Love Sharon Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309669 Inspection date 04 January 2006 Inspector Karen Ann Byfleet

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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?

This childminder has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and their four children. The family live close to local schools, shops and a park. The childminder is registered to provide care for 4 children under 8 years and there are currently 7 children on register who attend at various times throughout the week. Children have access to all the downstairs areas of the home along with the upstairs bathroom and the larger rear bedroom. The childminder holds a level 3 early years qualification, she attends regular training

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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 and receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and have some opportunities to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines such as, washing their hands after using the toilet. However, hand washing before eating is not always consistent. Sick children are given good care by the childminder. She contacts the parents if children become ill and follows her policy to ensure other children are protected from illness and infection. Children are able to participate in a range of active play opportunities which encourage their physical development. For example, visiting the local park and playing in the enclosed rear garden. The childminder has a good understanding of dietary needs and nutrition. She provides children with a balanced and nourishing menu of snacks and lunches such as, fresh fruit, pasta, meat and fish. They are provided with regular drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Good daily routines result in a clean and safe environment for children, with space being used well to provide sufficient areas for them to play in comfort. The childminder is aware of hazards when taking the children on outings and ensures their safety by talking to them about safety on the road and the importance of holding hands. Younger children are safely strapped into a pushchair. Good equipment is in place to enhance children's safety. For example, fire guards are fitted and safety gates between rooms help to keep them safe. The childminder has an emergency evacuation plan in place and this is practiced regularly with the children, developing their awareness and understanding of fire safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has developed, through in depth training, a good understanding of child protection and she is fully aware of 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 are settled and confident in the homely environment. They receive a lot of support and comfort from the childminder. She encourages the children to talk and think about what they are doing during activities, interacting in their play and developing their ideas. Children regularly play with other children as the childminder

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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 meets with other childminders in the area, developing the children's social skills. Children have a wide range of opportunities to explore in their surroundings. They make visits to the local parks and shops and during school holidays they are taken on day trips. A good range of attractive resources engage children in activities that expand all areas of their development. The childminder plans weekly activities and is flexible in her approach in order to ensure children's needs are met. Children have opportunity to be independent, by choosing their own resources. A safely enclosed rear garden is accessed by the children where they are able to undertake a variety of activities such as ball games and riding wheeled vehicles. During the summer months they are able to take indoor toys into the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well, they share and take turns and have respect for toys and resources. The childminder praises children and manages their behaviour in a consistent manner, giving children a clear message about what is right and wrong. Children have many opportunities to learn about the local environment and community through visits to the local shops and by socialising with other children. The childminder promotes positive images of the wider world through her good supply of toys and books. The childminder has a supportive relationship with parents and they share daily feedback to ensure they meet children's personal needs. The childminder knows the children well and organises their preferred activities to suit their individual personalities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Most documentation is in place and is in good order, sustaining continuity of care between the children's and childminder's homes. However, the procedure for obtaining written parental permission for children to have access to the trampoline is not in place. The childminder ensures that family members have the appropriate checks when needed, and through constant supervision, children are protected from people who have not been vetted . The childminder is flexible in her approach to planning in order to meet the needs of the children attending. This gives children the freedom to choose their own activities and to rest and sleep when necessary. Children benefit from regular outings throughout the week.

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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 childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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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 children follow hygiene procedures with regard to hand washing prior to eating • ensure written consent is obtained for children to use the trampoline.

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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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