McGlinchey Tracey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY251141 Inspection date 28 September 2005 Inspector Beverley Blackburn

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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 lives with her husband and five year old son in a small semi-detached house on a new housing estate in Chippenham. She is registered to care for two children under eight years of age. She uses the ground floor for children to play. Toilet and sleeping areas are upstairs. She regularly attends toddler groups and soft play facilities. She has a secure back garden for children to use.

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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 The family have a dog to whom children may have access under supervision. The childminder is registered to care for maximum of two children at any one time. She currently cares for five children, who attend part-time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They benefit from the use of the garden and visits to the local park. Children, also have the opportunity to get regular fresh air,as the childminder regularly takes the younger children in the pushchair for a walk to help the baby sleep. Children learn to listen to their bodies and can rest when needed. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practice and personal care through the daily routine. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands when necessary and are provided with individual towels. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and are provided with healthy choices such as fruits. There is also access to regular drinks. The childminder is aware of children with special dietary needs. She takes into account the wishes of the parents and works with them to benefit the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure environment, where they are supported appropriately. Children can move around safely as there is sufficient space for them to access the available resources independently. The childminder makes sure that toys are safe and appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children benefit from a range of safety measures such as stair gates in place, a suitable fire blanket and an enclosed garden. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping safe on the road by the childminder encouraging them to stop, look and listen. Older children are excepted to hold unto the pushchair when crossing the road. The childminder helps them to be safe and aware of their environment when outside of the house. The childminder’s secure understanding of child protection issues promotes and safeguards the children’s welfare; however, she does not have a complete

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge of the child protection procedures.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children begin to settle and feel comfortable in a secure environment. All children have access to a range of activities, which contribute to their development, learning and creativity. For example, play dough, painting, cooking and looking at books. There is flexibility in the availability of activities, which the childminder plans according to the needs of the children. Children begin to develop a good relationship with the childminder. She is supportive in helping the new children to settle and become confident, which helps to contribute to their sense of belonging. Children have the opportunity to listen to children’s musical tapes in the background while they play, which helps them to feel relaxed and at home. Children gain independence and physical exercise through activities

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

away from the home such as soft play, Jumping Jacks and visits to the local park. During the warmer weather, children, also have the opportunity to play with sand and water in the garden. The childminder supports the development of the children which helps them to achieve and increase their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder makes them feel secure and shows concern for their welfare and happiness. Children are helped to develop positive attitude to others and gain an understanding about the wider world and community through access to suitable range of play resources which promotes positive images of cultural diversity. Children begin to learn about their local community as the childminder takes them to the local toddler’s group, local park and visit to childminder’s groups, where the children can interact with other children. Children with special needs receive sufficient and appropriate support. Children develop a sense of belonging as they move freely around the room to choose from a range of toys. Children learn to behave through the positive behaviour management of the childminder. They begin to understand the need to share toys

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Helping children make a positive contribution

appropriately. The children benefit from effective partnership between the childminder and parents. The childminder and parents liaise on a daily basis to meet the children's needs and keep the parent suitably informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children begin to feel settled and secure in a suitably organised environment. They benefit from suitable space that meets their needs effectively. Children are supported appropriately and are beginning to build their confidence with the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder maintaining a suitable child to adult ratio. The daily routine is organised so that the children receive attention to their individual needs. Most documents are in place to promote the welfare of the children

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to increase her knowledge and skills of caring for children with special needs. In addition, she was asked to obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She has now obtained written permission from the parents for seeking emergency treatment or advice. The childminder is also currently looking into attending courses pertaining to children with special needs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

On the 15th April 2005, concern was raised under standard 6, childminder leaving children unattended in a vehicle. The complaint was investigated and the childminder has agreed that all children including her own are not to be left unattended in a vehicle. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain 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 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): • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures

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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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