Troughton, Jenny

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308488 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Carole Elizabeth Price

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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 lives with her husband and 3-year-old daughter, in a three bedroom property in the village of Chalford near Stroud. She has been registered since 2005 and may provide care for five children under 8 years of age. She currently looks after six children on a part-time basis. No overnight care is provided. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice, first aid for people working with children and babies, and child protection training. She is in the

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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 process of becoming a member of the Stroud childminding network. The whole of the house is available for childminding. The main areas used for play are the living room and dining room. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. Local amenities include shops, schools, parks and the childminder takes the children to the library. The family have one pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm environment. They are encouraged to learn about good hygiene routines and personal care, for example, washing hands after messy play, toilet or handling the rabbit. Hand washing before eating snacks is not always carried out. Children's health is protected by the good procedures in place for cleaning surfaces before and after meals, good nappy changing routines which avoid cross infection and the administration of medication and first aid. The childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course, ensuring her knowledge is up-to-date and the children receive suitable treatment for minor injuries. Children benefit from fresh air through daily outings to the park, shops and library. They take part in a range of physical play indoors and outdoors. Children begin to learn about a healthy diet through nutritious snacks and meals, which are well planned and balanced. The childminder caters for their individual

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Helping children to be healthy

needs. Children have access to drinks at all times as their cup of juice or water is freely accessible to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for within a warm, welcoming and safe environment. Hazards have been identified and made safe. Regular checks are made indoors and outdoors to ensure the environment is suitable for children to play safely. Space is used well to ensure that children have different areas to play safely with different activities. Toys and resources available to the children are easily accessible, safe, clean and appropriate for their ages. The childminder has the appropriate first aid equipment. She takes a first aid kit with her when on outings to ensure that treatment may be administered if required.

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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 Children are beginning to learn about staying safe. The childminder carries out regular emergency evacuations. She ensures that each child experiences a fire drill by changing the day and time. She explains the importance of getting out of the home quickly and safely. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the knowledge and understanding of the childminder. She has attended a child protection awareness course and has a good understanding of child protection procedures which are in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show care towards each other and feel relaxed and at home within the environment. They benefit from a wide range of activities throughout their week including craft and creative activities, free play with toys of their choice, puzzles, books, construction, small world and imaginative play such as dolls, cars, trains and dressing-up clothes. They have opportunities to cook, play board games and watch limited, suitable television for quiet times. Children enjoy using the range of resources available including the dressing-up clothes and pop-up tent which provides great imaginative development. Musical instruments are enjoyed by the children who sing along or express their creativity. Children have daily outings, for example, they play in the park or buy groceries for their snacks from the shops or supermarket and go to the library. Children are learning new things each day as the childminder is aware of their stage

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of development and capabilities and sets suitable challenges for them as they play. The childminder and children communicate well with each other. She listens carefully to the children, joins in with their play and encourages them to try out new activities. She interacts appropriately and knows when to stand back and let the children try things for themselves. She offers praise and encouragement to the children as they play and communicate with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are beginning to understand that they have different needs and like to play with different activities. They play and socialise within an environment where the childminder has a good understanding of the needs of the children in her care and takes steps to include them all in activities.

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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 The childminder has no experience in caring for children with special needs but has a positive approach to inclusion for all children. Children access a range of resources which reflect diversity, for example, books, dressing-up clothes, dolls and pretend play food. Activities which celebrate different festivals such as Diwali are also organised for them to learn about our multi-cultural society. Trips to the library, supermarket and within the community help them to understand about the wider world and make experiences real and meaningful for children. Children's behaviour is good. Children are praised and encouraged through the day, for example, when they share toys, tidy up or are kind to others. They demonstrate an understanding of the boundaries and the needs of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good relationships with parents. She has an initial meeting with them and goes through all the policies and procedures, menus and activities. She talks with the them about their child, and obtains as much information from them as possible, including likes and dislikes. This is in addition to the child record form which has details of medical history, emergency contacts and people permitted to collect the child. Appropriate permissions from parents are obtained to ensure children are involved in activities agreed with by the parents. They work together in settling the children into the childminder's home. Daily diaries are used as a two-way communication tool and time is given to talk with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children access resources and activities freely, and initiate their own play. Policies and procedures are shared with the parents and used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Knowledge of the children and planning of the activities are used well to ensure individual needs are met and experiences build on what the children know and extend their learning. Procedures are in place to monitor the people on the premises and ensure the children are not at risk of contact from unsuitable persons. The childminder thoroughly enjoys her work and values the training she has already completed. She understands the need to keep her practice up-to-date and is committed to further training, particularly on the "Birth to three matters" framework. All records and documentation are well maintained, used appropriately and stored securely to ensure confidentiality. Regulatory requirements are met and the welfare

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Organisation

of the children is promoted successfully. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration.

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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 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 health and hygiene routines are promoted at all times, by encouraging children to wash their hands before eating.

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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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