Forshaw, Clare Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY285367 Inspection date 16 November 2005 Inspector Hazel Stuart-Buddery

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and pre-school age child. They live in a house within easy walking distance of the local shops and amenities. Childminding occurs on the ground floor and within the fully enclosed rear garden. The childminder may care for a maximum of four children and currently has four children on the register on a part-time basis. The family have no pets.

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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 benefit from a clean and well maintained environment. They learn about personal hygiene through daily routines. However, they are not fully protected from spread of infection as all children share the same towel to dry their hands. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication, this ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. Children are provided with a range of healthy meals and snacks, encouraging them to develop good eating habits from a young age. All dietary needs are discussed with parents. Children enjoy daily outings to toddler groups, where they can run around and use bikes. They have regular use of the garden with a variety of suitable equipment to play with. These measures help to promote their good health and their understanding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a spacious environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. They have easy and safe access to an adequate range of age appropriate toys. Children sit safely and independently during meal times. The childminder has identified and minimised most hazards inside and out of the home. Children are not fully protected from harm as sufficient precautions have not been taken to prevent children leaving the home unattended. Children are not fully protected from the risk of fire. Smoke alarms are not fitted on all levels of the home. The childminder has thought about the best way to escape a fire and has a written plan in place. The outdoor area is safe for children to enjoy fresh air and play with a range of outdoor equipment that promote their physical development. The childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and of the procedure to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

follow promote and safeguard children's welfare whilst they are in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and sufficiently occupied in the childminder's care. Their attention span is very short and encouragement from the childminder helps them to engage in some activities. They enjoy playing with the farm for a short period of time.

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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 do not spontaneously select toys for themselves and they rely on suggestions made by the childminder. Children have access to an adequate range of resources; however, they are not displayed to encourage them to explore and investigate and build on their natural curiosity as learners. The childminder sometimes misses opportunities to help children learn about colours, shapes and numbers. Children who attend after school are occupied with a selection of games and craft activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an awareness of equal opportunity and provides some resources to help children learn about diversity. Children learn about sharing and taking turns and play alongside each other well. They benefit from clear guidelines for behaviour. Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, and close working with parent's help children understand right from wrong. The childminder has built good relationships with parents. She obtains appropriate information from parents about their child to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care if offered. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents. These measures ensure the welfare and care of the children are promoted and good partnerships with parents are built.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are content and settled in the childminder's care. Her home is warm and welcoming and space is organised to give children plenty of room to play comfortably. She provides a full set of written policies and procedures that are shared with parents. All required documentation is in place. This ensures the welfare and care of the children is promoted. Children have limited opportunities to develop new skills. They do not always engage in purposeful play. Activities and resources are not displayed to be inviting to children and therefore the interests of the children are not always met. The childminder is completing a course on Birth to Three Matters. This will enhance her knowledge and understanding and help to meet the individual needs for children within this age group. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 Not applicable

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been 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 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): • improve safety precautions to ensure children are unable to leave the premises unattended • improve fire precautions and install smoke alarms on all levels of the home • ensure good hygiene practises are in place regarding hand washing • ensure a varied range of age appropriate resources are organised and readily accessible to allow children to self-select and build on their natural curiosity as learners; use positive inter-action to help children explore, investigate and extend their knowledge and understanding

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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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