Norton Wendy Karen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510404 Inspection date 11 January 2006 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 7 and 4 years. They live in the Ernesford Grange area of Coventry. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and the upstairs bathroom and two small bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a childcare qualification to level 3. She is registered to care for 4 children at any one

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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 time and is currently caring for 3 children under the age of 3 years and 4 school aged children, 3 of whom are over 8 years. All children attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their physical health. They frequently participate in outdoor activities, for example, they visit nature trails to collect leaves and look at insects and go to the local park to use the large climbing equipment. Children use the garden daily and access a good range of equipment to develop control and co-ordination such as wheeled toys, a swing ball and kites. They have some discussions about the importance of being active, however, children have not developed a sound understanding of the effects exercise has on the body. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about hygiene routines and personal care. They know that they need to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. More able children attend to their own personal care. They have learned to blow their noses and have discussions about germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because they are provided with well balanced, nutritional meals. Their individual dietary needs are taken into account. Parents provide for their own children if they are on special diets such as gluten and dairy free. This is to ensure that children only eat foods that are allowed. Children choose from hot and cold snacks such as sandwiches, toast with various fillings, pasta dishes, fruit, yogurt and raw vegetables. More able children know when they are thirsty and help themselves to water from a dispenser. Younger children are offered drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. Risks have been identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment such as plug socket covers. Daily visual checks ensure that children move around the home safely and freely. Children understand how to keep themselves safe inside and outside of the home through discussion and having clear boundaries. They know that they need to stay close to the childminder when out of the home and they learn how to cross a road safely. When out and about children wear wrist bands which include the childminder's details. They know that they have to stand still and be counted before leaving the area and are aware of stranger danger. Children choose from toys of excellent quality. They are well organised and in the main stored so children can access them for themselves. Resources are regularly checked to ensure that they are safe for the children to use. Children are familiar with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the emergency escape plan and have practiced the procedure. Written records are kept of who was present during the practice and when smoke alarms have been

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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 checked. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's secure knowledge of her role and responsibilities in child protection. She has developed a policy to ensure that parents are made aware of the procedure for safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle well in the home and have developed excellent relationships with the childminder and her family. They are cared for in a child friendly environment and follow routines that they are familiar with. Children become independent as they choose from an extensive range of toys and activities. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child development and ensures that children spend their time purposefully. Elements of 'Birth to Three matters' are included in the planning and activities adapted to ensure that children of all ages can participate. For example young children finger paint whilst more able children use brushes. Topic and themes include the children's interests and are well balanced in all areas of development. Children experience going on different types of transportation. For example during the 'Transport' topic children travelled by car to the train station

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

where they caught a train to Birmingham International, they experienced going on the mono rail over to Birmingham airport and finished with a picnic in the observation tower where children sat on imitation aircraft seats. Children have a 'talk time' or ' show and tell' sessions every morning. They are encouraged to talk about past and present situations and events such as what they did at the weekend or the previous night. Children bring things of interest from home such as postcards, toys and photo's to promote discussion. Everyday situations and educational games extend children's knowledge of colours, letters, numbers and shapes. Children have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills. They write thank you cards and letters and follow the mailing procedure until delivery. Children have an interest table and colour themes to further extend their knowledge and understanding of the world and extend colour recognition. Children dress up for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

special days, for example, Red Nose Day and raised money for the charity. Children frequently visit parks and places of interest where they learn about the environment. They go to the Fire Station and Sea Life Centre. Children follow nature trails and make binoculars to look at insects and collect leaves, wood and bark. They make soup from pumpkins which they have picked themselves. Photographs record the excellent range of different activities that the children have taken part in. Children thoroughly enjoy recalling and reflecting on these activities and regularly sit quietly with the albums. Each child has a progress record which identifies their strengths and weaknesses. This information is used to plan their next stage of learning.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and receive individual care according to their needs. They have equal access to a good range of resources and activities which help them appreciate the wider world by showing positive images of people in society. For example children have access to books, dolls, play figures, cooking utensils and dressing up clothes. Children of all abilities play along side one another and the childminder has experience of caring for children with specific needs. Children celebrate special days and multi-cultural festivals. For the Chinese New Year they visit a Chinese restaurant and experience using chop sticks. Children make clay divas for Diwali and talk about the story. Children learn how to respect each others feelings and are encouraged to be kind. Children receive spontaneous cuddles and are responsive to praise and encouragement. They are told when they are being good and unacceptable

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Helping children make a positive contribution

behaviour is clearly explained to them. Children know the 'house rules' and are encouraged to behave well. The childminder is consistent in her management, a good role model and takes account of different levels of children's development. Parents regularly share information about their children's interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. Children develop a sense of belonging by having introductory visits until they are settled. Children's information is sought and exchanged with parents verbally at the end of each session. Parents are provided with written information on all aspects of childcare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in a well organised homely environment. Their individual needs are enhanced through the good organisation of space and a balance of planned activities and free play. Children explore readily accessible toys ands resources which are stimulating and contribute to their learning. Time is well organised to meet the individual needs of the varied age group. Polices and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder has all the required information and consent from parents. She has developed a prospectus for parents and a daily dairy sheet. The childminder is interested in training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. She has attended various childcare courses and is currently completing 'Quality Assurance' to level 3. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children she cares for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to continue to develop activities and

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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 resources that promote equality of opportunity and ability. Books and play people have been added to the range. Children of both genders have access to the full range of toys and equipment. Therefore equality of opportunity is actively promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made 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 that 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): • increase the children's knowledge of the effects exercise has on the body and why it is important to be active.

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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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