 Children learn through the variety of activities offered for example singing songs together, dancing, and painting. They enjoy looking at books together and joining in games that encourage imagination and role play. Children's social development is extended when they visit local toddler groups, building relationships with larger groups of adults and children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children access a good range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. They play readily with accessible resources, which include puzzles, small world and books that reflect positive images, festivals and celebrations, which positively reflect ethnicity and culture are explored, allowing children to increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children play well together and their behaviour is good. They have clear and consistent boundaries, which helps them learn right from wrong. They benefit from praise given to them for their good behaviour and efforts. This positively reinforces good behaviour and encourages children's self-esteem and confidence. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents. They settle well because the childminder works closely with parents in discussing and meeting the individual needs of the children on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from the child friendly environment, which is homely and allows children space to play and move around freely. The childminder keeps detailed contracts, which are regularly updated, to ensure continuity of care whilst promoting children’s welfare. The childminder ensures that the children receive appropriate care to meet their individual needs, by maintaining ratios and effectively supporting them within the environment. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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 that detailed times are recorded in the children's daily attendance register. • ensure written permission is obtained from parents before administering medication to children

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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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