Welch, Susan Gail

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY217435 Inspection date 17 November 2005 Inspector Cheryl Langley

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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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and 3 children, 1 aged 7 years and twins aged 5 years in a house in Cheshunt. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of 3 children. She is currently minding 3 children. All areas of the property are used for childminding except the loft. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have 2 pet guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 enjoy activities which contribute to their good health. They play in the garden and visit local parks regularly to benefit from the fresh air. Children enjoy feeding the ducks. They experience a variety of physical activities using both large and small equipment. For example, they have fun playing with the slide in the garden and the sit-on rides and climbing equipment in the park. In the house they enjoy building with bricks, pulling levers and pushing buttons on activity toys or completing puzzles. Children learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They are cared for in a welcoming, clean home where regular routines help to keep them safe and healthy. Children are beginning to have an understanding of why they must wash their hands after playing in the garden, stroking the guinea pigs or using the toilet. They learn about keeping their bodies healthy through discussion and the examples set by the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They know which type of food is good to eat. Children have access to drinks throughout the day and eat fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents. She works with them closely to provide nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs. Most of the required policies and procedures to support the health and care of the children are in place. A first aid box is always to hand and the contents regularly updated. Accident records and details of any medication administered are shared with parents. However, parental consent for emergency medical treatment and advice has not been requested by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe because they are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. They move around freely and independently and adhere to house rules to keep them safe. Children know to take turns and not to push on large play equipment so they do not fall and hurt themselves or others. The childminder helps children understand how to keep themselves free from harm inside and outside of the home, through discussion and leading by example. For example, children practise codes to ensure they cross the road safely. There is a range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources placed around the room at child height for easy access. This enables the children to independently select their play and activities safely. The childminder has most of the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a sound understanding of Child Protection issues, but does not

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

have a copy of the government summary 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' as required by the National Standards.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of exciting activities which are child led or planned and organised by the childminder. They receive adult guidance to give them extra support if needed but their independence is promoted as much as possible. The childminder enjoys having fun with the children. She asks them questions and listens to them whilst they play. This extends their thinking which aids their development and ability to communicate. Children participate in a range of activities which help to increase their knowledge and skills. For example, they learn to recognise different colours when they mix paint or pick out cars on their journey to school. Children begin to recognise letters when they share interesting books with the childminder. They count as they climb up and down the stairs or sing nursery rhymes. Children learn mathematical language as they create junk models with different shapes. They make fireworks with cardboard

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

tubes and decorate them with painted paper. Children learn matching and sequencing with activity games and weighing when they prepare recipes for cooking. They have fun making Halloween cakes with black icing. Helping the childminder care for the family's pet guinea pigs and digging to explore the insects in the garden teaches them about the natural environment. They look through binoculars to watch the birds. Regular use of creative materials such as pencils, crayons, paint and materials for junk modelling, encourages the children to express their ideas in a variety of ways. The children enjoy creating butterflies to hang in the garden. Using their imaginations allows the children to represent their experiences and feelings. They have fun dressing up and playing different roles to care for dolls or soft toys. Their confidence and self esteem is developed by the childminder who gives them praise and encouragement at appropriate times. Children's sense of belonging is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promoted because she knows them well and values their achievements which she shares with parents. They make positive relationships, finding new friends on outings, visiting other childminders and at the different activity centres used.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a range of meaningful resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. Books, dolls and puzzles increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. The children celebrate traditional festivals to learn about their own community. They enjoy making cards for different occasions and sharing them with parents. Children are valued and respected. Their individual needs are met as they follow their daily routine which is discussed with parents. Children behave well. They understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries, praise and the age appropriate methods used by the childminder to manage behaviour. Children are learning to be considerate, share and take turns. They say please and thank you. The childminder provides a range of opportunities for the children to socialise which helps them make

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 positive relationships with others. Realistic challenges are set by the childminder to help the children develop. This promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They feel relaxed and secure and able to make independent choices about what they want to do. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents who exchange information frequently. They have daily discussions and review contracts, policies and procedures regularly. The childminder keeps a diary to record the achievements and routines of the children. This helps keep parents well informed of how their child's needs are being met and their developmental progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children's needs are met through generally effective organisation. Toys are stored so that children can access resources easily and independently which enables them to make choices. A variety of child-led and planned activities are available which provide children with stimulating and challenging play. They benefit from routines to help them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, rest and sleep as they need to. Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. Most of the required policies and procedures are in place to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children benefit from the childminder's sound understanding and knowledge of childcare. The childminder has a current first aid certificate. Overall, the needs of all the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to a number of improvements to support the care and welfare of the children. Hazards on the premises have been minimised. The loft conversion and upstairs windows are inaccessible to minded children, medication is stored out of reach and the garden shed is locked. A record of significant incidents and any medication administered is kept appropriately and shared with parents. Ofsted is notified of any significant changes. Parental consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment has not been requested.

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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. This 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

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 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): • request written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment and advice • make sure child protection procedures adhere to the government summary 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused'.

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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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