Mulligan, Donna

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308688 Inspection date 07 November 2005 Inspector Jan Leo

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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 good. 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 lives with her partner and 1 year old son in a quiet cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Thame, Oxfordshire. The childminder registered to care for up to 5 minded children and currently looks after 8 on a part time basis. Minded children use the ground floor of the property and have access to a secure rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder makes use of local facilities which are all within walking distance. These facilities include a library, schools and pre-schools, toddler groups, shops and park.

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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 has a pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because they play in a clean environment and the childminder takes effective precautions to help protect them from germs. For example, the dog receives medication to stay healthy, his bowls are out of reach, and the childminder supervises children when they are near the dog. Children wash their hands before eating and after messy play, and they have individual towels to prevent the spread of infection. They do not always wash their hands after eating to keep the resources clean and hygienic. Children eat very healthy meals and snacks, and routinely choose what they want to drink. Some children bring food from home but also have additional fruit and vegetables to try along with the other children. The childminder provides a selection of finger food to encourage children to broaden their tastes, and she discusses choices to help children learn about other people’s preferences. All

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Helping children to be healthy

children sit sociably together at mealtimes and freely tell others which foods they like. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise to increase their stamina. They walk to the pre-school regularly, and benefit from additional outings to the park, library, and field to feed the horses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a broad range of suitable, safe equipment easily because storage boxes are low and well organised. The childminder routinely maintains the resources to prevent injuries to children, and she conducts risk assessments to identify and address hazards both on and off site. Children play in a spacious environment where they can run, move about and play safely without collisions. The childminder provides a comfortable, well-maintained home to help children feel welcome and emotionally secure. She uses house rules and physical barriers to protect children from harm and children know where they can go. The childminder has a well thought out evacuation plan which she practises with all new children to avoid panic in emergencies, but smoke and fume detectors are not well fitted and do not always work. The childminder has a very good understanding of child protection issues and keeps

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

reference material handy to enable her to act promptly if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their day because they have opportunities to try a range of stimulating activities. They meticulously take pieces from a puzzle and rebuild it repeatedly, determined to take control of their play by stating categorically that they 'hate doing

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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 puzzles'. They show pleasure in their achievement and confidently refuse all other offers of activities until they are ready to move on. The childminder plays with the children and praises their efforts to encourage perseverance and raise their self-esteem. Children concentrate hard to solve sequence puzzles, lifting the pieces, one at a time, to listen to the Humpty Dumpty song. When successful, children are happy to share their new knowledge with others and ably describe what is coming next. All children play well together and alone. They share ideas freely, call on past experiences to develop their games, and successfully engage themselves productively to develop their skills and understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children feel secure in the setting because the childminder takes account of their individual needs. She sits on the floor to include everyone in the games, and she forms strong bonds to help children feel valued. The childminder has a vast amount of experience of children with special needs, which helps her tailor care to suit the individual. She builds very good relationships with parents and carers to develop communication and include them in their children's development. For example, she provides a file of general information, keeps daily diary sheets on young children, and makes herself available to talk to parents whenever they collect. Children learn how to behave because the childminder is a good role model. She teaches appropriate table manners and involves children in tidying up to help them learn responsibility. There are some inconsistencies in behaviour management, which can cause

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Helping children make a positive contribution

confusion. Despite that, children behave well, are developing concern for others, and competently express their feelings.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. The childminder keeps well-organised records to help her deliver an efficient and safe service where children can grow and develop. She successfully follows a routine to provide stability, and children know what to expect. Children benefit from a wide range of activities, which the childminder rotates and changes frequently to add interest. Most of the documentation required by legislation, is in place and kept up to date to ensure care arrangements remain appropriate. The childminder has not yet introduced documentation for recording complaints, in line with new Regulations. She provides written evidence to demonstrate her professionalism, and fully understands the need to keep records for specific periods of time. The childminder shares all information with parents and carers but the certificate of registration, whilst visible on

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 good. 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 a working smoke detector is maintained on each level at all times • keep a complaints log and display the certificate of registration where is can be seen easily by parents and carers.

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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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