Walton Alison Margaret

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY244867 Inspection date 07 September 2005 Inspector Cheryl Langley

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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 registered in February 2003. She is registered to provide care for no more than three children under 8 years. She is currently minding 2 children after school. The childminder lives with her 6 year old child in a house in Broxbourne. All areas of the house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self confidence in their physical skills as they use the different toys and equipment available. For example, they climb, balance or push and pull using the large play equipment in the park and enjoy various ball games. Children have fun playing physical games and activities in the home. They use bricks for building, complete puzzles and jig-saws for all abilities and stick and glue to create pictures and cards. Children benefit from regular fresh air on their walks from school when they take advantage of the parks near by. They have the opportunity to be active or rest according to their needs. Children are cared for in a warm home, where their equipment and toys are cleaned regularly to ensure they are suitable for children to use. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene and health issues through discussion, information books and

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Helping children to be healthy

daily routines. Children wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating their snacks. They are protected from infection because there are well planned routines for hygiene and suitable procedures in place. The childminder has the required documentation to ensure that appropriate care is given. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet through discussion. They know which type of food is good to eat. Children have access to regular drinks and are encouraged to eat fresh fruit. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to ensure that the children's dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is a priority and they are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. They move around safely, freely and independently adhering to house rules to keep them safe. The childminder helps children understand how to keep themselves free from harm inside and outside of the home with books, discussion and leading by example. Children learn to be aware of strangers and not to approach dogs. They practise codes for crossing the road safely and are aware to stand back from the water's edge by the river. However, safety in the event of a fire, or the need for emergency escape from the home, has not been covered in the activities for the children. A range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources are stored around the rooms and at child height in cupboards for easy access. This enables the children to independently select their play and activities safely. The childminder has most of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she has a clear understanding of Child Protection issues and all of the relevant information to hand.

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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 enjoy a variety of play and activities which are child led. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed. Children are relaxed and content in the setting. They spend this time after school relaxing and having fun. They play happily together with a broad range of toys and activities. The children's confidence is promoted when they share their creations with their parents and the childminder. There are a broad range of games and activities which teach the children different knowledge and skills through play. They enjoy adding numbers on the toy lap-top computer and counting money or counters during board games. Children practise their writing skills as they pretend to be teachers and have fun with spelling and matching games. Arts and craft activities encourage their creative skills and give them the opportunity to express their ideas freely. They create cards for different

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

occasions for their friends and parents. The children's sense of rhythm and enjoyment of music is promoted through the various instruments they play and music tapes they sing and dance along to. They enjoy learning about the natural environment when they walk in the park, have stick races along the river and investigate the insects in the garden. Children make positive relationships. They play well together, enjoying various games and activities. The children take turns and wait patiently for others to complete their tasks. Their individual needs are met. They have the opportunity to relax after school or take part in some interesting activities with friends. Their self-esteem and sense of belonging is promoted by the childminder who values their achievements, giving praise appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. They develop a positive attitude to others. Children gain some understanding about the world through discussion, toys, books and celebrating traditional festivals. The individual needs of all children who attend are met. Children behave well. They understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the examples set by the childminder. Children take turns and consider others when they play games together. They are polite, always remembering to say please and thank you. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents who exchange information regularly. The childminder talks to parents frequently and shares the children's achievements with them. This helps the children remain settled and confident with the childminder who is aware of their likes, dislikes and daily routines.

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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. The children's needs are met through effective organisation. A variety of activities and resources are available which provide the children with different enjoyable play opportunities. Toys are stored so that they can be accessed easily. This enables the children to be independent and make choices. They benefit from routines to help them feel secure and relax after school. Children play, eat and rest as they need to. Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. Policies and procedures are in place to help ensure the children's health and welfare is safeguarded. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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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): • devise and practise an emergency escape plan.

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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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