Horsnall, Sharon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY309301 Inspection date 16 November 2005 Inspector Lynn Dent

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 7, 5 and 2 years in Shepshed in Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the

p.2

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 local carer and toddler group and takes children to the local woods and the park.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from the risk of infections because the childminder implements clear procedures. For example, parents are aware that their child must be recovered from sickness for a set period of time before being cared for. Following accidents children receive appropriate care as the childminder has completed first aid training. Consequently, children are monitored effectively, parents and emergency medical help are sought as necessary. Children maintain a healthy lifestyle as they independently participate in routine hygiene procedures. For example, they know they must wash their hands after using the toilet to prevent the spread of germs. Arrangements are in place to ensure children can rest and sleep during the day. Consequently, children's emotional well-being is maintained. Children are well nourished because the childminder understands about nutrition and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

works with parents to provide a balanced diet. By participating in food activities and preparation children learn about the benefits of a healthy diet and fresh cooked meals. For example, chicken noodle soup. Meal times are used to develop children's social skills and good manners as they sit at the table. After walks in cold weather children receive a warm drink to help maintain an appropriate temperature. Children's hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness are promoted because they engage in games and activities. For example, they match a range of shapes during a game. Coordination and balance are enhanced because children participate in music and movement videos and regularly play in the garden to access a wide range of equipment including wheeled toys, climbing equipment and balls. They receive further exercise by local walks to feed horses.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a warm, welcoming and safe environment. They have a dedicated, child-friendly play room and safely access an extensive range of suitable resources which comply with safety regulations. Regular risk assessments of the premises and resources ensure that hazards are identified and made inaccessible to children. For example, the childminder ensures tools used at the weekends are removed. Supervised access to the kitchen is managed well because a stair gate is installed. Children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedure and all relevant fire equipment is in place. Consequently, children can explore the indoor environment safely, which encourages their independence and confidence. Children sleep in the lounge or dining room and are regularly monitored to ensure they are safe. Outdoor play and equipment are available in the garden which is generally safe. However the

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

gate is not always secure. Therefore, children can potentially leave the premises unsupervised.

p.3

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 kept safe away from the home and on outings as the childminder implements clear procedures. For example, children are constantly supervised and equipment at parks is checked before use. Children know they must keep their seatbelts fastened and get out of the car onto the pavements. Therefore, they are learning to keep themselves safe. Children's welfare is a priority and this is well maintained because the childminder has complete training in child protection. Therefore, she clearly understands the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Consequently, she clearly understands the local Area Child Protection Committee reporting procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, secure and clearly enjoy themselves with the childminder who dedicates quality time to planning activities and playing with the children. Therefore, they are making good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder effectively meets the clear aims she has set for the service she provides. These are to offer a safe, stable, loving environment, provide suitable equipment which is safe and stimulating and encourage social skills by attending toddler groups and community events. Children are actively engaged and benefit from an appealing range of activities and experiences. For example, cooking and craft activities, role play and games. Consequently, they build on previous experiences which subsequently help them to develop new skills and abilities. They are confident to extend the activities offered and to instigate their own play, interacting in role play

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with their peers and the childminder. Children role play hospitals, using a range of play equipment and develop new skills, for example how to use a stethoscope. This is effectively supported by the childminders effective explanations and questioning skills. Therefore, languages skills are developing well. Children's learning is enhanced by meaningful experiences outside the home. They collect conkers and leaves during walks in the wood and use these to develop their creativity by printing with paint. Children move assertively round the premises easily accessing an extensive range of stimulating resources to support their play. The childminder sets realistic rules for children. Consequently, they show good behaviour, are motivated to share and play harmoniously together. Subsequently, they understand right from wrong and the needs of others around them. Children have good self-esteem and are confident in the childminders care. Therefore, they are

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

happy to initiate conversations with me and the childminder. This means they ask the childminder for advice and help when needed. All children's needs are fully met as the childminder knows the children well, clearly understands and provides for their individual stage of development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and respected within the inclusive environment as the childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and how to provide for

p.4

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 these. For example, activities are adapted to make them easily accessible and take account of children's cultural needs. Consequently, children feel included and are confident to interact with their peers and the childminder. Children learn about the local community by visits and observing what is happening around them. For example, children told me they had seen a sparrow hawk in the garden. They learn about the wider world because they celebrate a wide range of festivals. Activities to support this include making a range of Christmas crafts, cooking, hand painting for Diwali and making poppies for Remembrance day. Children can access a wide range of resources and everyday events which promote positive images and provoke conversations about what they experience. Children develop a sense of belonging

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

because they can make choices about what they want to do, access resources, and know the daily routines. Children understand and respect the rules of the setting and respond to these positively. Consequently, they show good behaviour. For example, they play amicably and share. Children talk about talking turns when playing games together. Therefore, they have an understanding of the needs of others. Positive praise and encouragement is consistently used to maintain good behaviour. Consequently, children develop good self-esteem. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder understands the importance of working with parents. Consequently, good two-way communication ensures all parties are mutually informed at all times.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the well-organised environment. They have a dedicated play room and access to the ground floor of the home offering them a range of environments for quiet play, meals and active play. Children are confident to initiate their own play and learning and to expand planned activities and experiences. They are cared for by a suitable, qualified childminder who clearly understand about child development and implements procedures to benefit their well-being and care. Children can independently access an extensive range of toys as they know where these are kept. Consequently, they develop a sense of belonging, feel secure and are confident. Children's welfare is well protected from unknown adults as the childminder never leaves children unsupervised. Clear procedures work well to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment at the setting. Children's individual

p.5

Organisation

care needs are easily identified and effectively supported by up to date records which are shared with parents. Documentation is organised well and underpins the care of the children. Consequently, overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

Improvements 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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 garden gate is locked and children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised • obtain written consent to transport children in a vehicle.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6