Bradshaw, Wendy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310510 Inspection date 25 October 2005 Inspector Carys Millican

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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, who is registered as an assistant and two children aged 8 and 13 years old in Greenside, Ryton, near Gateshead. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children aged under 5 years and four children over 5 years, who attend for a variety of sessions The childminder walks to local schools to

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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 take and collect children and she attends the local carer and toddler groups. The family have a pet fish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health and well being. They enjoy physical activities and develop a good sense of control and co-ordination over their bodies. Babies’ physical development is promoted. The baby pulls himself up to a standing position using the domestic furniture and is supported by the childminder as he continues to walk around the room. Children's healthy lifestyle is promoted. Opportunities are created daily for walks to the local school, to see the horses and to feed the ducks. Children join in activities enthusiastically and develop new skills, for example, the baby completes a large play tray jigsaw on the floor, therefore, developing hand-eye coordination. Children are happy and contented in their play. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home. They begin to learn the importance of good hygiene procedures and generally follow appropriate

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Helping children to be healthy

personal hygiene practices, for example, children use their own flannel and towel in the bathroom when toileting themselves. However, children are not reminded to wash their hands before touching food and the baby’s hands are not wiped before he feeds himself. Children are protected from the risk of potential infection as the childminder takes appropriate measures, following her sick children policy. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are provided with regular drinks and food in good supply in order to meet their needs. These are healthy and nutritious. Babies and young children develop self-help skills and independence as they feed themselves at snack time. The baby sits in the high chair with his feeder cup and bowl of melon, so he can help himself, whilst the older children sit at the table in the dining room. Children make choices and decisions. For example, children's drinks are left on the worktop in the kitchen and on a small table

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Helping children to be healthy

in the conservatory so they can access them at all times. Children's individual needs are catered for. They rest and sleep according to their daily routines and the childminder works well with parents obtaining information about each child to ensure continuity of care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure, indoor and outdoor environment. Risks are identified and minimised allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe.

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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 The childminder skilfully explains the importance of keeping themselves safe, for example, children practise the fire evacuation procedure regularly and know what to do in an emergency. Children are able to make choices about their play and use safe, suitable equipment. They confidently move around the room helping themselves to the extensive selection of age appropriate resources and activities available. These are carefully monitored and supervised by the childminder to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children enjoy opportunities for outdoor play in the garden and outings to places of interest. Children's safety on outings and in the car is met. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder maintaining the required documents and procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures appropriate car seats are used and permission for transporting children on outings is obtained. Children are protected and their safety and welfare promoted by the childminder’s clear knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures. The childminder regularly updates her knowledge and understanding of child care issues and holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, contented and settle easily. They are confident in their surroundings and make themselves at home. Children play sociably together and show a caring attitude towards others. For example, as the baby sleeps in the pram the children lift the dolls pram over the laminated floor so the noise does not wake him then they check that he is still asleep. The needs of children of varying ages are well met. The childminder plans and provides suitable activities that take into account children's individual needs and ability. Children are interested, motivated and their all round development is promoted. The childminder is interested in what children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play, for example, the children sit at the table and draw pictures of horses the childminder asks them about their riding lessons and the horses they ride. Children are eager to learn and motivated in their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play. Children benefit from a range of outdoor activities. They go for walks to the school to take and collect children and visit the play parks and feed the animals in the fields close by. The childminder has obtained the Birth to three matters pack and has an appropriate understanding of the framework. Babies are encouraged to explore and imitate sounds using a range of objects, for example, the baby sits with the childminder on the floor as they look at a fabric book and make the sounds of the animals in the pictures. Children begin to learn to become confident and competent language users, for example, the baby plays with an assortment of toys as he sits on the floor. The childminder talks to the baby, she smiles and her tone of voice changes as she speaks. The baby reacts by vocalising and smiling back at her as they both interact together.

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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 develop good relationships with the childminder, which contributes to their sense of belonging. They settle well and play harmoniously with the childminder and other children. Good questioning by the childminder encourages children to think about what they are doing and contributes to their overall development. Babies receive lots of cuddles and develop a strong bond with the childminder, which increases children’s sense of well being and security. Children’s self-esteem and confidence is promoted, for example, a child demonstrates her Irish dancing skills as the childminder claps and praises her display. Children play well together. They share resources and take turns when playing games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met. The childminder obtains relevant information about children’s specific needs and works closely with parents. Children are provided with a range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder encourages children to access all toys and provides craft activities to celebrate festivals. Children develop a good sense of belonging and self-assurance since they form familiar, trusting, safe and secure relationships with the childminder and her family. Children are valued, comforted well and thrive on the interaction with the childminder. They learn to show particular preferences in what they do, for example, deciding what to play with and what to eat and drink. Children play together harmoniously and show care and concern for each other. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behave well and respond well to the childminder's sensitive handling of any behaviour management situations. Children feel a sense of belonging. They are made to feel very welcome at the setting and gain confidence and self-esteem as the childminder rewards achievement through positive praise. Children thrive on the interaction and attention from the childminder by having fun when playing and through the individual attention provided. They are confident to try out new ideas and make themselves at home. Children benefit from the positive working relationships developed with parents. Children's general welfare is promoted since the childminder consults closely with parents on any issues or concerns and the required documentation is in place. Children are looked after according to parent’s wishes as individual sleep routines and daily routines are followed. Parents are informed daily about their child's routine

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and play activities. This enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs and provide continuity of care. A wealth of written information is available about the care and activities provided and the childminder uses a daily diary for babies to maintain continuity of care.

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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 Children's care, learning and play is fully supported by the childminder, as she gives them individual attention. Children feel at home and at ease in the bright, welcoming, well-organised environment. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning and are gaining independence. Children's developmental needs are met as they are provided with an extensive range of toys, resources and stimulating activities throughout the week and the opportunity to socialise with others. Children benefit from the childminder's experience, knowledge of child development and training in child care. Their general well being is maintained by the use of relevant documentation and from procedures in place. Information is shared daily with parents to keep them informed about the service, their child's routine and

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Organisation

activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are 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): • make sure children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine.

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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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