Giltinane, Charlotte

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300607 Inspection date 24 November 2005 Inspector Sandra Laura Bates

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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 2005. She is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding only one child who attends on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her partner and their three children, who are under eight years of age, in a terraced house situated in a residential cul-de-sac in Stanwell, near Heathrow Airport. The property is close to local amenities, schools and pre-schools. The minding is generally confined to the ground floor of the house. There is a securely enclosed rear garden with a safe all weather surface.

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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 are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. The childminder has satisfactory facilities for personal hygiene. Children generally observe appropriate hygiene practices, for instance washing their hands before a cooking activity, but are not always reminded about the importance of such behaviour. Children are protected from infections through the childminder's sound understanding of the necessary exclusion periods for sick children. Children sit comfortably together at the breakfast bar to eat the varied range of meals provided by the childminder. They enjoy the social aspect of this shared experience. Children participate in cooking activities such as making chocolate fairy cakes. They take pride in their achievements and happily share the results. Children play energetically together both indoors and in the well provisioned outdoor play area when weather permits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play and rest in a generally safe and secure environment. Most potential hazards have been identified and steps taken to reduce risks to children. Fire safety precautions promote children's welfare although not all of these are fitted in accordance with instructions. Children benefit from the provision of soft impact, all weather play surfaces outside. Children use a range of clean and well maintained equipment and play materials which are arranged to allow easy access. Resources facilitate the developmental needs of the whole age range. Children benefit from the childminder's adequate understanding of child protection issues. She is confident that she would recognise any signs or symptoms of abuse and knows the importance of keeping accurate records. However, the childminder lacks clarity about the areas of possible abuse and the current referral procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are articulate and confident and play together well. There is a varied range of age appropriate play materials available although the older children, who are minded after school, show a tendency to rely on the attractions of the television. The childminder organises interesting alternative activities, such as cooking, to encourage the children to make better use of their 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 are sociable and interact well with one another and the adults present. They show an active and enthusiastic interest in new experiences, such as closely questioning the inspector about technological issues and relating this to the family IT equipment. The variety of resources offered are likely to promote children's developmental needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats the children in a positive and respectful manner which recognises their individual abilities and helps them develop independence. Children develop a growing awareness of social and cultural diversity through the childminder's positive attitude and the sharing of ethnic meals. However, this attitude is not fully reflected in the range of resources offered. Children generally behave very well and interact happily together and with the childminder. They benefit from the childminder's positive focus on behaviour management, but strategies for dealing with challenging situations are not always entirely effective. Parents receive a basic information pack which outlines the service offered. The childminder discusses children's individual needs with parents but this is not supported by any detailed child records forms.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have regular routines. They benefit from being cared for in surroundings which are well organised inside and out. Children choose freely from accessible and attractively arranged play materials. Most of the regulatory documentation is in place although there are some significant omissions. Those documents that are in place are suitable and properly maintained where they are in current use. The childminder is committed to enhancing her practice through on-going training and professional support. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints 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 There are no complaints to report. 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): • ensure that the fire blanket is fixed according to the manufacturer's instructions in the kitchen • up-date knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and current referral procedures • develop the range of resources that reflect positive images of social diversity including special needs • develop the range and implementation of strategies to manage children's behaviour in a positive and appropriate manner • ensure that there is a procedure and format for recording any complaints made by parents, which is available for them to see on request • ensure that an effective record is kept of children's personal details and information

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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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