McGonnell Tracey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250368 Inspection date 14 November 2005 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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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 was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged twelve and fourteen years, in a semi detached house in Kingshurst, Solihull. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor, which includes a designated play room. Two bedrooms located on the first floor are available for sleeping purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden availed for outdoor play. The childminder employs an assistant to help on a part time basis. The family have a variety of pets including a dog, four cats and three guinea pigs. The childminder drives taking and collecting children from Kingshust Nursery, Infant

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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 and Junior School and Smithwood school. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and a member of the local Community Childminding Scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's health and well-being are very well fostered by the childminder. They benefit from being cared for in a warm, clean home, where they gain a very good understanding of the importance of good hygiene and personal care. All areas of the house are cleaned to a good standard. Children learn the importance of good hygiene as the childminder talks to them about washing their hands after using the bathroom and before meals. Children's individual dietary needs are met as these are discussed with parents and details of specific dietary needs are recorded. Children are beginning to learn through planned activities about healthy food options and that fruit and vegetables are good for them. Children are rewarded with stickers to put on their chart if they eat the recommended five pieces of fruit during the day. Children are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, and have good access to drinks throughout the day. Children benefit

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Helping children to be healthy

from flexible daily routines which allows them to have a quiet time or sleep that reflects their individual requirements. Children are well cared for if they become unwell, and their parents are kept up to date regarding the childminder's procedures in the event of a child being ill, needing medication or having an accident. Effective procedures are in place to protect children from infection and written policies and procedures support the childminders good practice. Children have very good opportunities for physical exercise. They thoroughly enjoy playing in the garden and following a daily fun exercise routine indoors. Children are able to play in sand and water, learn to ride bikes and play on the slide. This helps children develop very positive attitudes to physical exercise. The childminder recognises the importance of physical activity and how it contributes to the children's good health and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very welcoming and secure environment. The childminder has an excellent understanding of health and safety, developed through recent training. She is vigilant and supervises children well. Any potential risks to children have been identified and appropriate safety measures put in place. The childminder gives excellent priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe,

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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 for example, she has a written emergency evacuation procedure displayed which she practises regularly with the children. When asked, a 3-year-old is able to explain what she has to do when she hears the childminder blow the whistle. Children learn about road safety through well planned activities and discussions. They are able to explain how they should cross the road All the required documentation is in place for the childminder to use the vehicle for transporting minded children. She has written consent from parents to use the car and a range of restraints suitable for children of different ages. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. They have access to an exceptional range of quality resources and activities which offers a challenge and are suitable for their stage of development. The childminder carefully

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

monitors and supervises the use of toys to make sure they are safe and used appropriately by the children. Children are well protected because the childminder is knowledgeable about child protection and through training she keeps herself up-to-date with current practice. Children learn about shielding themselves from harm, because the childminder regularly involves them in age-appropriate discussions about how to prevent being tricked into doing something which could hurt or harm them. She has a written child protection policy which is shared with parents, and documents are in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are settled, contented and enjoy the range of very worthwhile age appropriate activities provided by the childminder, who demonstrates a very good understanding of child development and plans activities based on a topic, for example children coloured different pictures of fruits for their display on healthy eating. During routines, activities and through the use of relevant toys and games, the children are naturally introduced to letters, colours, shapes, numbers and counting. Children relish the excellent activities organised for them which includes imaginative play, construction play and through opportunities to be creative.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The organisation of the home and access to resources helps younger children become increasingly independent. The childminder encourages children to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. This effectively supports children's play and learning by helping them acquire new knowledge and skills through everyday situations and planned activities. Children have fantastic opportunities to develop and grow in this vibrant, and extremely caring environment where the childminder uses Birth to three framework effectively when planning and organising activities for younger children. Children are well supported because the childminder’s interaction with them is very good. Children are relaxed and sociable, benefiting from the childminder's calm, gentle and reassuring manner. The childminder praises the children, listens carefully to what they are saying, and shows interest in what they are doing. The childminder

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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 ensures activities are appropriate for the individual child's development, enabling the children to move forward at their own pace. Children are encouraged to develop imaginative play, explore feelings as they talk about their families. They develop rapidly due to the care and excellent preparation which goes into the planning of daily routines. Activities are often adapted to ensure all children present can participate and are appropriate for the individual children's development

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's welfare and development is promoted because they are welcomed, respected as individuals and are treated with equal concern. Children's individual care needs are recorded following a discussion with parents and they are effectively met by the childminder. Children learn about diversity through discussions and the use of toys, books and planned activities. The childminder is sensitive towards inclusion and has previous experience of caring for children with special needs. Partnership with parents is good and this ensures children's care and progress is effectively monitored. Children benefit from good relationships between their parent and the childminder. This helps them to settle in well, be confident and contributes to their well-being. The childminder spends time with parents introducing them to her recording procedures and policy documents. She provides parents with verbal and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

written feedback each day about their child's care, routines and activities. Children's behaviour is good and their sense of right and wrong is developed through the childminder's good understanding of behaviour management. Children respond to the childminder's clear and consistent expectations. They are encouraged to be kind, share and take turns. Good behaviour is valued, and good consideration has been given to setting boundaries, setting a good example, and respecting others. Children are rewarded for their achievements with praise and stickers.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from attending this welcoming, family environment. The childminder organises her activities and routines to fit in with the children's pattern of attendance. Children's care is enhanced through the good organisation of space and resources. This ensures all children have the opportunity to complete activities and space to develop their play. Older children are confident to initiate and develop their own play and learning, while younger children feel secure with well established daily routines. Very good documentation is in place and shared with parents. It is stored securely and organised effectively to maintain confidentiality. The childminder has demonstrated her commitment to developing new skills by undertaking a variety of training. She is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and has attend training. Children are cared for in a consistent, positive and organised environment and this

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Organisation

generally ensures children's health, safety and well-being are promoted. However,

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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 sufficient evidence is not maintained to support suitability of persons with regular access to the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to ensure dangerous substances were not accessible to the children. She has taken appropriate steps to minimise all hazards by locking away all dangerous substances. The childminder was also asked to ensure that planning regulations were not contravened regarding the numbers of children being cared for on the premises and that the care of children over the age of eight years, does not adversely affect the care of children under eight years of age. The newly built designated play room now offers children additional play space so that all children are able to move around freely. Arrangements are in place for her assistant to help with the supervision of the children. The childminder was also asked to keep a record, signed by parents of all medication given to the children. She has addressed this by obtaining a designated book, she ensures that all records are signed by parents to acknowledge the entries.

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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 vetting procedures are in place for persons who have unsupervised access to the children.

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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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