Woodward Tracey Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY102070 Inspection date 17 October 2005 Inspector Benita Catherine Hart

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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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 9, 11 years and an 8 month old baby in a village on the outskirts of Coventry. The location is semi rural but is within walking distance of the local school, playgroup and toddler group. Children are cared for on the ground floor of the property and there is good access to a secure rear garden which is suitable for play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children from 1 to 8 years. She is currently minding one child part time during the day and providing some after school care.

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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 do not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children understand they must wash their hands after messy play, before eating and going to the toilet. Children are protected from infection by the childminder's awareness of promoting good hygiene standards in the home. A verbal sick children's policy is in place which all parents are informed of and this protects other children in her care. All accident and medication records are up-to-date and written permission from parents has been obtained. However, the childminder does not have written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment for their children. The childminder has a current first aid certificate which is displayed for parents information. Children participate in a range of activities which involve movement, exercise and

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Helping children to be healthy

fresh air. Children go out for walks and outings and there is a good range of resources and equipment in the garden to promote the children's physical well-being. They also have opportunities to use music and dance for exercise. The children's dietary needs are well catered for either by the parent or childminder and children are provided with healthy snacks and meals. Drinking water and fruit juices are available at any time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from the childminder's good awareness of keeping the children safe in her home and outdoors. She has a keen sense of responsibility and assesses the hazards in her home which may impact on the children, for example, the resources and toys when ages are mixed. Children understand how to keep themselves safe and understand the restrictions of safety gates, cupboard locks and the security of locked gates in the garden. Toys, resources and equipment are kept clean and regularly assessed for continued safe use by the children. The childminder has a written evacuation procedure which is practised with the children to cover all those attending. Children have space for movement and play and have good access to resources. Children are well protected. The childminder has attended child protection training and is aware of her responsibilities. She has a secure understanding of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection issues and of the procedure to follow if there are any concerns.

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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 good. The children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They benefit from a broad range of activities which are well planned but flexible to the children's overall needs and the different age groups she cares for. The childminder has sound knowledge of child development and ensures the children are learning new skills through interesting and stimulating activities. Children have good access and free choice to choose toys and activities independently, thereby encouraging their confidence and self-esteem. Space in the home is organised so that children have plenty of room for movement and play, indoors and outside. There is a separate playroom for the older children where they can organise and initiate their own activities with a good degree of independence. The children have a good relationship with the childminder and she in turn is an attentive and enabling carer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children benefit from the childminder's organisation of activities to provide an inclusive provision for all children. A good range of meaningful activities and resources help the children develop a positive view of their wider environment and an understanding of others. Children are respected as individuals and the childminder encourages a sharing and caring environment. They are kept busy and involved with activities and any special needs would be met appropriately. Children understand house rules and boundaries and behave well. The childminder uses appropriate strategies that help children learn right from wrong. Their self-esteem and confidence is supported through regular praise and acknowledgements for achievements and good behaviour. Children's care is well fostered by the positive relationship the childminder has with parents. Regular information is shared with parents to ensure consistency of care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and parents' wishes are taken into account.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are happy and content in a well organised child orientated environment and they have good opportunities to initiate their own play. The children respond well to a consistent daily routine and there is a positive recognition for the older children's need for independence. Space is used effectively to allow the children to play comfortably indoors and outside. Documentation is in place and well maintained. Records are kept up to date and securely stored. The children's welfare is enhanced through the childminder's understanding of her role and responsibilities of caring for children in the home.

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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 Therefore, overall the needs of all the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to increase her supply of resources to promote equality of opportunity. This she has done by obtaining more books, jigsaws, dolls and some small world resources such as a figure in a wheelchair. She continues to have a positive attitude towards diversity and integration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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 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): • Obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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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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