Wells Lorraine Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309218 Inspection date 14 December 2005 Inspector Shirley Ann Jackson

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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 satisfactory. 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. She lives with her husband and four children aged 19, 18, 12 and 8 years. The family live in a house close to the centre of Gloucester. The whole of the house is used for childminding, at the childminder's discretion. There is a garden available for outdoor play. The childminder's home is within walking distance of local shops, playgroup and school. The family have a pet dog. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice Course. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). There are

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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 currently seven children on roll aged from 6 months to 10 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a satisfactory understanding of hygiene through established routines, such as washing their hands before eating. Children's health is supported as the childminder has clear procedures in place for dealing with accidents and administering medication. However, the childminder has not obtained written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. This compromises children's well-being. Children are offered regular drinks, snacks and meals in adequate quantities for their needs. Children sit together to eat their lunch, building social skills and manners. The childminder takes account of parents wishes and the children's choices to provide nutritious and balanced meals to meet their dietary needs. Children have regular opportunities to go outside to enjoy physical activities and fresh air. There are activities which help them to develop control of their bodies, for

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Helping children to be healthy

example as they ride on wheeled toys and kick balls in the garden. Regular visits to the nearby park and walks in the local area help to improve children's physical skills. Older children have access to a trampoline which encourages movement in a variety of ways.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move safely within the childminder's home as most possible risks have been identified and minimised. However, there are no smoke alarms fitted on either floor of her home. This compromises children's safety. The childminder has a sound awareness of safety procedures when taking the children on outings and walks. This helps to safeguard children when outdoors. Sleeping children are closely monitored by the childminder to ensure their well-being. Children can choose some activities from a range of good quality resources which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of resources to make sure that they are appropriate for their stage of development. Children's independence skills are developed as the childminder encourages them to do things for themselves, for example choosing toys from the boxes offered. The childminder has all the required procedures in place to ensure she promotes and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safeguards children's welfare. Children's welfare and safety is promoted through the childminder's knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 satisfactory. Children settle and are comfortable in the childminder's home. They have positive relationships with the childminder and the other children attending which promotes their social development. Young children receive cuddles and have a strong bond with the childminder which increases their sense of well-being. They benefit from routines which are consistent with those followed at home. Children are beginning to become independent learners as they begin to help themselves to some resources from the satisfactory range offered. Children's early communication skills are supported through suitable adult-child interactions. Their language is well fostered by the childminder who talks to them, listens to their sounds and responds appropriately. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities which contribute to their imagination and creativity such as role play, construction and small

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

world play. Younger children have some opportunities to use their senses and explore with a range of sensory and household items. Children's sense of achievement and independence is promoted through the childminder giving them time to complete tasks, such as putting on their shoes before going to play in the garden. Their self-esteem is raised as the childminder uses praise and encouragement when they attempt or achieve a task.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's care needs are well met as their normal home routine is followed, as discussed with their parents. All children have equal access to toys and resources and their choices are respected, which helps to build their self-esteem. There are some resources which reflect positive images of the wider community, these begin to build children's awareness of diversity. Children learn about the local community as they visit shops, parks and a toddler group. They build good relationships with the childminder and with each other. Children make themselves at home, initiating some of their own play. They are developing self-assurance as the childminder encourages them to get resources for themselves. Children begin to learn about positive behaviour as the childminder gives clear explanations when behaviour is unacceptable. The childminder gives children the opportunity to play independently and make choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive working partnership between the childminder and parents. Parents views about their child's needs and interests are sought before care starts, ensuring continuity of care. Daily chats about the children take place, giving children a sense of belonging and well-being and keeping parents involved and informed.

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Organisation

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 organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in their surroundings and feel at home within the setting. They are well supported by the childminder in their play and learning and she is on hand to extend their play when needed. Children are confident in their surroundings to initiate some of their own play. Procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of the children. These are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity of the child's care. However, accurate records of children's times of arrival and departure are not being maintained. This compromises children's safety and well-being. Overall 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 registration. 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 satisfactory. 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 parental permission to seek emergency medical assistance or treatment • ensure working smoke alarms are fitted to each floor of the premises • ensure an accurate record is kept of children's times of attendance

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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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